How to Become Christian
In order to become Christian, one must be baptized in the name of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. All human beings deserve to be baptized and become Christians because God our Father is the God of all people and our Creator, and his son Jesus Christ has made him known to us through his incarnation (John 1:18). So it is not only fitting, but just for us to worship him. The process of becoming Christian consists of a catechumenate phase in which a catechumen will attend and participate in the liturgy regularly and be taught the basic teachings of Christianity, either one on one with a catechist or the pastor, or with a class of other catechumens, addressing topics such as the life of Jesus, how to read Sacred Scripture, what are the mysteries, how to pray, history and traditions of the Church, who are the Saints, what is the liturgical calendar, basic theology, etc. At the end of this phase, the catechumen will have the option to be baptized, chrismated, and receive First Communion if they truly wish to become a Christian and a member of the Body of Christ. The time of catechumenate usually lasts around one year for adults, though this may be shorter depending on how much the person already knows. It is important that those who become Christian truly understand what it means to deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Our Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 16:24-26). Though one year of study may seem like a lot, it is nothing in comparison to the eternity we hope to spend with God in our true home in heaven. In the Early Church, the period of catechumenate was typically much longer (around three years) in order to make sure people were thoroughly educated about the faith and genuine in their conviction to dedicate their lives to God our Father.
Baptism in the Eastern Churches is always accompanied by chrismation (equivalent to confirmation in Western Christianity) wherein one is sealed by the Holy Spirit. Both sacraments are administered by a priest, and always in the same ceremony. Baptism is done by pouring water over the head. Adults who have already been validly baptized into another Church are not baptized again when entering the Maronite Church, for we each become members of the Universal Catholic Church and Body of Christ when we become baptized even if one is not yet aware of the teachings of the true faith. As we say in the Nicene Creed, “I confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.”
Preparation is required to receive the mysteries of baptism and chrismation. For adults who wish to be baptized into the Maronite Church or who just want to learn more, please contact our parish office to set up a time to meet with our pastor. For parents wishing to have their children baptized, please also contact our parish office, preferably before the birth of your child, and fill out the child baptism form below and email it to us at office@ollchicago.org or print it out and drop it off in the collection basket.