"Do you realise that Jesus is there in the tabernacle expressly for you – for you alone? He burns with the desire to come into your heart… Don’t listen to the demon; laugh at him, and go without fear to receive the Jesus of peace and love."
The Sacrament of Baptism marks an individual’s formal initiation into the Roman Catholic Community. It should also be an occasion for the parents, relatives and the entire Parish Family to also renew and reaffirm their commitment of their faith.
The Sacrament of Baptism for Children is celebrated at 1:00 PM on the first and third Sunday of every month. Parents and Godparents are required to participate in a Baptismal Preparation Class prior to selecting a date for Baptism.
The Baptismal Preparation Class is scheduled when the parent of the child registers their child for baptism. Registration for the celebration of Baptism of a Child and Baptismal Preparation Class must be made in person at the Parish Administrative Office at least two months in advance. Baptismal prep classes are held every other month on the first wednesday at 7:00 PM.
The Sacrament of Baptism requires a Godparent for the child or adult being Baptized. A Godparent must be a practicing Roman Catholic who accepts the responsibility of assuring the infant or adult will live their faith as a practicing Roman Catholic. A Godparent from outside the Parish of St. Theresa must obtain a “Certificate of Eligibility” from the Roman Catholic Parish in which they are registered. The “Certificate of Eligibility” is the pastors’ certification that the person seeking to be a Godparent is a practicing Roman Catholic. Additionally, a Godparent must be at least 16 years of age and has received the Sacrament of Confirmation.
The Sacrament of Baptism requires only one Godparent. Generally there are two Godparents present at the Baptism of a child. If there are two, one must be man and one must be a woman. If both Godparents are Roman Catholic, they must both meet the criteria noted above listed. If one person is Christian but not Roman Catholic, they may stand as a “Christian Witness”. To be “Christian Witness” the individual must provide documentation that they have been baptized or received into their Christian faith.
Generally only one Godparent is present for adult Baptism. The Godparent for an adult Baptism must meet the criteria noted above for Roman Catholics.
Eucharist
Children of the parish generally receive the sacrament of First Communion upon completion of the second grade. In addition to two consecutive years of regular attendance in the Parish’s’ Children’s Faith Formation Program, the child must have celebrated their First Penance prior to receiving their First Communion. The parent of the child receiving their First Communion is expected to take an active role in their child's formation and preparation.
Adults seeking to receive the Eucharist must go through the formation of the R.C.I.A. (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults)
Confirmation for children takes place each year in the fall following a child's completion of the 8 grades of Religious Education. The Children’s Faith Formation Program provides a 6 week Confirmation Preparation Program prior to their Confirmation in the fall. Attendance at this program is mandatory for the reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation. Parents and sponsors are expected to take an active role in their child's preparation for Confirmation.
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a process through which an individual can learn about and join the Catholic Church. This process has four steps or stages: the Pre- Catechumenate, the Catechumenate, Enlightenment, and Mystagogy and runs from September to May each year.
Each week from September to May, the Catechumens (non-baptized persons seeking Baptism within the Catholic Church ) and Candidates (Baptized Catholics seeking to receive the Sacraments of Communion and /or Confirmation and Baptized Christians seeking to convert to Catholicism) are instructed in the faith, develop a life of prayer, reflect on God's Word, accept Christian values and morality and grow familiar with the community's way of life.
As well as participating in the Rite of Acceptance and Welcoming, the Rite of Election, and three Scrutinies, the Catechumens and Candidates become full members of the Church through the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation during the Easter Vigil.
After Easter, a few final meetings are held in order to help these new Catholic Christians become fully participating members of the Catholic Church.