Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole of Christian life and is the first of the Sacraments of Initiation, followed by Eucharist and Confirmation. It is important that you and your family prepare thoughtfully for this important step in your child's life. Prior to scheduling Baptism for your child, the following steps must be completed:
Once these items have been completed, our upcoming available Baptism dates will be provided to you. When an agreeable date has been determined, we will add your family to the schedule. Please contact the parish office with any questions you may have.
We look forward to helping your family prepare for this wonderful sacrament.
Sacrament of First Reconciliation
In order to prepare for this sacrament, children must be attending our Catholic School or Religious Education Program regularly. Preparation is a two year process and First Reconciliation occurs early in December during the Advent Communal Penance Service of their second grade year. Parents are required to attend several informational meetings so that they are prepared to guide their students during this preparation process.
Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession)
Saturday 3pm – 4pm (or by appointment by calling the Parish Office). There are Parish Communal Penance Services, with individual confessions, scheduled during Lent and Advent each year.
Sacrament of First Holy Communion
In order to prepare for this sacrament, children must be attending our Catholic School or Religious Education Program regularly. Preparation is a two year process and First Holy Communion occurs after Lent, in April of their second grade year. Parents are required to attend several informational meetings so that they are prepared to guide their students during this preparation process. Students and their parents will participate in a “Jesus Day Retreat” on a Sunday afternoon. First Holy Communion is then scheduled on an identified weekend in April, during either the 4:30 pm Saturday Mass, or the 9am and 11am Masses on Sunday. First Communicants are assigned to one of these Masses.
Confirmation preparation is a two year process. Children must be attending our Catholic School or Religious Education Program regularly. Confirmation is typically scheduled during the latter part of the seventh grade year. Candidates are expected to perform community service during their preparation time. There will also be meetings for candidates and sponsors as well as an all day retreat for candidates.
Sponsors must be at least 16 years of age or older and must have been confirmed. Godparents are the preferred sponsors. Parents may not be sponsors for their own children.
If you have a desire to discover more about the Catholic faith, and/or are interested in the steps on possibly converting then we invite you to participate in our sessions for the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. This is the common means by which many people enter into the Catholic Faith each year, and is centered upon some of the oldest practices of the Catholic Church since the times of the Apostles.
Typically, those interested in exploring the faith will meet on a weekly basis with one of our Deacons or Catechists to break upon the Scripture that will be heard at the weekend liturgies. As the Scripture is opened to us, we reflect upon how that looks and what that means for us as Roman Catholics, especially in today's day and age.
If you have an interest in taking part in the RCIA process, we encourage you to contact the parish office today for the latest information.