Adult Confirmation Program
- Adult confirmation is offered twice a year in our diocese. We offer two seasons of preparation, one in the Spring and one in the Fall of each year. The receptions of the sacraments usually held twice a year, and the locations - one at the Cathedral and one at the designated parish. The reception months usually as follows:
- May or June for Spring preparation.
- November or December for Fall preparation.
This special rite is for adults who were baptized in the Church, received First Holy Communion and have been regularly attending Mass, but were never confirmed. Those who have not received First Holy Communion and have not been attending Mass regularly should be treated as candidates in the RCIA/OCIA process.
- To participate the candidate must:
- Be a baptized Catholic, who has received instruction through their parish to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.
- Be either unmarried or in a marriage recognized as valid by the Catholic Church.
- Obtain a recent copy of their Baptismal Certificate issued within the past 6 months, including the reverse side, with any notations.
- Choose a Confirmation sponsor. Sponsors must be confirmed, practicing Catholics in good standing, at least 16 years of age, of either sex. Parents may not be the sponsors for their children; grandparents and other relatives, however, may be sponsors. Candidates may take the name of a saint as their own for confirmation.
- If you live outside the Diocese of Sacramento, you must request a letter of permission from the Bishop of the Diocese in which you live. Include a copy of this letter with your registration form.
For more information on this program, please call the office at (530) 795-2230.
RCIA >>> OCIA
RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) or OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) is an ongoing program for unbaptized adults (catechumens) who are interested in becoming Catholic and for adults who have been baptized (candidates) and are seeking to complete the Sacraments of First Communion and Confirmation. Catechumens (unbaptized) and candidates (baptized) are welcomed into our parish community each year at the Easter Vigil. Regular sessions are held every Wednesday night in the Parish Center, Room 1.
Inquiry Classes The first stage is called the Period of Inquiry (or the pre-catechumenate). Classes are for those in the initial stages of learning about the Catholic faith and/or those seeking more information about God and/or joining the Church. These sessions are informal and friends and spouses are welcome.
Catechumenate
The second stage is called the catechumenate. This is for catechumens (un-baptized) and candidates (baptized). The Rites of Acceptance and Welcoming marks the beginning of this time. Catechesis (learning about the Word of God through the Lectionary, the Bible and the beliefs of the Church) is studied during this time. Each person's journey is unique and each person is allowed to progress at the rate the individual feels comfortable with. Around the end of November (First Sunday of Advent) you will be expected to make a decision to go on to becoming Catholic or leaving the program.
Period of Enlightenment and Purification
This third stage is celebrated with the Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion at the beginning of Lent and lasts for 40 days. It is a time of discernment and purification and preparation for a new life as a Catholic. The Elect, as they are now called, have a time of intense preparation and prayer along with the celebrations of three public scrutinizes and a retreat in which to prepare for the their Sacraments of Initiation at Easter Vigil.
Mystagogia
The fourth and final stage is a period of exploring the experiences of the fully initiated Christians through the Sacraments, continuing catechesis and parish celebration. It is a time when the neophyte is welcomed into all aspects of the parish life and its service. At the end of this time the new Christian begins the rest of their life-long journey in full communion with the Church.
There are also classes for children RCIA (C) or RCIC for those youngsters who may not have completed their catechism and sacraments. For more information call the office at (530) 795-2230 to speak to the following coordinators:
RCIA (A) adults contact Erin Hasbrook - RCIA/OCIA Coordinator - rcia@sa-sm.orgRCIA (C) adapted for children contact Dawn Barrera
FORMS RCIA Registration Form
FAQs Becoming Catholic
Inquiry Classes The first stage is called the Period of Inquiry (or the pre-catechumenate). Classes are for those in the initial stages of learning about the Catholic faith and/or those seeking more information about God and/or joining the Church. These sessions are informal and friends and spouses are welcome.
Catechumenate
The second stage is called the catechumenate. This is for catechumens (un-baptized) and candidates (baptized). The Rites of Acceptance and Welcoming marks the beginning of this time. Catechesis (learning about the Word of God through the Lectionary, the Bible and the beliefs of the Church) is studied during this time. Each person's journey is unique and each person is allowed to progress at the rate the individual feels comfortable with. Around the end of November (First Sunday of Advent) you will be expected to make a decision to go on to becoming Catholic or leaving the program.
Period of Enlightenment and Purification
This third stage is celebrated with the Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion at the beginning of Lent and lasts for 40 days. It is a time of discernment and purification and preparation for a new life as a Catholic. The Elect, as they are now called, have a time of intense preparation and prayer along with the celebrations of three public scrutinizes and a retreat in which to prepare for the their Sacraments of Initiation at Easter Vigil.
Mystagogia
The fourth and final stage is a period of exploring the experiences of the fully initiated Christians through the Sacraments, continuing catechesis and parish celebration. It is a time when the neophyte is welcomed into all aspects of the parish life and its service. At the end of this time the new Christian begins the rest of their life-long journey in full communion with the Church.
There are also classes for children RCIA (C) or RCIC for those youngsters who may not have completed their catechism and sacraments. For more information call the office at (530) 795-2230 to speak to the following coordinators:
RCIA (A) adults contact Erin Hasbrook - RCIA/OCIA Coordinator - rcia@sa-sm.orgRCIA (C) adapted for children contact Dawn Barrera
FORMS RCIA Registration Form
FAQs Becoming Catholic
RESOURCES - KNOWING AND LIVING THE FAITH