Sacramental Preparation

 Baptismal Preparation

Baptism, the first sacrament of initiation, marks the beginning of a lifelong journey of commitment and discipleship. In choosing to have your child baptized in the Catholic Church, you are accepting the responsibility of raising him or her in the preparation session. You do not need to wait until the child is born to attend the session. 

The session will focus on the meaning of the Sacrament of Baptism, the responsibilities of the parents and godparents in teaching the faith of the Church to the child and the celebration of the rite.

Each child must have at least one, but may have two godparents or sponsors, one male and one female. Godparents must be practicing and believing Roman Catholics, who have received the Sacraments of the Eucharist and Confirmation, be at least 16 years old, and if married, the marriage must be a valid Catholic marriage. It is through baptism that one enters the Church. Godparents represent the Church community. 

Note: Preparation for parents is essential and required prior to a child's baptism for the faithful celebration and living out of this vital Sacrament. You must be a registered member of this parish. 

First Communion

As Catholics, we know that the Holy Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith: it is the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

Pope Francis has called it the "Sacrament of Love": "The Eucharist is at the heart of 'Christian initiation', together with Baptism and Confirmation, and it constitutes the source of the Church’s life itself. From this Sacrament of love, in fact, flows every authentic journey of faith, of communion, and of witness." 

For children who are preparing to receive their First Holy Communion, this is a big deal. And for all of us, no matter how many times we have received Our Lord in the Holy Eucharist, it should always be a big deal.

What makes it so special the first time is the same thing that makes it special every time!   

Jesus comes to us in a unique way in the Eucharist.  When He comes, we receive Him into our body and our soul. This is very beautiful, personal, and intimate. We should not take it for granted!  This is why the first time a family member makes their Holy Communion, it is an exciting event for the whole family. The boy or girl preparing for this sacrament is going to be profoundly united with Jesus in a way that they never have before!

 Confirmation

The Catechism describes Confirmation as a deepening of baptismal gifts. It says that the sacrament roots us more deeply in our identity as God's children; unites us more firmly with Christ; increases in us the gifts of the Holy Spirit; binds us more closely to the Church and gives us special strength to bear witness to our faith. Confirmation shapes us as Catholic Christians.

During confirmation class, confirmands learn about the meaning of Catholic faith; the history and teachings of the Catholic Church and an explanation of the vows they will be professing.

 Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)

Process of formation to welcome new members into the Catholic Church. The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is designed for adults who, after hearing the mystery of Christ proclaimed, consciously and freely seek the living God and enter the way of faith and conversion as the Holy Spirit opens their heart. 

This rite includes not only the celebration of the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist, but also all the rites
belonging to the catechumenate.