BATPISM FOR ADULTS

Adults who have never been baptized participate in the RCIA process – the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.​

1. Anyone age seven or older who is not baptized
2. People who have been baptized in another Christian tradition and who are now considering becoming Catholic
3. Adults who were were baptized in a Catholic Church but have not yet received First Communion and have not yet been confirmed

What is the process like?
The initiation process consists of four periods - Inquiry, the Catechumenate, the Period of Enlightenment and Purification, and Mystagogy.

• INQUIRY- The Inquiry Period is of no set length of time. During this time people are encouraged to come and ask questions about the Catholic faith. This is a time for people to find out enough information about Catholic life that they can decide if it is the way in which they understand God is calling them to live.
• CATECHUMENATE- The Catechumenate Period lasts about a year. It is the time for serious study, prayer, and participation in the worship and life of the parish. During this time the person is helped to be formed in the Catholic way of life.
• ENLIGHTMENT AND PURIFICATION- The period of Enlightenment and purification lasts six week and coincides with Lent. During this time, people who have discerned that God is calling them to be fully initiated with the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist (Communion) and Confirmation, spend time prayerfully reflecting on the deep commitment of the Catholic Christian life.
• MYSTAGOGY- The Mystagogy Period is the time after initiation during which the newly initiated members of the Church spend time to discover the meaning of the mysteries of God into which they have been given the privilege of participating. Mystagogy - exploring the mysteries - is a lifelong process. One never finishes learning about God.

Yolanda Zulaica

Faith Formation Coordinator

Email

[email protected]

Phone

(210)-738-2201

BATPISM FOR TEENS & CHILDREN

Teens and children older than 7 years of age who have never been baptized participate in the RCIA process as adapted for Children.

1. Anyone age seven or older who is not baptized
2. People who have been baptized in another Christian tradition and who are now considering becoming Catholic
3. Adults who were were baptized in a Catholic Church but have not yet received First Communion and have not yet been confirmed

What is the process like?
The initiation process consists of four periods - Inquiry, the Catechumenate, the Period of Enlightenment and Purification, and Mystagogy.

• INQUIRY- The Inquiry Period is of no set length of time. During this time people are encouraged to come and ask questions about the Catholic faith. This is a time for people to find out enough information about Catholic life that they can decide if it is the way in which they understand God is calling them to live.
• CATECHUMENATE- The Catechumenate Period lasts about a year. It is the time for serious study, prayer, and participation in the worship and life of the parish. During this time the person is helped to be formed in the Catholic way of life.
• ENLIGHTMENT AND PURIFICATION- The period of Enlightenment and purification lasts six week and coincides with Lent. During this time, people who have discerned that God is calling them to be fully initiated with the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist (Communion) and Confirmation, spend time prayerfully reflecting on the deep commitment of the Catholic Christian life.
• MYSTAGOGY- The Mystagogy Period is the time after initiation during which the newly initiated members of the Church spend time to discover the meaning of the mysteries of God into which they have been given the privilege of participating. Mystagogy - exploring the mysteries - is a lifelong process. One never finishes learning about God.

Yolanda Zulaica

Faith Formation Cooridnator

Email

[email protected]

Phone

(210)-738-2201

BATPISM FOR INFANTS

Parents requesting Baptism should call the Church Office for an appointment to register for the pre-Baptism class. Required documents include: the child’s official birth certificate [with state seal]; godparents full name, address, and proof of confirmation.

What are the requirements?

• You must be a registered parishioner of St. John The Evangelist or living within the parish boundaries. If you would like to register, please click here. 
• Complete the Baptism Registration Form.
• Child's Birth Certificate issued by the Health Department.
• A non-refundable donation
• All Godparent(s) must be practicing Catholics and are required to have all their sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Communions, & Confirmation). Original of official Confirmation Certificate must be provided.
• If Godparent(s) are married, please bring the original Certificate of Sacramental Marriage through the Catholic Church.
• If Godparents(s) are single and are not cohabitating with their significant other, they only need to provide their original Confirmation Certificate.

Frequently Asked Questions?

• How many godparents can my child have? One or two godparents may be selected. If two are chosen there must be one female and one male godparent.
• What if we have already taken the pre-baptismal classes? Please provide an official certificate or letter of proof from the parish where the classes were taken.
• Parents and godparents who have either never taken a baptism class or for whom it has been more than two (2) years since the last class was taken will need to register for and attend a baptism preparation class.
• Do we have to be registered in the parish to have our child baptized? Yes, however, the family should be regularly worshipping in the parish community. If the family is registered in another parish they must have their pastor’s written approval for the baptism to take place at St. John The Evangelist.

Yolanda Zulaica

Faith Formation Cooridnator

Email

[email protected]

Phone

(210)-738-2201