Membership in the Catholic Church is effected through the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation, specifically, Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation. The other of the Seven Sacraments of the Catholic Church are received as needed or chosen by the members: Reconciliation (Penance or Confession), Matrimony (Marriage), Holy Orders (Ordination to clerical ministry), and Anointing of the Sick. St. Peter and St. Paul Catholic Community has several programs which serve the preparation needs of those who seek to join the Catholic Church, founded by Jesus Christ, through Baptism. These programs are geared to the needs and maturity level of the person, child, teen or adult, who approaches the baptismal font.

Infant Baptism

The Sacrament of Baptism has undergone changes in recent years. The Catholic Church has placed a greater emphasis on the need for preparation on the part of the parents and the godparents. Second, the community dimension of the sacrament is now the main emphasis. Therefore, "private" baptisms are no longer encouraged. The Baptism team helps the parents and the godparents understand the reasons behind these changes. They also encourage them to realize and live out their responsibilities to the child being baptized. The program includes special afternoons of preparation, and usually a six month notice is required. The program includes instruction, faith community formation, and participation in the sacramental and worship life of the parish in an ongoing manner. Details may be obtained from the parish office, at 987-9312 or visit the Baptism page.

RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)

This program is a restoration of the ancient practice of adult initiation in to the Catholic Church, known as the Catechumenate. It is a process of discerning and ritualizing the stages of conversion, leading to sacramental initiation through the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist, celebrated at the Easter Vigil service. The candidates and the Catechumens are led through a formal, regular, weekly program of catechesis that explains the Catholic Faith, promotes community among the Sponsors (those already Catholic who act as support and guides) and those approaching the Faith (the Inquirers, the Candidates, the Catechumens). This process is not just a personal journey for converts. It is a community journey. By the community’s example and through their support of, and ministry to the Catechumens as sponsors, Godparents, and witnesses, the RCIA serves to revive the missionary spirit and personal spirituality of all the faithful. Although this program focuses on adults who seek to join the church, those young adults and teens who are not yet confirmed or who have not yet received the Eucharist are allowed to participate in this process, and its culminating activities at Easter, with approval.   Please call the parish office for information.

Teen Confirmation Program

The reception of this sacrament completes for teens the initiation process begun at Baptism. Confirmation continues the promise made by parents at the Baptism of their son or daughter. Parents were told on that occasion to make it their constant care to bring up their child in the practice of faith. Preparation for Confirmation means that the baptized child is now ready to move into the larger Christian family of the parish community and the universal church. It also means that the candidate is ready and willing to take on the responsibilities of a more mature Catholic Christian.

The Confirmation preparation program, its classes and other requirements, is supervised by the Youth Ministry Office of the parish. Parents are asked to continue as their children’s guides in this time. They cooperate and support the parish Youth Ministry and Confirmation preparation program. The Confirmation Program may begin in the Sophomore year of high school. The Sacrament may not be received earlier than the junior year in high school, or 16 years old.

The catechesis program is explained on the Youth page.  You may call Youth Ministry at 987-9312 ext 300 or email at ymsecretary@stpeterstpaul.com 

First Eucharist and First Reconciliation (Penance)

You may call the Religious Education office at 980-9423 or email them at cre@stpeterstpaul.com

Matrimony (Marriage)

Preparation for Marriage is an important program of the parish community. The Pastor and Deacons and those who assist in this preparation wish to create an environment for weddings that will reflect the Catholic Christian traditions of the Faith. The entire Marriage Preparation Team believes that the wedding is for a day, and the marriage is for a lifetime. They strive to provide a perfect day for the bride and groom. Further, the Diocese of San Bernardino requires at least a six month period of preparation for marriage. The period commences from the time of the first appointment with a priest or deacon of the parish. No wedding date can be set until the initial meeting has taken place. At St. Peter and St. Paul Parish, the prescribed program requires approximately four months to complete. During the preparation period, the couple meets with a Team Couple trained in the Evenings for the Engaged Program (Sadlier) for six evenings. Interspersed are meetings with the priest or deacon who will perform the wedding, as well as a Wedding Rehearsal Couple who assist the young couple with the details of the sacramental celebration and the wedding day itself. The sessions with the Preparation Team Couple are conducted in their home at a time convenient for both the Team Couple and the engaged couple.

Part of the preparation period is an engaged couples retreat and a betrothal ceremony at the end of the day-long workshops of the Saturday retreat. This ceremony is a formal promise that the engaged couple make to each other before the gathered congregation, allowing the community of St. Peter and St. Paul to be their witness, and to request their prayers for a spiritual preparation and a lifetime of commitment to each other.

Please call the parish office at 987-9312 for further information.