Becoming Catholic
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 Lord’s death and resurrection.” (General Introduction to RCIA, 1)
The Church welcomes those who have not been baptized in any Christian denomination and who want to join the Catholic Church through the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. She also welcomes Christians already baptized in another Christian denomination who wish to complete their sacraments of initiation in the Catholic Church.
Catholics returning to the practice of the Catholic faith after some absence from the Church may also attend these faith formation classes.
Faith formation classes at Our Lady of the Lake meets on Sunday mornings from 9:30 AM- 10:45 AM.
For more information, refer to “Frequently Asked Questions” or the contact our RCIA Director Babs Rector bertottb@aol.com or 615-305-1580.
Pre-RCIA/Inquiry sessions
The first few weeks of RCIA are for anyone seeking to learn more about Christianity and the Catholic faith, even those who are unsure about joining the Catholic Church. During these “Inquiry Sessions”, the catechists (teachers) will discuss general topics about God and about the Catholic Church, and attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions.
For information about Inquiry, contact RCIA Director Babs Rector bertottb@aol.com or 615-305-1580.
Schedule and Topics
Faith Formation classes meet on Sundays at 9:40 AM in room 206. Contact RCIA Director Babs Rector for schedule of class sessions and for more information bertottb@aol.com or use the form at the bottom of the page.
Materials Used in the Process
The materials used in faith formation classes at Our Lady of the Lake are the Bible, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and handouts from Ligouri Press’s Catholic Update. We will provide these for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
To find answers to FAQs about joining the Catholic Church, like “What is RCIA?”, “Who attends faith formation classes?”, etc., please refer to the FAQ page.
Need more information? Contact RCIA Director Babs Rector bertottb@aol.com or 615-305-1580 or use the contact form below.
Baptism
The sacrament of baptism ushers us into the divine life, cleanses us from sin, and initiates us as members of the Christian community. It is the foundation for the sacramental life.
- Infant Baptismal Formation
- Baptism preparation sessions are required of first-time parents prior to scheduling a baptism. To begin the process, please contact Michael Smith at 615-338-3910 or michaels@ololcc.org
- Adult Baptism
- RCIA is designed for non-Catholics who wish to learn more about the Catholic Church. The RCIA process explores the meaning of faith and how Catholics express that faith in the community and in the world. It offers a chance to ask questions, raise doubts, acquire information, share, learn and grow. The process helps seekers to discern whether or not God is calling them to become Catholic. Those who complete the process celebrate the sacraments of Baptism (if needed), First Eucharist and Confirmation at the Easter Vigil.
- The sessions take place on LOCATION Although the format will vary, most meetings will have three parts: input on the topic for the evening by a priest or lay person, an opportunity for the members of the group to share ideas and experiences relating to the topic, and time for refreshments and getting to know one another.
- For information concerning the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, contact Babs Rector at 615- or brbertott@aol.com
Reconciliation (Confession)
“The whole power of the sacrament of Penance consists in restoring God’s grace and joining us with him in an intimate friendship.” Reconciliation with God is thus the purpose and effect of the sacrament. For those who receive the Sacrament of Penance with a contrite heart and religious disposition, Reconciliation is usually followed by peace and serenity of conscience with strong spiritual consolation.
Reconciliation is offered 45 minutes before each Mass. We offer extended Confession times: Saturday evening confession will start at 3:30 PM and Sunday evening Confessions will start at 4:30 PM. Confession is also available by appointment through the office. To schedule an appointment, please call the parish office at 615-824-3276.
Eucharist
The Eucharist is at the heart and center of the sacramental life. The Second Vatican Council referred to it as the summit and the source of the whole Christian life. The Eucharist not only signifies but actually contains the body and blood of Christ. At the Eucharist we gather together around a common table and partake of the banquet that Christ has prepared for us — now and for all eternity.
The Eucharist also has a more universal meaning and significance. It is a reminder to everyone that we are one family under God and that our family solidarity is sustained and deepened by the ordinary things of life, especially through our eating together. We eat together not just for physical nourishment, but also to celebrate and strengthen the bonds of love and friendship that give our lives meaning, purpose, and direction.
Eucharist is one of the sacraments of initiation. Christian initiation is accomplished by three sacraments together: Baptism which is the beginning of new life; Confirmation which is its strengthening; and the Eucharist which nourishes the disciple with Christ’s Body and Blood for his transformation in Christ.
- Children’s First Eucharist
- To register for First Holy Communion, visit here. If you have any questions, please contact Heather Martin at 615-338-3918 or heatherm@ololcc.org
- Adult First Eucharist
- RCIA is designed for non-Catholics who wish to learn more about the Catholic Church. The RCIA process explores the meaning of faith and how Catholics express that faith in the community and in the world. It offers a chance to ask questions, raise doubts, acquire information, share, learn and grow. The process helps seekers to discern whether or not God is calling them to become Catholic. Those who complete the process celebrate the sacraments of Baptism (if needed), First Eucharist and Confirmation at the Easter Vigil.
- The sessions take place on LOCATION Although the format will vary, most meetings will have three parts: input on the topic for the evening by a priest or lay person, an opportunity for the members of the group to share ideas and experiences relating to the topic, and time for refreshments and getting to know one another.
- For information concerning the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, contact Babs Rector at 615- or bertottb@aol.com
Confirmation
In the Sacrament of Confirmation, the baptized person is”sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit” and is strengthened for service to the Body of Christ. Confirmation deepens our baptismal life that calls us to be missionary witnesses of Jesus Christ in our families, neighborhoods, society, and the world. We receive the message of faith in a deeper and more intensive manner with great emphasis given to the person of Jesus Christ, who asked the Father to give the Holy Spirit to the Church for building up the community in loving service.
- Children’s Confirmation
- In the diocese of Nashville, those who are 12 years of age or older may prepare for Confirmation (typically 7th or 8th grade).
- To register for Confirmation, visit here. If you have any questions, please contact Heather Martin at 615-338-3918 or heatherm@ololcc.org
- Adult Confirmation
- RCIA is designed for non-Catholics who wish to learn more about the Catholic Church. The RCIA process explores the meaning of faith and how Catholics express that faith in the community and in the world. It offers a chance to ask questions, raise doubts, acquire information, share, learn and grow. The process helps seekers to discern whether or not God is calling them to become Catholic. Those who complete the process celebrate the sacraments of Baptism (if needed), First Eucharist and Confirmation at the Easter Vigil.
- The sessions take place on LOCATION Although the format will vary, most meetings will have three parts: input on the topic for the evening by a priest or lay person, an opportunity for the members of the group to share ideas and experiences relating to the topic, and time for refreshments and getting to know one another.
- For information concerning the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, contact Babs Rector at 615- or brbertott@aol.com
Marriage
Congratulations! We are so happy that you have chosen the Sacrament of Marriage, and we are excited to journey with you during this time of preparation in both of your lives.
The Sacrament of Marriage is a covenant, which is more than a contract. Covenant always expresses a relationship between persons. The marriage covenant refers to the relationship between the husband and wife, a permanent union of persons capable of knowing and loving each other and God. The celebration of marriage is also a liturgical act, appropriately held in a public liturgy at church. Catholics are urged to celebrate their marriage within the Eucharistic Liturgy.
Engaged couples who wish to be married at Our Lady of the Lake are asked to take the following steps of preparation.
- First, please contact Rhonda Wigger at 615-824-3276 to request that your wedding date be added to our parish calendar.
- Secondly, please contact Michael Smith at 615 338-3918 or michaels@ololcc.org to begin the Marriage Prep process.
Holy Orders
Through the Sacrament of Holy Orders, the mission of the Church, which was entrusted two thousand years ago by Christ to the Twelve Apostles, is carried out by men all over the world today. There are three degrees of ordination: the diaconate, the presbyterate (priesthood), and the episcopate (the order of bishops). It is the mission of these men to serve the children of God in a unique way, fulfilling Jesus’ instruction at the Last Supper: “That you also should do as I have done to you.” (John 13:15)
Why is this Sacrament called “Orders?”
“The word order in Roman antiquity designated an established civil body, especially a governing body. Ordinatio means incorporation into an ordo. In the Church there are established bodies which Tradition, not without a basis in Sacred Scripture, has since ancient times called taxeis (Greek) or ordines. And so the liturgy speaks of the ordo episcoporum, the ordo presbyterorum, the ordo diaconorum. Other groups also receive this name of ordo; catechumens, virgins, spouses, widows,….
“Integration into one of these bodies in the Church was accomplished by a rite called ordinatio, a religious and liturgical act which was a consecration, a blessing or a sacrament. Today the word ordination is reserved for the sacramental act which integrates a man into the order of bishops, presbyters, or deacons, and goes beyond a simple election, designation, delegation, or institution by the community, for it confers a gift of the Holy Spirit that permits the exercise of a sacred power (sacra potestas) which can come only from Christ himself through his Church. Ordination is also called consecratio, for it is a setting apart and an investiture by Christ himself for his Church. The laying on of hands by the bishop, with the consecratory prayer, constitutes the visible sign of this ordination.”
~The Catechism of the Catholic Church
For more information, please contact the Nashville Vocations office at the Diocese of Nashville at 615-783-0782.
Anointing of the Sick
Scriptural basis: “Is any among you sick? Let them call for the presbyters of the Church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven” (Jas 5:14-15).
Who can receive the sacrament?
All who are experiencing illness, old age or anticipating a surgery may receive this sacrament as well as those who are dying.
Who can administer the sacrament?
Only priests can give the Anointing of the Sick, using blessed oil for that purpose.
How is it celebrated?
The anointing of the forehead and hands of the sick person is accompanied by prayer, laying on of hands and Scripture reading. The communal celebration of the sacrament is usually celebrated once or twice a year during Sunday Mass.
What are the sacrament’s effects?
The sick person is united to the passion of Christ, receives strength, peace and courage to endure the sufferings of illness or old age, the forgiveness of sins, and preparation for passing over to eternal life for those who may be dying.
To arrange for the Anointing of the Sick on an individual basis, please call the parish office at 615-824-3276.
Request your Sacramental Record
Sacramental Record Request
For those interested in obtaining a record for Baptism, Confirmation and/or Holy Matrimony.