Sacramental Preparation

Baptism for Children Age 7 and Older

A family-centered journey of faith leading to the sacraments of Christian initiation.
At St. Anthony

Christian initiation adapted for children

Dear Parents,


We are very happy to welcome you and your child to St. Anthony the Abbot Catholic Church. For Catholic Christians, Baptism is the beginning of all Christian life. Jesus instructed His disciples to “baptize them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19–20).


Children age seven and older need to be taught to know, love, and serve Jesus Christ. The process that assists parents in teaching their children to follow Christ is called the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults Adapted for Children.



Your child must complete one full year of Faith Formation in the appropriate grade. Upon successful completion, the child enters the OCIA process the following year. At the end of these sessions, the child receives the Sacraments of Christian Initiation—Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist—at the Easter Vigil liturgy on Holy Saturday.

Beginning A new life in Christ

Why is my child being prepared for Confirmation and Holy Eucharist in addition to Baptism?

In the early Church, after completing the stages of initiation, children and adults were welcomed into the Church at the Easter Vigil liturgy on Holy Saturday and received Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist. In the same way today, children, teens, and adults receive all three Sacraments of Christian Initiation at the Easter Vigil.

From the time of the apostles, becoming a Christian has been accomplished by a journey and initiation in several stages. This journey can be covered rapidly or slowly, but certain essential elements will always have to be present: proclamation of the Word, acceptance of the Gospel entailing conversion, profession of faith, Baptism itself, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and admission to Eucharistic communion.

Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1229

What are the goals of OCIA Adapted for Children?

  • To develop a relationship with Jesus Christ
  • To develop a life of prayer with God and one’s family
  • To know the Bible, the sacraments, and the teachings of the Catholic faith
  • To be fully prepared to receive Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist

When will my child receive the Sacraments of Christian Initiation?

If your child faithfully attends the sessions for two years and attends Sunday Mass each week, he or she will receive Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist at the next Easter Vigil liturgy on Holy Saturday.

What is the role of parents, grandparents, and family in this process?

Family involvement is very important. Children cannot learn to be patient, generous, humble, and prayerful solely from a class that meets once a week. They need parents, grandparents, and godparents who live and pray the faith. Parents are responsible for leading their children in daily prayer at home and attending Mass weekly.



The Church community assists parents in their commitment to raise their child in the Catholic faith. Although the parish provides OCIA formation adapted for children, parents remain their children’s primary teachers.

The family is the community in which, from childhood, one can learn moral values, begin to honor God, and make good use of freedom.

Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2207
Parish Office

Have a question about preparation?

 The parish office can explain requirements, schedules, records, and the next step for your family.