Fr. Grimes offers communion to Our Lady of Peace students at their First Holy Communion,
Hilliard This Week, May 27, 1991, photo by Joy Parker; used with permission of Suburban News 
 

Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist)

The sacraments of Christian initiation—Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist—lay the foundations of every Christian life. "The sharing in the divine nature given to men through the grace of Christ bears a certain likeness to the origin, development, and nourishing of natural life. The faithful are born anew by Baptism, strengthened by the sacrament of Confirmation, and receive in the Eucharist the food of eternal life. By means of these sacraments of Christian initiation, they thus receive in increasing measure the treasures of the divine life and advance toward the perfection of charity." (Catechism of the Catholic Church #1212)

At Our Lady of Peace Parish, there at two possible “tracks” to receive the sacraments of Christian initiation. For adults entering the Catholic Church, all three sacraments of Christian initiation are celebrated at a single event, the Easter Vigil, through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). However, for most individuals, they will receive the sacraments of Christian initiation at certain points in their young life – Baptism as an infant, their First Communion in Second Grade, and Confirmation in Seventh or Eighth Grade.

Are You or Someone You Know Interested in Becoming a Catholic?
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process by which adults become Catholic. The first phase is the Inquiry Period. This is a time for searching, asking questions, and sharing your faith story. It is informal and no commitment is required. The subject matter of these initial sessions is determined by your questions. It is an introduction to stories about our God, His Church and our parish. The goal of these sessions is to increase the awareness of God’s presence in your life and help you discern your initial readiness to embrace a path of faith within the Roman Catholic Church. Sessions begin each September. If you are interested or would like more information, please call the parish office. Also review our two-page flyer on RCIA for additional information. <<link to pdf>>

If you are an adult returning to the Catholic Church or are in need of celebrating only one of the sacraments of Christian initiation (e.g., you have already been Baptized and made your first Communion, but have not been confirmed), then contact the parish office. RCIA may be appropriate or there may be another option to best help you on your faith journey.

Are You Interested in Having You Infant Child Baptized?
"Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that
I have commanded you."     Matthew 28:19-20

Baptisms of infants and young children are celebrated, for families who are registered members at Our Lady of Peace Parish, the Fourth Sunday of each month immediately following the 11:30 AM Mass, except during Lent. Please register with the parish office during the week prior to your child’s Baptism.

Both parents must attend the parish’s Baptism preparation class if the baptism is for a first child or it has been more than four years since their last child was baptized. Godparents are welcomed and encouraged to attend. The class lasts approximately one hour and reviews the theology and rite of the sacrament of Baptism.

When and How Are Children Prepared for Their First Holy Communion?
Children are generally prepared to receive their first Holy Communion when they reach the second grade. They are prepared through a special program and must already be attending religious education classes or attending Catholic grade school. Older children may be prepared to receive their first Holy Communion separately from the second graders. For further information, please contact our parish office.

It is the practice of the parish that children also make their First Reconciliation prior to receiving their first Holy Communion. Children are prepared to make their First Reconciliation in the same manner as they prepare to receive their first Holy Communion. Adults, who have not yet received first Holy Communion, may also contact the parish office and will likely participate in our RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) process.
                                                                                            

Above and below: Our Lady of Peace Students
                                  dates unknown.

When and How Are Children Prepared for Their Confirmation?
The normal period of life for Confirmation in the Catholic Church takes place around 14 years of age. At Our Lady of Peace Parish, our young adults usually celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation while
in the seventh or eighth grade. They are prepared through a special program and must already be
attending religious education classes or attending Catholic grade school. Please contact the Parish Office for more information                                                                                                                                   

For young adults beyond seventh or eighth grade and adults, there may be one or more appropriate options to prepare for and celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation. For example, the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) process allows the adult Catholic, who has not yet received confirmation, a period of Christian formation leading to the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Please contact the Parish Office for assistance.