PASTORAL CENTER
phone (310) 285-5425 fax (310) 285-5433
505 N. Bedford Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 (map)
Baptism
The Sacrament of Baptism
Infant Baptism
The Sacrament of Baptism is often called "The door of the Church," because it is the first of the seven sacraments not only in time but in priority, since the reception of the other sacraments depends on it. Once baptized, a person becomes a member of the Church.
Infant Baptisms are performed on the fourth (4 th) Sunday of the month and the parents of the infant must be registered Good Shepherd Parishioners. Parents of the child are required to attend a Baptism Class, which is normally held from 7:00 to 8:00 PM on the Thursday prior to the fourth (4 th) Sunday of the month. Godparents are also welcome to attend this class.
An infant baptism application must be filled out and submitted to the Good Shepherd Parish Office.
Please remember that no baptisms are performed during Lent.
Contact
For more information regarding Infant Baptism please contact Phyllis Hernandez in the Good Shepherd Parish Office at 310-285-5425
Adult Baptism
Adult Baptism is an integral part of the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) program.
The RCIA program, which encompasses Adult Baptism, consists of two phases, that of inquiry and that of a catechumen.
The first phase (inquiry) is a time for questions. Set in an open atmosphere, this stage allows for the investigation of the Catholic Church: what Catholics believe, the sacraments and other matters of interest to anyone embarked on a faith journey.
The second phase (that of a catechumen) is a time of commitment. As a catechumen, and after discernment, the individual, together with others who have made a similar decision, proceeds along a spiritual path which leads toward baptism, communion, and confirmation. At this point, the focus is on various elements of Christian theology and experience: prayer, the Holy Scriptures, the sacraments, the Mass, and the Catholic life.
Although the program tends to begin in the fall, people interested are welcome at any time. There is no time limit, as each faith journey is personal. Anyone who wants to join can contact Sister Virginia at the Good Shepherd Parish Office.
Contact
For more information, please contact Sister Virginia Stehly, C. S. J., Director, RCIA and Adult Confirmation at (310) 285-5425.
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