Initial Reception of the Sacraments
“In the Sacraments of Christian Initiation we are freed from the power of darkness and joined to Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. We receive the Spirit of filial adoption and are part of the entire people of God in the celebration of the memorial of the Lord’s death and resurrection” (Christian Initiation, General Introduction, no. 1).
Provided here are resources for those in various stages of receiving the Sacraments of Initiation and for the Pastors and Parish Staffs who care for and accompany them.
Resources for Individuals
All individuals are asked to contact their local parish in order to begin the proper preparations for the Sacraments of Initiation. If you do not know your local parish, please use the “Find a Parish” resource below.
For adults who are seeking to be baptized in the Catholic Church but who have not yet entered the OCIA process: please explore the “Discover the Faith” resource below.
For adults who have been baptized in another Christian denomination: please explore the “Discover the Faith” resource below.
For adults who have been baptized Catholic but have not received First Communion or Confirmation: please explore the “Discover the Faith” resource below.
Resources for Pastors and Parish Staffs
For the annual Rite of Election and of the Call to Continuing Conversion: please see the “OCIA” resource below.
For Confirmation with 8th or 9th graders who have already been baptized and received First Communion in the Catholic Church: please see the “Confirmation: Parishes” resource below.
For Confirmation for adults (beyond 9th grade) who have already been baptized and received First Communion in the Catholic Church: please see the “Confirmation: Adults” resource below.
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Photo Credit: Lori Fowlkes (Confirmation at St Mary, Fredericksburg 2018)
Find a Parish
Find a parish in the Diocese of Arlington with a map organized by parish boundaries.
Discover the Faith
Learn more about becoming Catholic or how to start learning about the Catholic faith.
OCIA: Rite of Election
Read information on the Rite of Election.
Confirmation: Parishes
Read information, guidelines, and updates on the celebration of Confirmation in the Diocese of Arlington.
Confirmation: Adults
Read information and updates on the annual celebration of Confirmation for adults who have been baptized and received First Communion in the Catholic Church.
Catechetical Resources
Find programs, policies, forms, and other information about catechetical ministries in the Diocese.
Resources for Prayer and Worship
Explore the riches of prayer in the Catholic tradition and deepen your relationship with Christ.