Adult Faith Formation
Baptismal Preparation
Baptism is the first of the Sacraments of Initiation and welcomes us into the Catholic Church as members of the Body of Christ. At St. Agnes Parish, we celebrate the Baptism of infants and children, as well as welcome adults who wish to become Catholic through the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA). Whether you are seeking Baptism for your child or exploring the Catholic faith for yourself, we invite you to contact the parish office to learn more about the preparation process and how to take this important step in your faith journey.
Marriage Preparation
Marriage preparation in the parish is offered in the form of either the “Sponsor Couple” program (a one-on-one program meeting with a Sponsor Couple) or Engaged Encounter Weekends (available several times a year and at a cost to the couple).
As soon as a couple is ready to start planning their marriage, they should contact the parish office at 724-863-2626 to speak with the priest at least one year in advance of the wedding.
Weddings take place on Saturdays at 2:00 p.m. Couples must also complete their choice of one of two marriage preparation programs available in our Diocese: Sponsor Couple Program (a one-on-one program with a Marriage Sponsor couple) or the Diocesan Engaged Encounter Weekends (available periodically and at a cost to the couple).
Also needed are married couples willing to be trained as “Sponsor Couples” to work with engaged couples.
OCIA – Order of Christian Initiation for Adults
Are you searching for…
A deeper understanding of God?
A faith community?
A greater sense of purpose and meaning for your life?
Have you been curious…
About the difference between the Catholic and Protestant Bibles?
About why priests cannot marry?
Or why women are not ordained?
About how Catholics relate to Mary and the saints?
What Catholics believe about same-sex marriage, homosexuality, or contraception, and why?
Sign up for our RCIA program and get the answers to these questions and more. The program involves weekly meetings from September through Easter with our RCIA team and others interested in learning more about the church. While it is the formal program for initiation into the Catholic Faith, the ultimate decision to join the church is not made until the end of the sessions just before the Easter season.
For more information on the next RCIA session and/or the Sacraments of Baptism, First Holy Communion and/or Confirmation, call the Parish Office at 724-863-2626.
Generations of Faith
Generations of Faith provides on-going catechesis and faith formation for children and their parents. This interactive and hands-on faith formation program meets on one Friday each month (September through May) and includes teachings, activities and take-home projects. More information on this program can be found on the Youth Formation Page.
She Shall Be Called Woman (SHE)
She Shall Be Called Woman (SHE) is a Catholic women’s program that invites women of all ages and walks of life to deepen their relationship with the Lord and discover the beauty and dignity of their God-given identity. Through inspiring presentations, prayer, and small-group discussions, women build meaningful connections, share their faith, and grow together in a welcoming community rooted in Christ’s love. All women are welcome!
That Man Is You (TMIY)
That Man Is You! (TMIY) is an interactive Catholic men’s program that helps men grow in faith and become the husbands, fathers, and leaders God calls them to be. Combining the teachings of the Catholic Church, the wisdom of the saints, and insights from modern science, the program explores the challenges men face today and offers practical ways to strengthen their relationship with God, their families, and their community. Through engaging presentations, prayer, and small-group discussions, men build meaningful friendships and grow together in their journey of faith. All men are welcome!