The Baptism team was formed during the summer of 1996. The team is comprised of three members who represent St. Anne Parish community at both Baptism catechesis and at the Baptism ritual. All three members are involved in many other aspects of parish life.

The team meets on the first Wednesday of each month with the pastor or deacon and the parents of the candidates for Baptism, who are usually infants. The Godparents are also invited to attend this meeting.

Each member of the team participates fully in the catechesis program and each has a specific role such as: welcome and introductions, video explanation, and presentation. Each team member offers his/her personal reflections and impressions of the impact of Baptism on his/her life’s experience and that of family and friends. The pastor or deacon makes a formal presentation followed by a group discussion and a question and answer period. Additionally, educational literature on baptism is distributed and private appointments with the pastor are scheduled at this time.

The sacrament of baptism is celebrated on the first Sunday of each month, excluding Lent, in the main church. The team prepares the Sanctuary and the church in advance for the reception of the sacrament, i.e. placement of Baptismal font, of the sacred oils, the candles, the white garments, and appropriate linens.

Again as representatives of St. Anne Parish Community, the team welcomes the families and escorts the infant’s parents and godparents into the church to an assigned section. The team provides hands on assistance to the priest or deacon throughout the Baptism ritual.

Baptismal documents prepared by a team member, as well as a baptismal candle and medals, are presented to each family. The sanctuary is returned to its original state after celebratory photographs are taken and families depart.

Members of the Baptism team attend appropriate workshops regarding the celebration of the Sacrament of Baptism.

A program designed for adults who, after learning the mystery of Christ proclaimed, consciously and fully seeks the living God and enters the way of faith and conversion as the Holy Spirit opens their hearts. By God’s help they will be strengthened spiritually during their preparation and at the proper time will receive the sacraments fully.

There is a team of catechists who meet with interested individuals to journey with them on their spiritual pathway, to share experiences, and to be supportive parish community members.

The new Catholic Vision by Mark Link, S.J. is the text used for RCIA. This text presents the Good News in a way that is faithful to Scripture, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and the story telling style of Jesus. The goal of the text is to communicate the basics of our Catholic faith within a constant vision of the Faith that emerges step-by-step in the course of the RCIA program.

Classes are usually held on Sunday mornings (but this is flexible).

The interested individual chooses the appropriate time to receive the Sacraments, which is usually at the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday evening.

The Rite of Christian Initiation for Children (RCIC) is a catechetical formation program for children aged 8-15 years. Individuals who are baptized but uncatechized are prepared for First Penance and First Communion. Those who are unbaptized are prepared for the Sacraments of Baptism and Eucharist.

The Religious Education Coordinator for K-6 conducts the program. The parents of candidates for this program should contact the rectory to register.