The sacraments were established by Jesus Christ as necessary for our salvation. The sacraments of initiation are Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Communion. If you are a non-Catholic or Catholic (aged 18 or older) who has never received the sacraments of Holy Communion, Penance, or Confirmation, contact St. Peter's Parish about preparing for these important sacraments. Remote preparation for initiation into the Church requires developing a habit of fidelity to conversation with God through prayer both private and public. Private prayer involves learning from God's words how to speak back to God. God's words to us are contained in the Sacred Scripture or Bible and in the Holy Tradition of the Church. Thus, reading the Holy Bible (among the many Catholic translations, Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (RSVCE) and especially, the Ignatius Catholic Study Bible) and the Catechism of the Catholic Church are indispensable to learn how to speak about God and to God. Private prayer involves sacred reading, praying memorized rote prayers, and using your own words to talk to God. But the source and summit of prayer is the Sacred Liturgy, especially Holy Mass. To prepare for initiation into the Church, it is necessary that you build up the habit of keeping the Lord's Day holy by prayerfully be present at Holy Mass on Saturday evenings or Sunday and on Holy Days of Obligation. While the uninitiated cannot be invited to partake of Holy Communion, you can make a spiritual act of Holy Communion. By your public and communal participation in the Sacred Liturgy, you will come to know and become known by those who will be your brothers and sisters in Christ. Remote preparation also involves seeking authentic resources to learn more about what Catholics believe and why. One recommended book is The Faith Explained by Leo Trese. Faith is not blind. While some of the revealed doctrines of the Faith will never be completely grasped by our limited human minds, the act of believing is based on the reasonableness of trusting the authority of God who is the Truth who can never deceive nor be deceived. Through study, the gift of inchoate faith instilled in your mind by God seeks understanding. Our parish has membership on Formed | On-Demand Catholic Movies, Audio Books, Podcasts & More. Parishioners and potential parishioners are invited to dive deeper into the Catholic Faith by exploring their resources. It is envisioned that St. Peter's Adult Faith Formation classes will start in late Summer and continue regularly until the Easter Vigil for adults responding to God's call to become Catholic or to complete their initiation. The day and time of classes will be announced to those who have contacted the parish by the late spring of the previous year. God's revelation teaches us that God wills all people to become members of His Church. Therefore, the goal of St. Peter's Faith Formation is to help individuals discern God's inspiration in their lives. To inquire or to register, call 845-452-8580 x 3 or email [email protected]