Sacramental Preparation
Because a child's faith formation happens at all times and in all places, our sacramental programs are designed to enable parents to participate in this formation in a more explicit way. A number of evening meetings have been arranged to assist you in this unique process of faith formation. During these sessions we will explain the choices you and your child have in celebrating the sacraments. Through both the Christian Formation program and the Catholic School, our catechists, DRE and Youth Ministers will be working along with you in sacramental preparation. Grade 1 and 2 students are prepared for First Eucharist and Reconciliation, while students in Grades 7 and 8 are prepared for Confirmation.
What we do in the classroom is meant to reinforce and supplement, but not replace, what you and your child share both at home and in Sunday liturgy. Attending Mass on Sunday is an integral part of the preparation for all sacraments.
Baptism
It is required that parents who seek the Sacrament of Baptism for their children must be registered, active and participating members of the Parish for a minimum of three months prior to arranging for a Baptism. As a general rule, Baptism are scheduled the first three Sundays of each month following the noon Mass. No more than three Baptisms are scheduled per Sunday. The requirements for Baptism are as follows:
- At least one sponsor must be a practicing, participating, active Catholic and provide a Sponsor Certificate from their parish prior to the Baptism date. This sponsor must also have received the Sacrament of Confirmation.
- The second sponsor, if not Catholic, must be a practicing, active member of another Christian tradition. A letter from their Church stating they are an active member is also required.
- The sponsor must be at least sixteen years of age and should not be a member of the immediate family.
- Both parents must attend the Baptism Class if they have not completed a Baptism Class in the previous two years.
First Penance/Reconciliation
First Communion/Eucharist
Children in grade 2 receive Reconciliation in February. Parents and children must attend a workshop with the Pastor prior to their child's reception of the First Reconciliation. These same children then receive their First Communion in the Spring. Parents and children must attend a workshop with the Pastor prior to the child's reception of First Communion.
Children under the age of seven must attend two full years of Religious Education in the Christian Formation program. No more than 3 classes may be missed in any one year. If a child moves into the area, a note from the previous parish stating active participation in a religious education program is required. For children attending the school, one full year of instruction is required, with added sacramental preparation classes as needed.
Confirmation
Eight grade students prepare for this final Sacrament of Initiation through catechetical instruction, service hours, and a retreat.
RCIA for Teens
Offered to prepare high school aged teens to receive one or all of the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Eucharist, and/or Confirmation.
Marriage
Those planning marriage must contact a priest at least six months prior to a projected wedding date. A six month parish pre-registration is required before preparation can begin.
RCIA - Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults
The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) is the process by which people become members of the Roman Catholic Church. Our faith community reaches out to those who are experiencing a deepening conversion in their lives and guides them through a period of formation. This formation involves growing in the life of the community through prayer, study, and service and culminates in final communion with the Church.
Anointing of the Sick
The sacrament of Anointing the Sick is administered to those individuals who are in danger of death due to sickness or advanced age. Contact the parish office so that arrangements can be made for the sacrament with one of the priests.
