Policies and Norms for Christian Initiation (Revized 2007, 2013, 2014)

Diocese of Juneau

The following policies on baptism, confirmation and eucharist are effective as of Easter Sunday, April 7, 2007

Baptism of Infants and Children

Before the Age of Discretion

The ritual for the Baptism of Children is to be used for infants and children who have not attained the age of discernment (age of reason). If possible and prudent, the celebration of the baptism of infants should normally occur on Sunday during Mass. Parents who desire to have their child baptized need to be instructed about their responsibility to rear their child in the faith by word and example; to help their child to know God; and to prepare them for confirmation and eucharist. Baptism of infants is only permitted when there is the likelihood that they will be brought up as Catholics and catechized in the faith. Pastors should take care to inform their people that ordinarily, except for a serious reason, infant baptisms are not to be celebrated during the Lenten season.

Godparents must be Catholics who are in full communion with the Church and who are fully initiated (having been baptized, confirmed and admitted to the eucharist.) Likewise, they should be practicing their faith. In addition to godparents, validly baptized Christians of other denominations may serve as witnesses.

Christian Initiation of Adults

and Children of Catechetical Age

The process of Christian initiation is not simply one program out of many that a parish is expected to provide. Rather, the process of Christian initiation is at the heart of the Church’s identity and mission. The ministry of evangelization and initiation ought to influence every aspect of parish life and provide a theological, sacramental and pastoral vision that holds the rest together. The process of Christian initiation, as outlined in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) and the National Statutes for the Catechumenate provide a vision for fostering a mature Christian life.

The catechumenate, which was restored after the Second Vatican Council, is the Church’s ancient process for evangelization, conversion and formation in the Christian life. Through the catechumenate the universal Church offers the fundamental paradigm and model for evangelization, formation and catechesis in a parish’s life and mission. While respecting the need for pastoral adaptation, the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults and the National Statutes for the Catechumenate are normative. It is imperative that pastors, deacons and lay ministers have a thorough knowledge of the Rite of Christian Initiation so it can be adapted appropriately and fully implemented in each parish and mission.

  1. Preparation for the Sacraments of Initiation for Adults and Children of Catechetical Age
  1. Ministry to Adults

Each parish and mission in the Diocese of Juneau must make every effort to utilize the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) when initiating adults and children of catechetical age. All catechumens and candidates for initiation are to have a complete and thorough formation. This includes evangelization that leads to genuine conversion; catechesis suitable to their age and level of maturity and accommodated to the liturgical year; celebration of the rites; the opportunity for spiritual counsel; formation in both personal prayer and public worship and an invitation to Christian service. (RCIA no.75)

Because preparation for Christian initiation is intended to be a process of gradual formation over time, the period of the catechumenate is to last at least a full liturgical year. The rituals of stage of Christian initiation (for example, celebrations of the Word; blessings; first exorcisms, Scrutinies and Presentations) should be celebrated fully and should not be omitted. The full period of Purification and Enlightenment, even when the Rite of Election is celebrated outside of Lent, is never to be omitted. Exceptions to this norm (apart from true emergencies) require the express permission of the Bishop.

  1. In the celebration of the rites and the formation process it is imperative to make clear distinctions between those who are not baptized (inquirers, catechumens and elect) and those who are already baptized Christians (candidates for full communion). For example, as members of the faithful, baptized candidates are not required to be dismissed with the catechumens from the Sunday assembly.
  1. However, candidates may be invited to participate in catechesis and formation with the catechumens and elect to the extent that this may be helpful to them or pastorally necessary.
  1. Baptized Christians who desire to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church and who give witness of a mature faith and have for years demonstrated a Christian practice, are NOT expected to follow the same formation process as those who are first coming to the faith. In may instances, the only preparation they need is instruction in the Catholic tradition and a time of probation within the Catholic community (National Statutes no.31).
  1. Christian Initiation of Children of Catechetical Age

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is always to be followed in the preparation of unbaptized children of catechetical age for baptism, confirmation and first eucharist. While there is no set formula to determine the time when a child is sufficiently mature and capable of understanding the requirements of faith, the traditional age is approximately seven years old, (Canon 852.1 and National Statutes no.18).

  1. Validly baptized Protestant or Orthodox children preparing for reception into full communion with the Catholic Church have similar needs to those who are catechumens. Their formation and preparation for confirmation and eucharist may be done together with children who are catechumens. In the case of children who are Orthodox Christians, they likely will have already received all three of the sacraments of initiation.
  1. The permission of at least one parent or legal guardian is required before a child not of legal age may be accepted as a catechumen preparing for baptism, confirmation and first eucharist or as a candidate preparing for full communion with the Catholic Church. Parental support and involvement are important elements in the faith formation of children. It is expected that at least one parent or legal guardian (preferably both) will participate in a process of sacramental preparation. On occasions, there may be other individuals who will need to fulfill this support role (grandparent, uncle/aunt,etc…)
  1. Ministers of Confirmation

The bishop is the ordinary minister of confirmation.

  1. When a priest baptizes an adult catechumen or receives an adult Christian into full with the Catholic Church, he receives from the law itself the faculty to confirm and is expected to do so (Canon 883.2). Neophytes and baptized adults received into full communion should always be confirmed prior to their first reception of the eucharist.
  1. A priest who baptizes a catechumen who is a child of catechetical age should also confirm them at the time of their baptism. For neophytes of catechetical age, the celebration of confirmation and first reception of eucharist should never be deferred (RCIA no.14)
  1. While a priest must obtain delegation from the Bishop in order to confirm a person baptized and reared as Catholic, this faculty is already granted in the case of adult Catholics, who, although baptized as children were not reared and educated in the Catholic faith, but having returned to the practice of the faith, now desire to be confirmed (Diocesan Faculties no.10).

Note that the primary focus of the Easter Vigil is the baptism of the elect and the confirmation and first eucharist of the neophytes. The reception of baptized adults into full-communion and their confirmation and first eucharist should be done at a time other than the Easter Vigil, such as on Easter Sunday, the Sundays of the Easter season or any Sunday or solemnity throughout the liturgical year.

  1. Celebration of Christian Initiation
  1. Reception of the Sacraments at One Celebration and in Proper Sequence

The Christian initiation of catechumens who are either adults or children of catechetical age always includes the three sacraments of baptism, confirmation and eucharist. They should receive all three sacraments at the same celebration and in proper sequence (RCIA no.215; Canon 866). With rare exceptions, this is always to occur at the Easter Vigil.

  1. Modes of Baptism

There are two modes by which the Church’s minister may baptize adults, children of catechetical age: immersion (Option A. 226 RCIA) or the pouring of water (Option B.226 RCIA). Although baptism by immersion is “the fuller and more expressive sign of the sacrament and, therefore is preferred”(National Statutes for the Catechumenate no.17), in the Diocese of Juneau, immersion baptism is only allowed in those parishes which have in place a permanent font designed for that purpose. Furthermore, in parishes where immersion is allowed, those to be baptized must be informed that it is their choice to be baptized either by immersion or pouring of water.

  1. The Length of the Catechumenate

The period of the catechumenate should be at least one full liturgical year in order to allow catechumens the time and opportunity to be formed properly in the Christian faith as well as to understand faith as an ongoing journey. When the RCIA is structured as a program modeled on the school calendar, it conveys the idea that initiation is a graduation into the faith. Instead, initiation introduces an individual into a life-long process of formation.

  1. National Catechism

In the Rite it states “ The instruction of the catechumens during the period of the catechumenate should present the Catholic teaching in its entirety” (RCIA no.78). In order to insure a complete and comprehensive catechesis, pastors, deacons and catechists in the Diocese of Juneau will rely on the “United States Catholic Catechism for Adults” for the instruction of adult catechumens as well as for the instruction as need of adult candidates for full communion and confirmation and of baptized but uncatechized Catholics.

  1. Confirmation of Uncatechized Roman Catholics

Adults who have been baptized as Roman Catholics, yet for some reason, have not had the opportunity to be confirmed, are to be invited to complete their initiation after appropriate catechesis. These adults may be confirmed at the next visit of the Bishop to the parish or at another occasion arranged for by the pastor. Pastors should choose an appropriate time for the confirmation of uncatechized Roman Catholics. However, unless there are compelling pastoral reasons, they should not be confirmed at the Easter Vigil.

  1. Confirmation of Children of Catechetical Age

Children of catechetical age(either neophytes or baptized candidates for full communion) are to always be confirmed at the time of baptism or reception. Confirmation and/or eucharist are not to be delayed until a later time(National Statutes, nos 14,18, 19; Canon 883.2)

  1. Orthodox Christians

Orthodox Christians who come into full-communion with the Catholic Church become members of the equivalent Eastern Catholic Church and not the Roman Catholic Church. Their sacraments are recorded with their Eastern Catholic eparchy (diocese).

(N.B. In the United States a priest of the Latin (Roman) rite, without special delegation from the eparch (bishop) of the relevant Eastern Church, validly bless the marriage of an Eastern Catholic even if celebrated in his own parish.)

  1. The Sacrament of Penance and Christian Initiation

While the sacrament of penance is not a sacrament of initiation, the close relationship of one’s moral life to the sacramental life makes it prudent to address penance and reconciliation in conjunction with the process of initiation. This indeed is a standard practice and expectation of the Church.

  1. Celebration of the Sacrament of Penance

Because the sacrament of penance was instituted for the forgiveness of sins committed after baptism(which washes away all original and actual sin), those preparing for baptism (catechumens and the elect, both adults and children) are never to celebrate the sacrament of penance prior to baptism.

In addition to the celebration of the first, or minor exorcisms during the period of the catechumenate and the scrutinies during the period of purification and enlightenment, those responsible for the formation of the catechumens and elect should invite them to participate in non-sacramental penitential rites as found in the Rite of Penance (nos.36-37; Appendix II), so that they may come to understand the reality of sin and better appreciate the message of God’s mercy.

Catechumens and candidates(both adults and children) should receive a thorough catechesis on the sacrament of penance and are to be encouraged to frequent the sacrament following their full initiation (National Statutes nos.27,36). Prior to their reception into full communion (but not at the liturgy at which they are received and confirmed) all candidates must be invited to celebrate the sacrament of penance. Candidates who are aware of having committed serious sin are required to celebrate the sacrament of penance prior to their reception into full communion with the Catholic Church (RCIA no.482).

  1. Special Pastoral Considerations
  1. Need for Declarations of Nullity and Validation of An Existing Marriage

Inquirers who desire to begin the process of preparation for baptism and who are divorced and have remarried need to obtain a declaration of nullity from their previous marriage. Inquirers in irregular marriages are free to become catechumens. However, until a declaration of nullity has been granted, with rare exceptions, catechumens in an irregular marriage may not celebrate the Rite of Election. This is because their marital status prevents them from receiving the Easter sacraments.

Likewise, candidates who are divorced and remarried also need a declaration of nullity before they can enter into full communion with the Catholic Church and celebrate confirmation. They cannot be accepted for the Rite of Calling Candidates for Continuing Conversion until they have received a declaration of nullity. A baptized person in an irregular marriage is in a state in which they are not properly disposed to receive the sacraments. Due to the sensitive nature of this issue, pastoral staff should uncover the need for a declaration of nullity through personal interviews early in the process.

  1. Catechumens(or candidates) who are divorced and who have not remarried and/or does not intend to remarry do not need to obtain a declaration of nullity. They may be accepted for the Rite of Election and the Easter sacraments (or for the Rite of Calling the Candidates to Continuing Conversion and full communion, confirmation and eucharist. It may be advisable to encourage them to seek a declaration of nullity while preparing for initiation or full communion due to potential difficulties in the future should they eventually decide to marry.
  1. In the case of divorce and remarriage, the existing bond is to be validated in the Catholic Church prior to celebrating the sacraments of initiation. It is never permissible to invite an individual into the full sacramental life of the Church unless he or she is completely free to receive the sacraments. It is advisable to validate such marriages in the Church as early in the process as possible.
  1. Marriage Preparation and Christian Initiation

When a catechumen or candidate plans to marry, the initiation process is not to be rushed solely to allow for initiation before a wedding is to be celebrated.

  1. Because Christian marriage and the sacrament of matrimony is both a vocation from God and a sacramental mystery, a serious vocation, its marriage preparation should never be neglected or hastened one or both parties are either catechumens or candidates. If it is not possible for the couple to participate fully in both processes, but the couple desires to wed prior to initiation or full communion, preparation for Christian marriage should take precedence over preparation for Christian initiation.

Note that there is a provision in the Rite of Marriage for the non-sacramental marriage of Catholics and unbaptized persons (such as catechumens). (See The Rite of Marriage, Chapter III. Nos 55-66). Similarly, there is provision for the sacramental marriage of baptized Christians and Catholics (see the Rite ofMarriage, Chapter II. Nos.39-54).

  1. Pastoral ministers are reminded that a lengthy formation process is not required for candidates if they have lived for years as Christians and need only instruction in Catholic tradition and a time of probation among the Catholic community (NationalStatutes no.30).
  1. Sacramental Records

Sacramental records contain, not only baptismal information, but also other important information about a person’s status in the church (e.g., confirmation, matrimony, ordination, annulments, religious profession). As such, individuals have a right in justice to have such important information carefully preserved and kept up to date. Responsibility for recording sacramental information falls to the pastor of the place where sacraments occur. While this responsibility may be delegated to another trusted minister, the primary burden remains with the pastor (canon 535).

  1. Because documentary proof of baptism is crucial in the lives of the faithful, all baptisms are to be recorded in the baptismal register carefully and without delay. Baptismal records are to include names of the baptized, the minister, the parents, the godparents, Christian witness (if any), the place and date of baptism, the date and place of birth (Canon 877.1).

2.The names of those confirmed, the minister, the parents, the sponsors and the place and date of confirmation also is to be recorded carefully and without delay in the place furnished for confirmation in the sacramental register (Canon 895). The pastor is to notify the parish priest of the place of baptism that the sacrament of confirmation has been conferred so that it may be duly noted in the baptismal register.

Eucharist and Confirmation for Those Baptized and Reared as Catholics

  1. Celebration of First Reception of the Sacrament of the Eucharist

The norm for the order for initiation is baptism, confirmation, eucharist as prescribed in the RCIA. However, for pastoral reasons , the Diocese of Juneau will continue to adhere to the sequence of baptism, eucharist and confirmation for children baptized and reared as Catholics. While for pastoral reasons it will be the practice in this diocese to celebrate the sacraments of initiation out of the sequence of baptism, confirmation and first eucharist, it is the intention of the bishop to restore the proper sequence of the initiation sacraments when it is pastorally appropriate to do so.