For Infants:
The Sacrament of Baptism is usually celebrated the first and Sunday of the month following the 11:30 a.m. Mass in Church. Occasionally we can arrange another time or during a Sunday Mass. For a child to be baptized at St. Gerard Majella, the parents must be members of our parish and faithful Catholics. To assure that parents have a full understanding of what it means to have their child Baptized into the Catholic faith they will be asked to attend a learning and faith-sharing gathering. Materials for Godparents are available. This can be coordinated by calling Kathy George 314-965-3985 x10 or Leslie Walrath, the Pastoral Associate at 314.965.3985 x17.
For School-Age Children: Ready, Set, Grow
Children who have reached the age of reason, (usually seven or older), who have not been baptized or who have been baptized in another faith, and/or who have not received the Sacraments of the Eucharist or Reconciliation at the traditional age of second grade, may seek membership in the Catholic Church through this process. The children’s progress in faith education and spiritual formation depends on the help and example of their companions and the influence of their parents. Parent involvement is essential. Call Leslie Walrath at 314-965-3985x17 for details.
For Adults - Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA):
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is the process in which a person who is not baptized or baptized in another faith denomination journeys with others like them and other Catholics to be fully initiated in the Catholic faith. It is a process of formation. There are four steps in this formation process which culminates at the Easter Vigil with the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation, Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. The parish community, through its prayers, witness, worship, service, and catechesis, offers the invitation and support for the men and women to initiated into the Catholic Church. Weekly meetings are held beginning in September and ending in May. Call Leslie Walrath at 314-965-3985x17 for more details.