POLICY 100 (found also in Diocesan
Handbook)
Programs which Respect Language, Culture and
Disabilities
Each parish shall provide educational ministry programs
of catechesis, youth ministry, and
evangelization, which respect language and cultural diversity, as well as the
unique abilities and disabilities of every parishioner.
Guidelines for
Implementation:
1. Each parish should
establish a single board, commission or committee for educational ministry
advisory to the pastor and having responsibility for the total educational
mission of the parish. All educational
programs—including the parochial school where applicable—should fall within
its scope (cf. National
Catechetical Directory, Section 224).
2. This commission or
committee should have a representative on the parish pastoral council.
POLICY
110 (found also in Diocesan
Handbook)
Insurance Coverage for Children and Youth
All children and youth participating in parish educational
ministry activities must be covered under the blanket accident/medical
insurance program currently in effect through Myers Stevens.
**Note: This coverage is for
accidents which occur during parish sponsored and supervised educational activities of up to 72 hours duration. Beyond 72 hours, an additional fee is
required for extended coverage.
Guidelines for
Implementation:
Proof of liability insurance
or a Certificate of Insurance should be provided upon request to any retreat
facility, camp or other conference center used for children or youth
activities or meetings. Note: Contact Catholic Mutual (858-490-8285) for
an appropriate insurance certificate.
POLICY 111 (found also in Diocesan
Handbook)
Notification for Off-site Events
When taking a group of children or youth off parish
premises and beyond or out of the county of the parish, the diocesan
insurance agent must be notified by the person responsible for the group
outing.
Note:Our diocesan agent is
Robert
Lang, Catholic Mutual Group,
P.O.
Box 85728
San
Diego, CA 92186-5728
(858)
490-8285.
When taking children or youth off the parish premises,
parishes shall require that each child or youth present a completed Parental/Guardian
Consent Form and Liability Waiver for the activity. Children or youth without this form shall
not be allowed to participate in the activity.
POLICY 112 (found also in Diocesan
Handbook, including printable form)
Requirements for Drivers Transporting Minors
All drivers transporting minors for parish educational ministry activities
must be 21 years of age or older, have a valid, non-probationary driver’s
license and no physical disability that could in any way impair their ability
to drive the vehicle safely.
The
vehicle of any driver who transports minors to and/or from any event must be
insured to the minimum limits of $100,000 per person/$300,000 per
occurrence. The vehicle must have a
valid and current registration and valid and current license plates.
When
using a passenger van that seats more than ten persons, the driver must have
a Class B driver’s license.
A signed Driver Information
Sheet for Events Off Parish Premises on each vehicle must be submitted,
prior to the trip, to the parish staff person responsible for the
activity.
POLICY 113 (found also in Diocesan
Handbook, including printable form)
Reporting Accidents
When a child or youth is injured, either on or off the
parish premises, an Accident Reporting Form shall be filled out immediately,
in triplicate. One copy shall be
retained for parish files, one copy given to the parent(s) or guardian(s) of
the injured youth and one copy shall be sent to the Diocesan Insurance
Agent.
POLICY 120 (found also in Diocesan
Handbook, including printable form)
Child Abuse Reporting (revised 7/04)
All diocesan and parish personnel, identified as "child
care custodians" by Law (cf. PC 11166), must be made aware of the California
Child Abuse Reporting Law PC 11166 and shall sign a Certification
of Awareness verifying that he or she has
knowledge of the provisions of the law and will comply with its provisions.
Certification
of Awareness forms shall be provided to employees and volunteers
by immediate supervisors (e.g. Pastor, DCM, Coordinator, etc.). Current personnel identified as "child care
custodians" must complete this form immediately. New personnel shall complete this form at
initiation of service. A copy of the
Certification of Awareness form should be given to the personnel member who
has signed it.
Signed
forms are to be kept on file by the immediate supervisor for all personnel
during the term of service and for five years thereafter.
POLICY 121 (found also in Diocesan
Handbook)
Manner of Reporting Child Abuse
Child abuse reporting shall be handled in the following
manner:
1. All educational ministry volunteers who suspect that
the physical or mental health or welfare of a child or youth may be adversely
affected by abuse or neglect shall report it to the DCM, who shall then call
the Child Protective Services.
2. A DCM or Coordinator of Youth Ministry who suspects
that the physical or mental health or welfare of a child or youth may be
adversely affected by abuse or neglect shall report it directly to Child
Protective Services.
Note: Forms for reporting are
available through Child Protective Services (San Diego County,
858-560-2191; Imperial County,
1-800-344-6000).
3. The Pastor should be promptly informed that a report is
being filed; to the extent possible, before it is filed.
POLICY
200 (found
also in Diocesan
Handbook)
Need for Systematic Catechetical Formation
Parishes shall provide for the catechetical formation of
adults, young people and children (see Code of Canon Law, Canons 773, 776,777), through systematic
formal catechesis of sufficient length and intensity to ensure effective
faith and sacramental formation at each level. Parish catechetical programs should include
the formation of persons of particular or cultural groups and persons with disabilities.
POLICY
201 (found also in Diocesan
Handbook)
Home Schooling in Religion
Since the pastor has the obligation to know of the
parents’ intention to home school their children, parents must notify the
pastor early in the process. Parents
are required to follow the guidelines set by the pastor and must register
their child/young person with the parish Director of Catechetical Ministry or
Coordinator.
Guidelines for
Implementation
1.The religious education of
children and youth is the responsibility of parents, pastors and the local
parish community. Canon Law (773, 774
§1 and 2) supports this direction. Therefore it is the obligation of parish leadership to provide
religious education programming for children/young people. In situations where some families choose to
"home school" their children, it must be understood that these efforts cannot
be done independently of the parish.
2. The primary responsibility
of parents for the education and formation of their children in the Faith
cannot be interpreted in an isolated way, since the family is an integral
part of the larger ecclesial community. All religious education must be carried out in a way that builds unity
within the Church. No home schooling
can be tolerated which does not promote the understanding that being a
Christian is not a private matter of individual choice but rather of a
personal vocation within the context of the Church lived out in the
experience of the parish community.
3. Home schooling parents are
responsible for the participation of their children/young person in the
immediate sacramental preparation as required or approved by the parish,
through interviews for sacramental readiness, practice for sacramental
celebrations, appropriate initiation rites and retreats.
4. Home schooling parents must
participate in parish parent meetings and parent preparation programs for the
sacraments.
5. Parents have the
responsibility to participate in catechetical formation so that they will be
able to prepare their child/young person for the sacraments, in collaboration
with the parish community. This is
supported by Canon Law (780).
6. With regard to the
sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation parents must ensure
that their children/young people are correctly prepared and connected to the
local parish.
7. The pastor and DCM will
require a periodic progress report to be made by home school
parents. A form should be developed by
the parish to assist in this reporting. Children/young people must be interviewed by the Pastor, DCM or
designated representative to determine their understanding of and readiness
for the reception of the Sacraments.
8. Since the passing on of the
faith tradition is the responsibility of the whole parish community; pastors,
parents and DCM’s must collaborate to insure that the children/young people
are appropriately catechized and prepared for the reception of the
sacraments. As parishioners, families
are expected to participate in the parish Sunday liturgy.
9. The rights of children and
young people to catechetical formation can best be served when pastors,
parents and catechists offer formation appropriate to the level, development
and disposition of the young person.
10. The parish DCM should
serve as a resource to parents.Recommended textbooks and other appropriate materials must be used in
all sessions. The Catechism of the
Catholic Church and the General Directory for Catechesis are
excellent resources for parents and catechists.
POLICY 210 (found
also in Diocesan
Handbook)
Right of Children to Receive Penance/Eucharist
Children who have reached the age of reason have the right
to receive First Penance/Reconciliation and First Communion as stated in
Canon 913.1: "For the administration
of the Most Holy Eucharist to children, it is required that they have
sufficient knowledge and careful preparation so as to understand the mystery
of Christ according to their capacity, and can receive the Body of the Lord
with faith and devotion."
Guidelines for
Implementation:
Those responsible for parish
sacramental preparation programs should arrange for parents to be involved in
the preparation of children.
POLICY 211 (found also in Diocesan
Handbook)
Norm for Reception of Sacrament of Penance
Catechesis for the Sacrament of Penance is to precede
First Communion and must be kept distinct by a clear and unhurried
separation. This is to be done so that
the specific identity of each sacrament is apparent and so that, before
receiving First Communion, the child will be familiar with the revised Rite
of Reconciliation and will be at ease with its celebration. The Sacrament of Penance normally should be
celebrated prior to the reception of First Communion.
Canon 914 clearly expresses that First Penance/Reconciliation,
in a normative way, is to precede First Communion:
"It is the responsibility, in
the first place, of parents and those who take the place of parents as well
as of the pastor to see that children who have reached the use of reason are
correctly prepared and are nourished by the divine food as early as possible,
preceded by sacramental confession; it is also for the pastor to be vigilant
lest any children come to the Holy Banquet who have not reached the use of
reason or whom he judges are not sufficiently disposed."
POLICY 212 (found
also in Diocesan
Handbook)
Catechesis for Sacrament of Reconciliation
Catechesis of children for Reconciliation must always respect the natural
disposition, ability, age and circumstances of individuals. (See NCD,126) It should seek:
1. to make clear the relationship
of the sacrament to the child’s life;
2. to help the child recognize moral
good and evil, repent of wrong doing and turn for forgiveness to Christ and
the Church;
3. to encourage the child to see
that, in this sacrament, faith is expressed by being forgiven and forgiving;
4. to encourage the child to
approach the sacrament freely and regularly.
Guidelines for Implementation:
·The rights of children to the
sacraments of Penance and Eucharist can best be served when pastors, parents
and catechists offer formation for these sacraments appropriate to the level
and development of the child. The
preparation for and celebration of these sacraments should be suited to the
level, development and disposition of the young person.
·Parents have the
responsibility to participate in their own catechetical formation so that
they will be able to prepare their child for these sacraments in
collaboration with the parish community.
·It is the responsibility of
the parish community to provide catechetical formation and support for
parents in the preparation of their children for these sacraments.
·The preparation for
Reconciliation and Eucharist is an ongoing process which begins long before
the celebration of the sacraments. The
preparation for the sacrament of Penance is separated from and precedes the
preparation for the sacrament of Eucharist.
·Parents, in consultation with
the catechetical staff, discern the readiness of their child for the
sacraments. While the celebration of
first Penance before first Eucharist is the norm, it is acknowledged that
there may be individual exceptions.
·It is recommended that a
communal celebration (Rite 2), that includes the family, be used for first
Penance. A family celebration at a
Sunday liturgy is recommended for first Eucharist.
·Home-schoolers are
required to participate in the immediate preparation for the sacraments in which all parish children
participate, e.g., interviews for sacramental readiness, practice for
sacramental celebrations, retreats, etc.
·Since children are
celebrating these sacraments for the first time, it is imperative that they
have a positive experience. Priests,
especially in the sacrament of Penance, need to be gentle and compassionate
realizing the sensitivity of the child and/or the person with special needs.
·A fuller catechesis for the
sacraments of Penance and Eucharist should be provided each year. As part of their on-going catechetical
formation, celebrations of Liturgies with Children and communal Penance
celebrations should be provided annually. For those who have postponed the sacraments of Penance, an appropriate
opportunity is provided in these communal celebrations.
·Because continuing, lifelong
conversion is part of what it means to grow in faith, catechesis for the
Sacrament of Penance is ongoing. Children have a right to a fuller catechesis each year. Adults also have a right to continuing
catechesis concerning the sacrament. Lent is an especially appropriate season for this.
POLICY
213 (found also in Diocesan Handbook)
Reception of Penance by Persons with Developmental
Disabilities
No age or grade is
set for reception of the sacrament of Penance/Reconciliation by persons who
are developmentally disabled.
POLICY
214 (found
also in Diocesan
Handbook)
Reception of Eucharist by Persons with Developmental
Disabilities
No age or grade is set for the reception of Eucharist by
persons who are developmentally disabled. Any person with
developmental disabilities may be admitted to the Eucharist if, after
sufficient preparation, he or she:
1. has some understanding of the
person of Jesus, his life, death and resurrection;
2. is able to distinguish between
the Eucharist and ordinary bread;
3. shows some desire to receive
the Eucharist.
Such a person may need the help of others to demonstrate
the above. If following catechesis,
there is a question whether the above conditions are met, the person with
developmental disabilities may be admitted to the Eucharist with the consent
of the pastor, parent and catechist.
Guidelines for
Implementation:
1. Judgement of readiness
should balance reverence for the sacraments with each person’s need and right
to the benefits of the sacraments.
2. In case of doubt whether
the conditions for reception are met, the presumption of readiness should be
in favor of the recipient of the sacraments in question, with pastor, parents
and catechist consenting.
3. Persons with disabilities
should be provided the necessary adaptations and supports from others
regarding preparation for the Sacraments of Penance and Eucharist, and so
that they may actively and meaningfully participate in sacramental celebrations.
POLICY
220 (found
also in Diocesan
Handbook)
Employment of Professional Ministers
Each parish shall engage sufficiently trained ministers (hired and/or volunteer) to ensure that parish catechetical needs are met.
Guidelines for
Implementation:
1. Parishes with less than 300 supporting
families should hire or appoint a competent coordinator, responsible,
under supervision of the pastor, for
organizing and implementing parish catechetical programs.
2. Parishes of 300 or more supporting families
should hire a qualified Director of Catechetical Ministry and in parishes of
500 or more families, this person should be full time.
3. The parish Director of Catechetical
Ministry should ordinarily be the
professional staff person responsible for the coordination and administration
of the total religious education program of the parish under the supervision
of the pastor. This person may be
assisted by other staff persons responsible for one or more specific areas of
parish catechesis.
POLICY 230 (found also in Diocesan
Handbook)
Certification for All Catechists
All active catechists and teachers of religion shall be
certified or in the process of certification through the California Catechist
Certification programs offered by the diocese. All certification is issued for three years,
renewable.
1. Parish catechists and parochial school catechists, including all catechists of
adolescents and catechists for Christian Initiation of Adults and Children of
Catechetical age, shall obtain
California Catechist Certification by completing one of the following:
a.) the Basic Catechist Formation
Course offered through the diocese;
or
b.) the certification courses
(totaling 45 hours) offered through the San Diego Diocesan Institute for
Adult Education and Ministry Formation;
or
c.) those specific courses or
workshops, identified by means of an individual catechist profile evaluation,
which remain necessary for certification.
2. Parochial school teachers shall have two years from the
commencement of their service as religion teachers to complete catechist
certification.
3. Catechists for preschool, special religious education
and infant baptism programs shall be certified by completing the appropriate
diocesan specialization course.
POLICY 231 (found also in Diocesan
Handbook)
Renewal of Catechist Certification
All catechists and teachers of religion shall renew their
certification every three years. They
must obtain the required number of clock hours or units of credit before the expiration date of their
certification.
1. Renewal of certification for parochial school teachers
of religion is earned by completing one of the following:
a.) an approved 45 hour (3 units)
course in Scripture or Theology;
or
b.) an approved 30 hours (2
units) course in Scripture or Theology and 15 hours (1 unit) of diocesan
sponsored workshops, seminars or courses explicitly designated for
certification renewal credit;
or
c.) two approved 15 hour (1 unit
each) courses in Scripture or Theology and 15 hours (1 unit) of diocesan
sponsored or approved Theology, Scripture or catechetical institutes,
workshops, seminars or courses explicitly designated for certification renewal credit.
2. Renewal of certification for parish catechists is
earned by completing 30 clock hours of diocesan designated or approved
courses.
Note: Inservice conducted at the local parish
level, though valued for enriching
catechists, does not ordinarily qualify for renewal credit. A description of courses offered at the local level may be
submitted to the Office for Evangelization and Catechetical Ministry in order
to be approved for renewal credit for
parish catechists.
POLICY
232 (found
also in Diocesan
Handbook)
Master Catechist Certification and Renewal
Master Catechist candidates shall obtain California Master
Catechist Certification by completing the diocesan Master Catechist
Certification Course. Master Catechist
Certification is granted for three years and is renewed on the basis of the following components of
ongoing formation:
1.participation in group
opportunities for spiritual formation and community experience;
2. completion of 45 clock hours
of course work and/or workshops in accord with individual need and approved
by the Diocesan Office for Catechetical Ministry;
3. evaluation by the Diocesan
Office for Evangelization and Catechetical Ministry of their performance in teaching the Basic
Catechist Formation Course.
POLICY
240 (found also in Diocesan
Handbook)
Permanent Records for Students and Staff
Permanent records of staffing and attendance for parish
catechetical programs are to be maintained. They are the property of the parish.
Guidelines for Implementation:
Catechetical records should include records for
1. Catechist
certification and renewal
2. Student
permanent records which include sacramental history and program participation
3. Budget
items, such as receipts, disbursements, petty cash, budget projections, etc.
4. Child abuse
reporting forms should be kept on file for five years.
5. Legal
documents such as medical release forms, parent consent forms, child abuse
reporting forms, etc. should be kept on file for two years.
6. Accident
reports should be kept on file for two years.
POLICY
310 (found also in Diocesan
Handbook)
Preparation for Confirmation
Note: For
further information and supporting materials, contact the Office for Youth
and Young Adult Ministry
1.Preparation for reception of
the Sacrament of Confirmation should be seen as a component of the ongoing
catechesis and faith development of the candidates.
Preparation for Confirmation
should aim at leading the Christian toward a more intimate union with Christ
and a more lively familiarity with the Holy Spirit…in order to be more
capable of assuming the apostolic responsibilities of Christian life. To this end catechesis for Confirmation
should strive to awaken a sense of belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ,
the universal Church as well as the parish community (Catechism of the
Catholic Church, 1309).
2. While there is no specified
diocesan program of preparation for Confirmation, there are specific
requirements which candidates must meet to qualify for receiving the
sacrament.
3.All who meet the candidate
requirements are eligible for reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation
regardless of whether they have completed a particular program.
Note:
·There is more to parish youth
ministry than preparation of the Sacrament of Confirmation and its
celebration which is only one component or part of the total process
of catechesis and faith development for adolescents.
·Parishes should develop
guidelines regarding preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation which
implement diocesan policies.
POLICY
311 (found
also in Diocesan
Handbook)
Confirmation Candidate Requirements
1. BAPTISM AND THE STATE OF GRACE: One must be validly baptized to receive the
Sacrament of Confirmation (Canon 889.1). In addition, if baptized persons have the use of reason, it is
required that they be in the state of grace, properly instructed and able to
renew their baptismal promises (Rite of Confirmation, 12).
2. MINIMUM AGE: Fifteen (15) is the minimum age for
Confirmation in the Diocese of San Diego, except for the case of unbaptized
children of catechetical age (catechumens) who should receive Confirmation
when they are baptized and the case of baptized Christian children of
catechetical age but not Catholic (candidates) who should receive
Confirmation when they are received into the full communion of the Catholic
Church.
3. FORMATION IN THE FAITH OF THE CHURCH:
Candidates for confirmation are required to evidence an understanding of the
Catholic faith appropriate to their age. This means that they should have integrated all their years of
catechesis and acquired appreciation of what the Church teaches. As a minimum, candidates are expected to
show competence in the following four areas of Christian catechesis found in
the Catechism of the Catholic Church:
a.) The Creed in which the Christian mystery is the object of faith;
b.) The Sacred Liturgy in which the Christian mystery is
celebrated and communicated in liturgical actions;
c.) The Christian Way of Life in which the Christian mystery
is the basis for the proper formation of conscience and for living according
to the moral and social teaching of the Church; and
d.) Christian Prayer in which the Christian mystery is the
basis for prayer, the privileged
expression of which is the Our Father.
4. EXPERIENCE OF CHRISTIAN
LIVING prior to Confirmation is demonstrated by:
a.) faithful participation in
the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist;
b.) a commitment to ongoing human and spiritual growth and development
through prayer and good works;
c.) involvement in the parish
community.
5. PROPER DISPOSITION as
evidenced by:
a. a stated personal desire to
receive the Sacrament of Confirmation;
b. willingness to witness more
firmly to Christ by word and action;
c. acceptance of the
responsibility to be an active adult member of the Church, to continue to
mature in faith, and to put one’s faith into practice.
Note:
·Parishes are responsible to
provide opportunities which will assist young people to meet the candidate
requirements for Confirmation.
POLICY
312 (found
also in Diocesan
Handbook)
Readiness of Candidates
Each parish is responsible for developing a process
whereby, according to the candidate requirements, the readiness of individuals
to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation is determined.
Note:
1. Pastors, parents, sponsors,
coordinators of youth ministry and others involved in ministry with youth
should take part in this process.
2. Candidate readiness is
defined in terms of requirements which do not include participation in a
program but are taken from the Rite of Confirmation and Canon Law.
3. The Sacrament of
Confirmation should not be seen as a reward or something one can or must
earn.
4. There are many ways to
determine whether, according to the candidate requirements, an individual is
ready to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, e.g. interviews and
evaluations by those involved in ministry with the candidates - pastors,
parents, sponsors, youth ministers.
5. Ultimately, the burden of
responsibility for meeting the requirements for the reception of Confirmation
belongs to the candidates and so they should be involved in discerning
readiness.
6. Appropriate adaptations in
candidate requirements should be made for persons with developmental
disabilities who have the use of reason. Judgment of readiness for them to receive the Sacrament of
Confirmation should be based on whether they demonstrate acceptance of the
faith and a desire for greater participation in the life and mission of the
Church.
POLICY 313
(found also in Diocesan
Handbook)
Immediate Preparation for Confirmation
After determination of readiness, candidates are expected
to participate in immediate short-term preparation for the Sacrament of
Confirmation which should include:
1. catechesis on the Holy Spirit
based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church, nos. 683-747.
2. catechesis on the Sacraments of
Christian Initiation based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church:
Baptism (nos.1213-1284); Confirmation (nos. 1285-1321); Eucharist (nos.
1322-1419).
3. a day or evening of prayer;
4. communal celebration of the
Sacrament of Reconciliation;
5. review of the Rite of
Confirmation (see Guidelines for the Celebration of Confirmation;
6. rehearsal for the celebration
of Confirmation.
Note: The components and length of time for
immediate preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation is determined by the
parish. Immediate preparation should
be adapted to the needs of persons with developmental disabilities.
POLICY
314 (found also in Diocesan
Handbook)
Sponsors for Confirmation
1. As far as possible there
should be a sponsor for each of those confirmed (Rite of Confirmation,
5). It is not recommended that two or
more candidates share the same sponsor.
2. To be a Confirmation
sponsor, a person must:
a.) be at least 16 years of age and sufficiently mature for this
responsibility;
b.) be a Catholic who has been confirmed, has already received first
Eucharist and is leading a life in harmony with the faith and the role to be
undertaken;
c.) not be a parent of the candidate; and
d.) not be prohibited by law from exercising the role of sponsor.
[See Canon 893
with reference to Canon 874; Rite of Confirmation, 6]
Note:
·Each candidate may have only
one sponsor and the sponsor does not have to be of the same gender as the
candidate.
·It is desirable that one of
the baptismal godparents also be the sponsor at Confirmation. This expresses more clearly the
relationship between Baptism and Confirmation and also makes the function and
responsibility of the sponsor more effective. Nonetheless, the choice of a special sponsor for Confirmation is not
excluded.
·Sponsors should be chosen
because they will be able to be present for the scheduled celebration of the
Sacrament of Confirmation and available thereafter to help the newly
confirmed fulfill their baptismal promises.
·If from the same parish or
locality, it is recommended that sponsors, along with parents, join the candidates
on their faith journey during the period of immediate preparation.
POLICY 315 (found
also in Diocesan
Handbook)
Confirmation Name
The new rite says nothing about taking a new name at
Confirmation. Therefore, candidates
may retain their baptismal name rather than take a new one. This is desirable because it manifests an
understanding of the fact that confirmation "completes the grace of
Baptism." Nonetheless, a special
Confirmation name may be taken if desired. In this case it should be the name of a saint whose life-style or
virtues the candidate wishes to emulate.
POLICY 316(found
also in Diocesan
Handbook)
Dress for the Sacrament of Confirmation
The dress
encouraged for the candidates should not give the impression of a
graduation. Regular dress attire is
satisfactory. However, to emphasize
the relationship between Confirmation and Baptism, a white garment or robe
might be used at Confirmation, just as a white robe is used to clothe newly
baptized.
The
practice in some places of using stoles at Confirmation seems to have risen
out a desire to provide a symbol of Confirmation. However, the distinction between the
universal priesthood of all the baptized and the ministerial priesthood of
the ordained is blurred when the distinctive garb of ordained ministers is
used in this manner. Therefore, stoles
should not be used by the newly confirmed.
POLICY
317 (found also in Diocesan
Handbook)
Record of Conferral of Confirmation
The names of the confirmed with mention of the minister,
the parents and the sponsors, the place and the date of the conferral of
Confirmation are to be noted in the Confirmation register of the parish.
Notation of the conferral of Confirmation is also to be made
in the baptismal register or sent to the church of Baptism.
POLICY 400 (found
also in Diocesan
Handbook)
Promotion of Evangelization
Parishes should promote a process of evangelization which
is sensitive to people of every race and nation, of every language and
culture, rich and poor alike (See General Plan: Unity in Communion and Mission, pages
1-2). Evangelization "means bringing
the Good News of Jesus into every human situation and seeking to convert
individuals and society by the divine power of the Gospel itself. Its essence is the proclamation of
salvation in Jesus Christ and the response of a person in faith, both being
the work of the Spirit of God." (Go
and Make Disciples, Study Edition, page 10.)
Guidelines
for Implementation:
1. An evangelizing parish
recognizes the individual as well as groups and organizations and fosters
their integration into the life and mission of the Church.
2. An evangelizing parish
provides family oriented and intergenerational programs which will hand on
the faith from one generation to another.
2.3 An evangelizing parish
has a structure and atmosphere that will draw new members into becoming
involved, nurtured and strengthened, thus becoming evangelizers themselves.
POLICY
401 (found
also in Diocesan
Handbook)
Goals for Evangelization
Evangelization is understood as a life long commitment by
all who claim Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Goals for evangelization include:
a.) To bring about in all Catholics such an enthusiasm for their faith
that, in living their faith in Jesus, they freely share it with others (Go
and Make Disciples, page 17).
b.) To invite all people…whatever their social or cultural background
to hear the message of salvation in Jesus Christ, so they may come to join us
in the fullness of the Catholic faith (Go and Make Disciples, page
18).
c.) To foster Gospel values in our society, promoting the dignity of
the human person, the importance of the family, and the common good of our
society, so that [we] may continue to be transformed by the saving power of
Jesus Christ (Go and Make Disciples, page 18).
d.) To provide programs which are inclusive of persons with special
needs and which respect the language, cultural diversity, popular piety, and
spirituality of its members.
POLICY
402 (found
also in Diocesan
Handbook)
Small Church Communities
Where it would serve the good of the Church, parishes
should develop small church/Christian communities to empower people and
provide opportunities for them to connect faith and life on a regular basis,
to build up the parish community and to strengthen the life and mission of
the Church. To be authentic, small
communities must remain in union with the local and universal Church and not
become isolated or self serving (See General Directory for Catechesis,
#263).
Guidelines for
Implementation:
1. Small communities meet on a
regular basis for prayer and support, for reflection on the Sunday Scriptures
in light of their own life experience, and for ongoing catechesis leading to
service and outreach.
2. Small communities are comprised of
approximately 8-12 adults who mirror the diversity of the larger parish
community. They build families of
faith which foster a sense of belonging, nurturing, and ongoing conversion in
a safe environment.
3. Facilitators of small
communities should be chosen for their pastoral qualities and should
participate in initial and ongoing formation. Facilitators meet regularly as a group with the pastor and/or pastoral
staff to ensure unity with the vision and mission of the parish.
POLICY
410 (found
also in Diocesan
Handbook)
Process for Initiation of Adults
In accord with the 1972 Decree of the Congregation for Divine
Worship, every parish shall have a process for the Order of Christian
Initiation for Adults and for Children of Catechetical Age, based on the Rite
of Christian Initiation of Adults (hereafter RCIA). This process
is normative for the Christian Initiation of everyone including all cultural
groups and persons with disabilities.
POLICY
411 (found
also in Diocesan
Handbook)
Christian Initiation of Children
The Order of Christian Initiation is to be used for
all unbaptized persons (Catechumens) and baptized Christians but not
Catholics (Candidates) seeking reception into the full communion of the
Catholic Church who have reached the age of reason.
Children of catechetical age, both Catechumens and
Candidates, must follow in the complete adult process of initiation with
adaptations to suit their age and level of understanding (See RCIA,
Part II, Chapter 1).
The Order of Christian Initiation may be used for
baptized uncatechized Catholic adults and children preparing for Confirmation
and the Eucharist, preceded by First Penance. These, however, may be otherwise catechized for the Sacraments of
Penance, Eucharist and Confirmation (For adults, see RCIA, Part II,
Chapter 4).
Modifications of the Order of Christian Initiation are
used for persons in particular circumstances:
1.
catechumens in exceptional circumstances (See RCIA, Part II, Chapter
2);
and
2. persons who have reached the
age of reason, whether catechumens or not, who are in danger of death but are
not at the point of death (See RCIA, Part II, Chapter 3).
Note: The distinction must be
made between the unbaptized who become catechumens and baptized
Christians but not Catholics who become candidates for reception into
the full communion of the Catholic Church.
POLICY 412(found
also in Diocesan
Handbook)
Length of the Catechumenate Period
The process for Christian Initiation, including the
periods of Precatechumenate, Catechumenate, Purification and Enlightenment,
and Mystagogy, should be situated within the life of the parish
community. The period of the
Catechumenate should extend for at least one year of formation and
instruction and should include a thoroughly comprehensive catechesis on the
truths of Catholic doctrine and moral life and a profound sense of the
mystery of salvation (See RCIA, 75, National Statues for the
Catechumenate, 6 and 7).
Guidelines for
Implementation:
1. The parish may celebrate a
Rite of Acceptance more than once in a liturgical year when the readiness of
the inquirers is discerned, however, each catechumen should understand that
the Catechumenate period is at least a year long, not counting the period of
inquiry.
2. Lent is the proper time for
the intense preparation of the elect.
POLICY
413 (found
also in Diocesan
Handbook)
Celebration of the Rites
The rites of the Order of Christian Initiation—to be
celebrated in the context of the Sunday assembly except where the RCIA indicates
otherwise — are the Rite of Acceptance and Welcome, the Scrutinies and the
Sacraments of Initiation.
Guidelines for
Implementation:
It is strongly recommended
that the Rite of Sending be celebrated in the parish on a Sunday prior to or
on the day of the Rite of Election, which is celebrated by the bishop in a
diocesan liturgy.
POLICY
414 (found
also in Diocesan
Handbook)
Team Implementation of the RCIA
The pastor is responsible for the formation of a parish
team to implement the Christian Initiation process.
Guidelines for
Implementation:
The Christian Initiation team
should reflect the cultural and other diversity in the parish and respond to
special catechetical needs.
POLICY
415 (found
also in Diocesan
Handbook)
Celebration of Initiation at the Easter Vigil
The Easter Vigil is the proper time for the celebration of
the sacraments of initiation. Catechumens, including children of catechetical age, are to receive
the sacraments of initiation at the Easter Vigil (See RCIA, 8 and 17; National
Statutes for the Catechumenate, 14 and 18).
POLICY
416 (found
also in Diocesan
Handbook)
Complete Initiation of Children Who Have Reached the
Age of Reason
When a child who has reached the age of reason (seven
years or older) is baptized, the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist are
to be conferred within the same celebration (See National Statutes for the
Catechumenate, 18).
Canon 852.1 states that what is
prescribed in the canons on the baptism of an adult applies to all who have
attained the use of reason.
Canon 97.2 states that with the
completion of the seventh year a person is presumed to have the use of
reason.
Canon 866 states that unless
there is a grave reason to the contrary, an adult who is baptized is to be
confirmed immediately after baptism and participate in the celebration of the
Eucharist, also receiving Communion.
Therefore, children seven years
or older who are baptized are to be confirmed and receive Communion within
the same liturgical celebration.
Furthermore, Canon 883.2 states
that a priest who baptizes a child seven years or older has the faculty of
administering confirmation by the law itself. Canon 885.2 states that a priest who has this faculty must use it for
those in whose favor the faculty was granted. Therefore, neither the priest nor the parents have the option to delay
confirmation for a child who is baptized at age seven years or older.
POLICY
417 (found
also in Diocesan
Handbook)
Participation in Rite of Election and Call to
Continuing Conversion
All parishes with catechumens who will be fully initiated
and/or candidates who will be received into the full communion of the
Catholic Church should participate in the Diocesan Rite of Election and Call
to Continuing Conversion.
Guidelines for
Implementation:
1. All catechumens and candidates (age seven and
above) should participate in the Rite of Election and Call to Continuing
Conversion preceded by the Rite of Sending at the parish.
2. Catholic children, baptized
as infants and celebrating only the sacrament of Eucharist for the first
time, are not considered candidates and should not participate in the Rite of
Election and Call to Continuing Conversion.
POLICY
418 (found
also in Diocesan
Handbook)
Resolution of Previous Marriage Cases
Every effort should be made to assist persons in situating
the process of the annulment or declaration of freedom to marry in the
context of their ongoing conversion to the Catholic Faith.
Persons who have broken marriages in their backgrounds may
be enrolled and admitted as catechumens and candidates, but they should have
already submitted their petitions to the Tribunal before taking these
steps.
These persons may not participate in the Rite of
Election unless their previous marital status has been resolved by the
Tribunal.
Guidelines for
Implementation:
1. Cases of persons in need of
rectifying their marital situation and hoping to be initiated at the Easter
Vigil should be submitted to the Tribunal in the early fall preceding the
Vigil.
2. The Tribunal will attempt
to indicate by Ash Wednesday if the case is headed toward a favorable
completion before the Easter Celebration. This is not a guarantee since some cases experience unusual
difficulties.
3. Persons should not be led
along with false or unreasonable expectations.
POLICY
419 (found also in Diocesan Handbook)
Reception into Full Communion
In accord with the National Statutes for the
Catechumenate, it is preferable that reception into full communion be
celebrated at a time other than the Easter Vigil. However, pastoral reasons may suggest the
use of the combined rites at the Easter Vigil as found in Appendix I of the Rite
of Christian Initiation of Adults. A clear distinction should be made in the celebration between persons
who are being initiated and those who are being received into full communion
(See National Statutes for the Catechumenate, 33 and 34).
Guidelines for Ecumenical
Sensitivity in the Catechumenal Process
Issued
by Bishop Robert Brom, 6/2/97
1. Only if, after serious
investigation, there is doubt whether someone was baptized, or whether
Baptism was conferred validly, should Baptism be administered conditionally.
2. In their initiation
process, Candidates, that is those who have already been baptized,
particularly those who exhibit some degree of Christian formation, should not
be placed Guidelines for Ecumenical Sensitivity in the Catechumenal
Process in the same classification as Catechumens, that is, those
who have not been baptized. However,
for pastoral reasons, candidates may benefit from the same sessions offered
to the catechumens in the initiation process.
3. Candidates are
invited to participate in the Liturgy of the Word and may choose to stay for
the Eucharistic Prayer at Mass, provided they do not receive Communion until
they are fully initiated into the Roman Catholic Church. The choice to remain for the entire Mass
belongs to the candidates. However,
for pastoral reasons, pastors and catechists may wish to invite candidates,
along with catechumens, to participate in dismissal after the Liturgy of the
Word in order to continue breaking open the Word.
4. Candidates should not be
referred to as "converts." Only catechumens,
after their Baptism, are considered to be converts to the Faith.
POLICY
420 (found
also in Diocesan
Handbook)
Preparation of Parents for the Baptism of an Infant
Pastors and/or clergy, with the assistance of a baptismal
team, should prepare parents for the baptism of their child (See Decree on Christian Initiation,
General Introduction, #13). In
addition to the initial interview, at least one formal session of baptismal
preparation should be provided by the parish community.
Guidelines
for Implementation:
1. The baptism of a child
offers a key moment in the evangelization of parents. Every effort should be made to ensure that
the initial contact with the parish, the interview process, and the baptismal
preparation are occasions of welcome, invitation and hospitality. This process of preparation can begin even
before the birth of the child.
2. The initial interview
provides a time to discern the commitment of at least one parent or the
person who lawfully takes the place of the parent to raise the child in the
faith (Code of Canon Law, canon 868). It is also a time to guide parents in the selection of suitable godparents.
3. The preparation process should
assist parents in assuming their role as parents and primary catechists of
their child (canon 851, §2). This
occasion should be viewed as an opportunity for evangelization, helping
parents to grow in their spiritual life from their current level of faith
commitment.
4. The baptismal team should
be comprised of catechists and other qualified lay persons.
POLICY
421 (found
also in Diocesan
Handbook)
Baptismal Catechesis
In preparing for the baptism of their infant, parents are
expected to participate in the parish process of baptismal catechesis before
their infant will be baptized (canon 851, §2). An infant in danger of death is to be
baptized without delay (canon 867, §2).
Guidelines for
Implementation:
1. Baptismal catechesis is to
be based on the Rite itself and assists parents in understanding the meaning
of the sacrament and the obligations which are attached to it (Rite of
Baptism, Introduction #5.1).
2. Parents who have recently
participated in baptismal catechesis (within 2-3 years) are not required to
attend again, but could be encouraged to attend as an opportunity to deepen
their understanding of the sacrament.
POLICY
422 (found
also in Diocesan
Handbook)
Delay of Baptism
Following the long standing tradition, infants are
baptized into the faith of the Church and should not be deprived of the
Sacrament of Baptism (Rite of
Baptism, Introduction, #2).
a.) Infants are considered those who have not yet reached the age of
reason, i.e. seven years of age and those who are not responsible for
themselves (canon 852).
b.) Baptism of infants should be celebrated within a few weeks of
birth (canon 867, §1).
c.) While it is not customary to refuse baptism, the sacrament is to
be delayed if there is not a founded hope that the child will be raised in
the Catholic religion. Parents should
be advised of the reason for the delay (canon 868, §1, 2°).
d.) In the case of single parents or parents in irregular marriages,
baptism should not be delayed if there is a founded hope that the child will
be raised in the Catholic religion.
e.) In cases of pending adoption, baptism should be delayed until the
adoption is finalized.
POLICY
423 (found
also in Diocesan
Handbook)
Requirements of Godparents
Godparents, together with parents, present the infant to
the Church for baptism. The selection
of two godparents is customary, but only one, either male or female, is
required for baptism. If two
godparents are chosen, one should be male and one female (canon 873).
a.) A godparent must be a fully
initiated Catholic (have received Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) and
should have completed his/her sixteenth year unless the pastor makes an
exception for a just cause (canon 874, §1, 2° and 3°).
b.)
A godparent must be a practicing Catholic leading a life in harmony with the
Catholic faith and the role of godparent (canon 874, §1, 3° and 4°).
c.)
A godparent cannot be the parent of the infant (canon 874, §1, 5°).
d.)
Godparents are to be encouraged to participate in a parish baptismal
preparation process.
A Christian, baptized in another faith tradition, may not
serve as godparent, but may serve as a witness along with the Catholic
godparent and should be recorded accordingly (canon 874, §2).
Guidelines for
Implementation:
1. Parents take responsibility for choosing a
godparent or godparents who will serve as good examples for living the
Catholic way of life. As a mark of the
continuity between baptism and confirmation, a godparent may later serve as
the sponsor of the child when he or she is confirmed (canon 893, §2). A Christian witness may not serve as a
sponsor for confirmation.
2.Where there is a cultural
practice of multiple godparents, pastors may allow the family to involve a
number of people in the celebration. However, only one set of godparents is recorded (canon 873).
POLICY
424 (found
also in Diocesan
Handbook)
Responsibility of Parents to Insure Religious Education
Following baptism, it is the responsibility of the parents
to raise the child in the faith and ensure the child’s formal religious
education. It is the responsibility of
the parish to provide support and assistance to parents in raising their
children in the faith (Rite of Baptism, Introduction, #5.5). |
