Sacraments

Adult preparation for the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Communion

RCIA - Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults

For individuals discerning or actively seeking membership in the Roman Catholic Church we offer a process through which he or she may explore the teachings of the church, sacred scripture and life in the Christian community. This process also serves to prepare persons baptized in other Christian traditions who would like to embrace and profess the Roman Catholic faith and baptized Catholics who wish to celebrate their First Holy Communion and / or Confirmation.

Preparation includes prayer, reflection and small group discussion of the Sunday scriptures and a series of classes meeting bi-weekly through the academic year. Both types of sessions are tailored to the needs of the participants. The sacraments are celebrated at the Easter Vigil in the spring. For further information please contact the Chaplains Office (link at left).

• Infant Baptism and Confirmation

  Contact the Chaplains Office (link at left).

• First Communion and First Reconciliation

  Contact the Chaplains Office (link at left).

• The Sacrament of Marriage

  Contact the Pastor (link at left).

• The Sacrament of the Sick

  Contact the Chaplains Office (link at left).

• The Sacrament of Holy Orders

  Contact the Chaplains Office (link at left) or the Diocese of Albany Vocations Office at 453-6670.

PROTECTION OF CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has issued its first report assessing compliance by dioceses nationwide with “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.” This report is based on a thorough review by independent auditors of the work of U.S. dioceses since June 2002 to establish effective procedures to receive, investigate and act upon complaints of clergy sexual abuse of minors; to prevent future abuse through background checks and the creation of safe environment programs, and to promote healing by providing comfort and assistance to victims, among other goals.

Independent auditors found the Albany Diocese in complete compliance with all provisions of the Charter. The USCCB’s full report an recommendations can be read at www.usccb.org. The report on the Albany Diocese audit and full information about our Diocese’s programs to address clergy sexual abuse of minors is available at www.rcda.org or by calling the Diocese’s toll-free information line at 1-800-931-6058.

The Albany Diocese has a zero tolerance policy for clergy sexual abuse of minors. We encourage all victims of clergy sexual abuse to come forward for help. To report an incident of abuse, please contact the Albany Diocese Victims/Survivors Assistance Coordinator, Theresa F. Rodrigues at (518) 453-6646, or write to her at victim.assistance@rcda.org.