Children who are not of catechetical age:

Parents who wish to seek the Sacrament of Baptism for their children who are not of catechetical age are invited to call the Christian Formation Office to schedule a date and time for a preparation session(s).

The parents need to be registered members of the parish. If the parents have a special affiliation with another Catholic church (i.e. church of their baptism and/or marriage), special arrangements need to be made between the pastors of OLBS and that parish.

The Church defines the age of reason to be seven years old. Children of this age or older

are to be prepared for baptism following an age-appropriate RCIA model. The

preparation process is to help the child understand the need for a relationship with Christ,

being part of the Body of Christ and to follow Jesus’ command to love others through

service.

 

This preparation is to be separate from regular religious education class time and

time for prayer and reflection is incorporated.

Effort is made so that these children are fully initiated into the Catholic faith at the Easter Vigil as the process is designed the same as adults – reception of the three sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation).

The diocesan requirement states that all children must actively participate in two consecutive years of catechesis (at OLBS or previous parish) in order to receive sacramental preparation. 

The preparation is in addition to regular religious education classes.

The preparation is a combination of home-based learning as well as classroom.

Catechetical sessions are held for the parents and materials are provided.

In the Diocese of Richmond, teens celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation during their sophomore year.

Preparation is in addition to regular religious education classes.

Students meet in the evening, on average twice per month, and are required to attend a Day of Reflection/Retreat.

Couples should contact the pastor six months prior to the wedding date.

 Longer consideration should be given in the case of previous marriages that may need to go through the annulment process.

 In addition to meeting with the pastor, the couple is encouraged to attend an Engaged Encounter Weekend.

The pastor must give permission for the celebration of the sacrament to take place in another parish or to have another priest officiate at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament.

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