Adult Baptism

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

The St. Mary parish community offers and supports a faith-sharing process for non-baptized and non-Catholic individuals who wish to inquire about  the Christian faith and also pursue becoming Catholic.

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is celebrated with people who are age seven through adult who are not baptized or who are baptized but have not received sacraments in the Catholic Church.

• People who are not baptized and who wish to explore baptism and Christianity are called Candidates for Reception into the Order of Catechumens.

• People who are baptized in the Catholic rite and who seek to make their first communion and confirmation are called Candidates for Sacraments.

• People who are baptized in a non-Catholic church and who seek to become Catholic are called Candidates for Reception into the Full Communion of the Catholic Church.

What can I expect?

All candidates complete an initial interview in the Office of Faith Formation.  This interview may take several visits so that candidates and/or their parents can explore their faith life and provide and obtain needed information for sacraments.  Interviews are scheduled by appointment.  Contact Christine at 248.547.1818 Ext.235.

All candidates attend three inquiry sessions held in the summer, fall, or winter of each year.

Candidates for the catechumenate celebrate the Rite of Acceptance, after which they are called “catechumens.”  Candidates for sacraments and candidates for reception celebrate the Rite of Welcoming, after which they are called “candidates.”

Catechumens participate in catechetical reflection sessions each Sunday during the
11 am mass all year round.

Catechumens and candidates participate in religious education sessions once per month (usually before the 11 am mass) during the school year or, in the case of children, with their peers in Catholic School or after-school programs.

As a catechumen or candidate, you are asked to notify the Office of Faith Formation when you feel you are ready to complete your Christian Catholic initiation.

As a catechumen or candidate, you participate in a final interview with the Office of Faith Formation.

After you celebrate the sacraments of initiation or are received into the Catholic Church, you will be invited to participate in additional faith formation opportunities.

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