Sacraments
The present diocesan sacramental guidelines, Called to Faith: Diocesan Guidelines for Sacramental Preparation for Sacraments of Initiation and First Reconciliation, Study Text Edition, 1997 are currently under revision.
- You may view the present guidelines, Called to Faith
Read about the revision project below. The revised Diocesan Instruction for First Sacraments will be introduced in June 2012. For questions regarding first sacraments, contact Emily Filippi, efilippi@richmonddiocese.org
Preparation and Formation for Infant Baptism, First Penance, First Holy Communion and Initiation of Children of Catechetical Age
Year of Study, 2010-2011: The Christian Formation Commission (CFC) committed to a year of study of the church documents related to these sacraments. Fr. Tony Marques presented a general sacramental theology session and Fr. Wayne Ball presented a general Canon Law for sacraments session for the members. Fr. Tony Marques also presented an enrichment session on Appreciating Hispanic Traditions and Spirituality. The CFC studied each of the sacraments, examining the ritual texts and other related Church documents.
Year of Development, 2011-2012
Summer-Fall 2011: Begin draft writing of Diocesan Instruction for the Sacraments of infant Baptism,
First Penance, First Holy Communion and Initiation of Children of Catechetical Age
Writers
OCE Staff – Emily Filippi, Melanie Coddington, Sheri Kemp
CFC Members – Fr. Tony Marques, Deacon Mike Johnson, Amy Woods, Margie Curtis, Pat Mundy
Diocesan Staff – Fr. Wayne Ball, Nita Grignol, Sr. Inma Cuesta
Consultant – Katie McMaster
Winter 2012: Circulate 1st draft to Msgr. Francis Muench; circulate revised draft to Reviewers.
Jan-May 2012: Provide information to Pastors, Leaders about the goals and progress of the Diocesan Instruction for the Sacraments
May 2012: as part of the Sullivan Conference 2012: Making Sense of Mystery: Theological, Pastoral and Practical Approaches to Sacraments in the Parish Community Keynote Speaker – V. Rev., Andrew D. Ciferni, O. Praem
May 15-16, 2012: Tue-Wed – English (Cultural Arts Center, Richmond/St. Andrew, Roanoke)
May 19, 2012: Saturday – Spanish (Cultural Arts Center, Richmond)
Year of Implementation
June 2012: Introduce Diocesan Instruction for the Sacraments of Infant Baptism, First Penance, First Holy Communion and Initiation of Children of Catechetical Age
Summer-Fall 2012: Hold implementation/orientation workshops in all vicariates. Sponsor workshops (OCE subsidized) for families/catechists on nurturing family spirituality.
August 2012: Host the North American Forum on the Catechumenate – Children and Initiation Institute; August 3-4, 2012; Roslyn Retreat Center, Richmond.