Sacrament Preparation
The normal process for a person exploring the possibility of becoming Catholic is called Rite of Christian Initiation (RCIA), a combination of catechetical sessions and public rituals. The process, of no particular length of time, is structured considering the background and questions of the person, while providing a broadly based understanding of the Church. The goal is always to offer a thorough presentation of the Church’s life and teaching to enable the person to make an informed decision about becoming Catholic.
If you are interested in attending, please contact Deacon Bill Pettit.
Interested in Learning about The Catholic Faith?
Please contact Deacon Bill Petti, who will be glad to meet with those interested in finding our more about the Catholic faith. We welcome your inquiry and look forward to talking to those interested in finding out more about Catholicism.
Baptism
Infants and children under seven years of age become Catholic through the Rite of Baptism of Infants. After parents participate in a Parent Preparation Session, scheduled quarterly with the date and time of each session publicized in the Sunday Bulletin several weeks in advance of the session, the child’s Baptism date may be scheduled by contacting the Parish Office.
Process for Child or Teen Baptism after age of reason until teen years (approximately 7 and up)
Following preparation, including regular Sunday Mass attendance, children and teens will be fully initiated (Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation) into the Church at the next Easter Vigil Mass. If the child or teen is in a Catholic school, individual or small group sessions will be held in addition to religion class. If the child is not in a Catholic school, they should attend PRE regularly. Individual sessions may be held as well. Parents will be invited to attend sacramental preparation meetings. More intense preparation will take place from January until the Easter Vigil. Parents should begin communications with the Director of Religious Education to understand and begin the process.
Adults follow the Rite of Christian Initiation process.
Reconciliation
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is currently available on Saturday from 3:30–4:30 pm and on Sundays from 9:30–9:50 am and 11:30–11:50 am. Of course, an appointment may be made with one of the priests for the celebration of the sacrament at any other time.
First Communion & First Reconciliation
Children in the second grade of our Cathedral School and in our Parish Religious Education Program are prepared for the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Communion. Diocesan norms require that preparing for these Sacraments be a two year process. Children who are not attending Catholic schools should be attending our Sunday morning catechesis sessions for two years before First Communion or Confirmation (usually grades 1-2). Usually, First Reconciliation falls during Lent and First Communion, during the Easter Season.
Confirmation
In the Diocese of Memphis, Confirmation is celebrated for those in the eighth grade or above. Besides preparation through the Cathedral School and Religious Education Program, students participate in six additional sessions of particular preparation for the celebration of the Sacrament. Diocesan norms require that preparing for Confirmation be a two year process. Children who are not attending Catholic schools should be attending our Sunday morning catechesis sessions for two years before Confirmation (usually grades 7-8). The Confirmation year is comprised of additional requirements such as service hours, parent and confirmandi meetings, confirmation sessions and a retreat.
Adults who are interested in being confirmed will be prepared within the Rite of Christian Initiation process.
Matrimony
The parish community of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception welcomes couples to celebrate the sacrament of Matrimony. The Cathedral staff offers many services to assist a couple in their celebration. The beautiful setting of the Cathedral gives a wonderful environment for the sacred celebration of the covenant of marriage. When planing a wedding at the Cathedral we offer some very special services as a part of the contract with us.
Services We Offer
- A General Wedding Meeting will provide information on planning the music, selecting the readings, and forms for the florist and photographer.
- A Liturgy Planner will assist in selecting the music for the wedding. The organist and cantor will be provided. Additional musicians will be booked by our staff.
- The Wedding Ministry will be available throughout the planning to answer questions. We will provide a Wedding Coordinator for the rehearsal. This coordinator will be present the day of the wedding to assist in any way needed.
- Your Wedding program will be prepared and printed for the wedding, which will include the music and other Liturgical guides for the guests.
For information on planning a wedding at the Cathedral, please email, karen.gephart@ic.cdom.org
Scheduling a Wedding at The Cathedral
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- What dates are you considering?
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- Have you contacted a Presider (priest or deacon to preside at your wedding)?
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- Will you celebrate the sacrament within a Mass?
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- In what parish are you registered?
Click here to access the Cathedral wedding music sample recordings.
Overview of Matrimony from the USCCB
The video introduced by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, “Saying I Do: What Happens at a Catholic Wedding,” includes a brief overview of the sacrament and an explanation of the three forms of the Rite of Marriage.
Anointing of the Sick
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is celebrated communally once each year, but may be scheduled anytime there is cause for concern about a serious illness or medical procedure. Call the Parish Office for an apponitment or in case of an emergency at (901)725-2700.
Holy Orders
If interested in exploring a vocation as a vowed religious or priest, you may talk to the Diocesan Vocation Director, Director of Vocations, Fr. Jacek Kowal, by calling (901) 373-1243/1262. Also, visit the Diocesan Vocations website.