St. Monica Catholic Church
INVITE - CONNECT - GROW

Christian Initiation Adapted for Youth & Teens

It is Jesus that you seek when you dream of happiness; He is waiting for you when nothing else you find satisfies you.  He is the beauty to which you are so attracted; it is he who provoked you that thirst for fullness that will not let you settle for compromise; it is He who urges you to shed the masks of a false life; it is he who reads in your heart your most genuine choices, the choices that others try to stifle
                                                                                        St. John Paul II

At A Glance

Who is this for? Youth and teens ages 7–17
Youth Sessions Wednesdays, 6:30–8:00 PM
Teen Sessions Sundays, 12:30–2:00 PM
Location
St Monica Map
Bauman Room in Parish Hall
Parent Requirement At least one parent or guardian attends with the child
Process Length At least one full liturgical year; may be longer depending on readiness and start date
Sacraments Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist, or completion of needed sacraments

Christian Initiation

Formation Resources:

Start Here

Christian Initiation for Youth & Teens is for children and teens, ages 7–17, who:

  • Have not been baptized and desire to become Catholic.
  • Were baptized in another Christian tradition and desire to become Catholic.
  • Were baptized Catholic but still need First Communion and/or Confirmation.

This process helps young people and their families grow in relationship with Jesus Christ, learn the Catholic faith, participate in parish life, and prepare for the sacraments.

Ready to begin?
Complete the Christian Initiation Interest Form below, and a member of our team will contact you.

Overview Information

How the Process Works

Christian Initiation is more than a class. It is a gradual journey of conversion, faith formation, prayer, worship, and parish life.

The journey includes four main stages:

Inquiry
A time to ask questions, learn about the Catholic faith, and discern whether the child, teen, and family are ready to continue.

Catechumenate / Formation
A longer period of learning, prayer, worship, and growing as disciples of Jesus. This stage normally lasts at least one full liturgical year.

Purification and Enlightenment
A deeper time of prayer and spiritual preparation, usually during Lent.

Sacraments and Mystagogy
Those who are ready receive the sacraments, and then continue to grow in faith as new Catholics.

Parent and Family Role

Parents are the first and most important teachers of their children in the faith. Our parish team is here to support your family, but not replace the role of parents.

During this process, parents are asked to:

  • Attend sessions with their child or teen.
  • Help their child pray and learn at home.
  • Attend Mass regularly as a family.
  • Participate in parish life.
  • Help discern readiness for the sacraments.

As part of this process we ask you to read a brief section of the Catechism of the Catholic Church para 2196-2233.  You can find the links below
 

2197-2200 The Fourth Commandment | EL CUARTO MANDAMIENTO

2201-2206 The Family in God's Plan | La familia en el plan de Dios

2207-2213 The Family and Society | La familia y la sociedad

2214-2231 The Duties of Family Members | Deberes de los miembros de la familia

2232-2233 The Family and the Kingdom | La familia y el reino de Dios

What You Need to Submit

To begin, please complete and submit:

  1. Christian Initiation Interest Form.
  2. Child/Teen Christian Initiation Registration Form.  English Espanol
  3. Parent Active Participation Form.  English  Espanol
  4. Copy of the child’s birth certificate.
  5. Baptism certificate, if the child or teen has already been baptized.

You may email completed forms and documents to the OCIA Coordinator at [email protected]

Already Baptized?

If your child or teen has already been baptized, the parish will need to review the baptism information before determining the proper path.

This may include:

  • Reception into full communion with the Catholic Church.
  • First Communion preparation.
  • Confirmation preparation.
  • Additional formation based on age, readiness, and previous faith formation.

Godparent / Sponsor Information

For those preparing for Baptism, at least one godparent is required.

A godparent must:

  • Be at least 16 years old.
  • Be a fully initiated practicing Catholic.
  • Have received Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.
  • Be living in harmony with the Catholic faith.
  • Not be the parent of the child being baptized.
  • Provide a letter of good standing if from another parish.

A baptized non-Catholic Christian may serve as a Christian Witness, provided there is also a qualified Catholic godparent.

Certificate to Serve as a Godparent (English)
Certificado para servir como padrino (español)