Sacramental Education Ministries
- Baptismal Preparation
Presenting a child to receive the Sacrament of Baptism is a serious obligation for the parents and requires a faith commitment by registered, practicing Catholics. At least one Godparent must be an active, practicing Catholic and must obtain a sponsor certificate from their parish. Parents seeking baptism for their child should call the church office to register for the baptism preparation class and to obtain all necessary instruction and paperwork. Children ages seven and older, who are in need of baptism, participate in the RCIC/RCIA program.
Contact: Kathy Kehnast 740-654-1893 - Confirmation
Confirmation is a Sacrament wherein we invoke the coming of the Holy Spirit into the life of the candidate - it completes Baptism. To be eligible for the Sacrament of Confirmation, students must be at least in the 8th grade and have received Baptism and First Holy Eucharist. They must have completed at least 2 years of Religious Education Program immediately prior to the Confirmation year. This needs to be documented. Attendance at Confirmation classes and retreat is required. The Bishop (or his delegated priest representative) usually administers Confirmation in the spring.
Contact: Jim Barlow 740-385-8083 - Marriage Encounter
Learn how to enhance, renew and deepen your Christian marriage. Take a weekend away from all distractions (job, kids, chores) to focus only on each other. For more information visit www.wwme.org.
Contact: Paul and Marilou Clouse 740-746-9003 - Marriage Preparation/Pre Cana
No date for a marriage ceremony can be scheduled until an interview with the priest or deacon at St. Bernadette has been conducted. Marriage is a ritual which begins a lifetime of self-giving and love. It is a sacred event. Please contact priest/deacon for more information on the Church's teachings on married life and God's plan. F.O.C.C.U.S. (Facilitates Open Couple Communication, Understanding & Study) conducted by priest/deacons is required prior to making any wedding preparations. It is a day of programs offered to engaged couples to help in the planning of their life together. Pre Cana or Engaged Encounter Weekend (conducted by the Diocese of Columbus) must be completed before wedding date. Call 614-241-2560 for more information about Pre-Cana and FOCCUS or visit www.engaged.org.
Contact: Fr. Thomas Kessler 740-654-1893,
Contact: Fr. John Reade 740-503-2827,
Contact: Deacon Mark Scarpitti 740-468-1042 or
Contact: Deacon Paul Deshaies 740-687-6085 - Rites of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
This is an ongoing ministry of introducing adults into membership in the Catholic Church. The RCIA process is for people seeking baptism, for baptized Christians seeking full communion with the Catholic Church, for interested inquirers (Catholic or not) who just want to learn more, for baptized Catholics who have not been catechized or have not received Confirmation or Holy Communion. The RCIA is a wonderful opportunity to learn about the Catholic Church, join with others searching in the faith, and to work with people of the parish who serve as sponsors for the candidates. RCIA begins when people come forward for such learning; it lasts formally from September through Pentecost.
Contact: Kathy Kehnast 740-654-1893
