Baptism
Parents wishing to baptize their children under age 7 should contact the parish office to begin preparations. You can download the baptism request form below. If this is your first child to be baptized, we do require a baptismal prep meeting where you will receive more information on this important sacrament.
Older children prepare for baptism through the Family Faith Formation program, with individualized teaching through RCIC: the Rite of Christian Initiation for Children.
Adults prepare for baptism through the RCIA program. (read below)
RCIA: Adults considering the Catholic faith
We welcome adults who want to learn more about God and the Catholic faith. This might be simply a time of learning for you. Toward Spring, participants can choose if they’d like to be received into the Church, with sacraments of Baptism, First Eucharist, and/or Confirmation administered at the Easter Vigil Mass.
Preparation is through our RCIA program: the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. Participants and their sponsors are offered weekly gatherings beginning in September. An atmosphere of group learning, faith experiences, and support is offered.
Learn more from Vern Rash, volunteer RCIA Director, at dsmrash@msn.com. If English language is a barrier for you, contact Deacon Francis Chan at 515.210.4444.
First Reconciliation and First Communion
Children in Grades 2-12 prepare for these sacraments through Family Faith Formation program. Adults prepare through the RCIA program.
It’s important to enroll by September to begin this preparation.
2023 First Communion plans
Confirmation
Students in Grade 9 – 12 prepare for Confirmation through the Family Faith Formation program. Students in Grade 10 or older who have prepared are confirmed in May.
Please enroll in September through Family Faith Formation.
Sponsors and parents are strongly encouraged to participate in preparation with the student. Special conversation materials will be shared with sponsors and parents. Sponsors are always welcome at Confirmation classes and experiences. The sponsor or a parent must accompany the student on a final retreat experience.
Marriage
Please contact the cathedral staff at least six months prior to your anticipated wedding.
At least one party of the engaged couple must be a baptized and confirmed Catholic. Marriage preparation is required for all couples being married in the Catholic Church. Various ways of preparing are available.
Contact weddings@saintambrosecathedral.org or call the parish office at 515-288-7411 to discuss weddings at the Cathedral.
Anointing of the Sick
This sacrament does not require preparation. It is available to the elderly and those who have a serious illness or medical condition. Contact the parish office at 515-288-7411 and ask that a priest provide this sacrament to you or a loved one.
