IJP Funeral Booklet

IJP Sacrament of Marriage

What is the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults Program? The Rite of Christian Initiation (RCIA) is a program that people can partake in to become members of the Catholic Church. The adult program is designed to ensure that adults who are considering becoming Catholics are aware of the teachings of the Catholic Church, as well as the rituals and practices that are an integral part of being a Catholic. At Infant Jesus, there is a weekly meeting for all participants and sponsors, at which the Mass, the Sacraments, Catholic Morals and Sunday Scripture are studied and discussed. There are a number of steps to the Initiation process, and a participant can withdraw from the process at any point if they so wish. The steps to becoming a Catholic are: The Period of Inquiry This is essentially the prelude to the process. It is a time for people who are considering converting to Catholicism to ask any questions that they may have about the Faith, or about any of the beliefs, practices or traditions of the Church. It is a period during which a potential participant will decide if they are ready to commit to following the process to become a Catholic. The Period of Catechumenate Once a person decides that they are ready to become a Catholic, they participate in a Rite of Welcome, at which time they attend Mass with their sponsor and are welcomed into the “Learning Process”. Once they are welcomed into this process, the participants are known as Catechumens, and they begin to study all aspects of the Catholic faith in earnest. There is a significant time commitment involved at this stage, with attendance and participation in all sessions expected by all participants. The Rite of Election During the Lenten period following the completion of the “Learning Process”, the participants and their sponsors travel to Holy Name Cathedral, where the participants are presented to the (Bishop/Cardinal) at a special ceremony. The Catechumens formally declare to the (Bishop/Cardinal) that they wish to be baptized and become a member of the Catholic Church. Representatives from parishes throughout the Archdiocese gather together at this ceremony. Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation On Holy Saturday, The Elect are received into the Church. Participants who have never been baptized are baptized, while those who have been previously baptized, make a Profession of Faith. All are Confirmed and Receive their First Holy Communion. Once this ceremony has been completed, the participants are fully-fledged members of the Catholic Church. For more information please contact: John McNichols Coordinator of Lifelong Faith Formation jmcnichols@archchicago.org 708-799-5400, ext. 209

Anointing of the Sick The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is administered to bring spiritual and physical strength during a serious illness, as well as near the time of death. This Sacrament offers peace and courage to overcome the difficulties that are associated with disease, illness or dying. People of all ages can avail themselves of the grace of this sacrament. Anointing of the Sick is encouraged for anyone that is in danger of death from sickness or old age and also immediately before serious surgery, and the Church stresses a secondary effect of the sacrament: to help a person recover his health. Those suffering emotionally are also encouraged to seek the peace of Christ in the Anointing. This Sacrament can be repeatedly administered to a person if his/her condition becomes worse, or a new serious condition develops, and is recommended for the elderly as they become more frail. If you or someone you love wishes or needs to receive the Anointing of the Sick, please contact one of the parish priests at our parish office at 708-799-5400. Sick Calls To arrange for a hospital visit or for communion to the sick or homebound call 708-799-5400.

Please fill out the Meeting Space forms located on the "Requests" page.

This ministry serves the sick of our parish—spiritually, sacramentally, and emotionally—by visiting and bringing Communion to the homebound, to residents of nursing homes and to the hospitalized. In addition, this ministry assists in helping families prepare for the funeral liturgy at the death of a loved one and supports those who are grieving. Annually, a special All Souls Day Mass is celebrated in memory of all the deceased. If you or a family member or friend in need of the assistance of the Pastoral Care Ministry, please contact the parish office at 708-799-5400.

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