RCIA is a process for those who are un-baptized or baptized, discerning a call to become Roman Catholic, as well as those who are baptized in the Catholic faith and are seeking full initiation through the Sacraments of Reconciliation, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation. Good Shepherd Catholic Church offers sessions year-round. As having been created with unique gifts and journeys, each participant's journey is unique, therefore the process and preparation is also unique. Please contact Laura to inquire about the journey. We offer sessions on Sunday mornings (including 9:30 Mass and a session through noon) and Thursday evening sessions, virtual, 6:30-7:30.
OCIA is a process for those over the age of seven who are un-baptized or baptized, discerning a call to become Roman Catholic, as well as those who are baptized in the Catholic faith and are seeking full initiation through the Sacraments of Reconciliation, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation. Good Shepherd Catholic Church offers several different options for the preparation process. As having been created with unique gifts and journeys, each young person's journey is unique, therefore the process is unique for each person. Please contact Laura to inquire about the journey. We offer sessions on Wednesday evenings, Sunday evenings, and through Good Shepherd Catholic Church School.
The Sacrament of Baptism for those under the age of approximately seven years old is often referred to as an 'infant' baptism. Generally the age of seven is when a child's conscience has developed towards understanding right from wrong and the concept of sin. Those under the age of seven are baptized at the request of their parents and after the parents' proper preparation. Along with the faithful witness of godparents, the parents are responsible for rearing the child in faith and practice within their family life, parish community life, and their Christian witness in the world. Baptism for those over the age of approximately seven years of age is administered following preparation through the RCIA process. Please contact Laura for the baptisms of children under the age of seven and OCIA.
Good Shepherd Catholic Church traditionally prepares young people for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Eucharist/Communion at seven years of age--but only after the child has participated in a minimum of one full year of basic religious education. The preparation can be done through the parish Religious Education Program (REP) or through enrollment in Good Shepherd Church School. Those who are 9th grade or older and seek First Reconciliation, First Holy Eucharist, and Confirmation, are brought into full communion through OCIA.
Candidates for Confirmation at Good Shepherd Catholic Church are traditionally prepared in the 9th grade*. The 9th grade is considered a gateway for students towards high learning, diverse social situations, and particularly a young person's search for their place in the world and striving for being good stewards of the unique giftedness, God-given in each of us. Candidates are required to have had prior religious education before beginning preparation for the Sacrament. The Confirmation Program usually begins in early fall each year, with the Sacrament being conferred by our bishop during the Easter season. Please contact Laura for additional information.
Adults, those over the age of 18 (and sometimes older teens), often times have special scheduling needs, as well as having lived unique journeys. We embrace the unique paths that all have travelled when responding to God's call for seeking Confirmation and a fuller communion with the Church and living-out the call to evangelization in the world. There are several options for preparation for adults for Confirmation. Please contact Laura.
*Students of Good Shepherd School prepare for Confirmation through their school curriculum and will usually receive Confirmation in the Easter Season during their 8th grade of school.
Anointing of the sick is a special healing grace conferred by a priest within the specific rite using the Oil of the Infirmed (sick). Please contact our pastor, our parish administrative assistant, or Laura Hack, if you desire the grace of the Sacrament.