Baptism Preparation

St. Joseph Church Baptism Preparation Ministry accompanies parents as they prepare for the Baptism of their children. Together we reflect on their Catholic Faith Life that brought them to the waters of Baptism for their children and we welcome our newest members into our Faith Community. We aim to help them strengthen their awareness of the graces of their Baptism in their daily lives in their relationship with their children. We aspire to follow Jesus’ words in Mathew 28:19-20: “Go, then, to all peoples and make them my disciples: baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit and teach them to obey everything I commanded you. And I will be with you always, to the end of time.” This Baptism ministry is a great way to share your faith insights with young families.

Ministry Contacts

English
Mary Louise Fessel
lithotone@earthlink.net
baptism@earthlink.net

Spanish
Mercedes Portillo and Argentina Rojas
portillom61@aol.com

Catechists

The Office of Faith Formation serves Catholic families and provides the environment and tools they need to grow in their understanding and practice of the faith.

There are different ways in which you can serve on our catechetical team. The time commitment varies depending on the program. We have monthly faith formation sessions, special needs programs and sacramental preparation sessions. There are also opportunities for those who would rather help with online or web-based programs and volunteers interested in helping with administrative tasks.

Ministry Contact

Jennifer Zwernemann
jzwernemann@stjosephbogota.org

RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)

New members are welcomed into the Catholic Church through a process of education, faith sharing and rituals known as the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA). This process includes several stages marked by prayer, study and discussion. The RCIA process follows the ancient practice of the Church and was restored by the Second Vatican Council as the normal way adults prepare for Baptism. Full initiation into the Catholic Church includes Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation. Included in this process are those who have never been baptized as well as those, having been baptized, wish to complete their initiation into the Church through reception of Eucharist and Confirmation.

The RCIA process can be adapted to meet the specific needs of children age seven or older as well as older youth. Full initiation into the Catholic Church includes Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation. Included in this process are those who have never been baptized as well as those, having been baptized, wish to complete their initiation into the Church through the reception of Eucharist and Confirmation.

The RCIA is more than learning about the Church – it is becoming a member of a believing community. It is more than studying about Jesus – it is growing in friendship with him.

Ministry Contacts

English
Charles Sutter
charles.sutter@verizon.net

Spanish
Ximena Rivera
ximenarivera78@yahoo.com