Sacramental Preparation

Baptism Preparation

Infants need to rely on the faith of their parents to grow as followers of Jesus. So for infants, we require the parents to attend a baptism preparation workshop, to review the basics of their Catholic faith and to have a deeper understanding and appreciation for the sacrament their child is about to celebrate. Call the parish office (612-331-7941) to arrange a class and schedule a baptism. Infant baptisms are celebrated one Sunday each month (except during Lent).

For children who have reached the age of reason and beyond and for adults, baptism preparation is through the RCIA (Rite of Catholic Initiation of Adults). This process is a restoration of the ancient ways that new folks were brought into the Catholic Church through a series of formational periods: inquiry, catechumenate, and purification and enlightenment. And after the sacraments of initiation (baptism, confirmation, Eucharist) are celebrated, the newly baptized go through a period of mystagogy, to break open the mysteries of the faith and sacraments. Contact Fr. Ivan (itou@umncatholic.org or 612-331-7941) for more information.

Confirmation Preparation

Adolescents celebrate Confirmation in a ceremony at either the Basilica of Mary in Minneapolis or at the Cathedral of Saint Paul in St. Paul. Contact Lynn Crowley (lcrowley@umncatholic.org or 612.331.7941 x 30) for more information about the preparation classes which begin each September.

Adults (including university students) who are baptized, practicing Roman Catholics seeking Confirmation begin the preparation with the 3-week Journey of Faith class which is offered each semester. The sacrament is celebrated in late spring—before finals week. A copy of your baptismal certificate is required. Contact Father Ivan (itou@umncatholic.org or 612.331.7941 x33) for more information

Children's Reconciliation and First Communion Preparation

Children's reconciliation and first communion preparation occurs through the 2nd grade Children Faith Formation classes. Contact Lynn Crowley (lcrowley@umncatholic.org or 612.331.7941 x30) for more information or to enroll your child in this year's class.

Profession of Faith
(Joining the Catholic Church from another Christian faith tradition)

If you belong to another Christian faith tradition and feel that God is calling you to grow with the Catholic church, we have a process through the RCIA, by which we help you learn about the Catholic faith and deepen your relationship with Jesus Christ through the Catholic imagination. This process prepares you to profess faith in the Catholic Church and receive the sacraments of confirmation and Eucharist. We believe that as Christians, we share in the one baptism of the Lord. So we do not re-baptize. The grace of God given at baptism is indelible and does not need repeating.

Contact Father Ivan (itou@umncatholic.org or 612.331.7941 x33) for more information.

Marriage Preparation

Like the other sacraments, marriage is an event which touches the lives of all the members of the Church. Those who enter a sacramental marriage proclaim their participation in and with the values, beliefs and mission of the Catholic Church. For this reason, the Church has a responsibility to ensure a certain quality of relationship and understanding as prerequisites for a sacramental marriage. Moreover, couples entering marriage have a right to experience the support of their faith community at this significant moment in their lives, and to receive the benefits of the wisdom of the community for the success of their marriage. The purpose of the marriage preparation process is, therefore, to allow the experience of the wider community to help a couple to look carefully at married life, as well as to anticipate any difficulties that they may experience, so that their marriage may be one of mutual love and respect.

The Process for the Sacrament of Matrimony

1. The process begins with a meeting with a priest at St. Lawrence-Newman. This should take place at least six months before the desired wedding date.

2. At their first meeting with a priest, the couple will complete the FOCCUS pre-marriage inventory. The results of the FOCCUS instrument will be discussed either with a priest or with a married couple.

3. If either party has been previously married, it is especially important to contact a priest even sooner to discuss what further requirements there might be.

4. Catholic parties will need a copy of their baptismal certificate issued by the church of baptism within the last six months. Other Christians will need a copy of their baptismal certificate.

5. The date and time is generally determined at the first meeting. A $100 deposit is required to hold the date and time.