Quick Reference

• Adult Initiation
• Anointing of the Sick
• Funerals
• Inactive or Returning Catholics
• Infant Baptism Preparation
• Intention Books
• Pastoral Care of the Sick
• Reconciliation
• Weddings — Marriage Preparation

Adult Initiation

The College Church community provides opportunities for those who wish to learn more about the teachings of the Catholic faith or who wish to prepare for sacraments of initiation. The Inquirers group offers adults an overview of Catholic teaching and practice and an opportunity to explore questions about Catholicism while being exposed to prayer based on Scripture and guided study.

The Catechumens have been signed with the Sign of the Cross and publicly committed themselves to formal preparation for entry into the Church. Currently, parishioners are asked to share their faith within this ministry by opening their homes for inquiry or catechumenal sessions serving as sponsors for a catechumen or candidate or supporting the catechumens, candidates and their ministers with prayer. For more information, contact Joe Milner, 314-977-7305.

Anointing of the Sick

In addition to individual requests, we celebrate the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick as a community twice a year within the Sunday Eucharistic Liturgy. Please consult the parish calendar for scheduled dates.

Funerals

At one time or another, we are all confronted with the death of someone close. Funeral liturgies and Memorial Services are celebrated at the College Church. Whether a parishioner or a member of the local community, the funeral liturgy allows us to gather together and celebrate our faith and hope in the resurrection.

To schedule a Funeral or Memorial Mass, please contact Ruth Cochran at 314-977-7303.

Inactive or Returning Catholics

The College Church has a long tradition of reaching out to alienated and inactive Catholics. Following the examples of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, we welcome all to our home. The Pastoral Staff is available to assist anyone who is inactive in the life of the Church and wishes to explore the meaning and practice of Christianity.

As God calls people into our community, whether as infants, children or adults, we are called to be present to accompany, to nurture, and in so doing, to deepen our own baptismal vocations within this community. It is through these new members that God is providing us with the seed of the future.

For more information, please contact Joe Milner at 314-977-7305.

Infant Baptism Preparation

Through infant baptism, we welcome a child into the Church as he or she begins the journey of life in Christ. As in all aspects of a child's life, the parents are the primary teachers of the faith. College Church requires that parents attend a preparation class before their child's baptism. This class, held in a home setting, assists parents for the task of Christian parenting. Infant Baptisms can be celebrated within the Sunday Eucharistic Liturgy or privately.

For scheduling, please contact Ruth Cochran at 314-977-7303.

Intention Books

The Shrine of Mary, Comforter of the Afflicted, has a book in which prayer intentions may be entered. Anyone who would like the parish community to pray with and for them may enter their intentions. These intentions are included during Mass. The Shrine of Saint Joseph has a book in which the names of deceased family members and friends may be entered. These intentions are also remembered during Mass.

Pastoral Care of the Sick

Pastoral Care of the Sick includes providing the Sacraments of Eucharist, Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick, which are powerful sources of healing. To receive any of these sacraments, call the Parish Center at 314-977-7300.

Reconciliation

In addition to regularly scheduled opportunities for individual celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation (see schedule), we come together twice a year for a communal penance service to reflect on our lives, our sins, and God's healing and forgiveness. Individual reconciliation is also offered at these services or by appointment by calling 314-977-7300.

Weddings — Marriage Preparation

Parishioners and SLU affiliates make up the majority of couples who are married at College Church. We schedule weddings no further than one year in advance based upon the calendar month in question. This can be done by calling the Parish Center. For more information, see our FAQs About Weddings web page.

College Church sponsors several Marriage Preparation Mini-Weekends throughout the year for engaged couples, focusing on living out their Marriage Covenant. Several couples from the parish serve as resource partners for each weekend. For information, contact Bridget Brennan at 314-977-7318 or joy@canainstitute.org.