Sacraments

Baptism

Baptism is the first of the three Sacraments of Initiation and begins a person’s life-long journey of faith.  When infants are baptized, the first part of their journey depends heavily on their parents, of course.  Parents are therefore expected to be practicing their faith in order that they may effectively share that faith with their children.

Parents looking forward to welcoming a new child into the world are encouraged to contact the parish office during pregnancy, in order to avoid delays of the sacrament.  More information about preparing for Baptism is available here.

Weddings

In the Sacrament of Matrimony, Catholic couples offer themselves to one another in a life-long covenant before God and in the midst of the Church.  They seek God’s grace in the daily living out of that conjugal love which by its nature is exclusive, faithful and open to new life.

Arrangements must be made at least six months in advance to allow time for preparation.  The parish policy for weddings can be obtained at the office or can be downloaded here.

Anointing of the Sick

The Anointing of the Sick (once administered as “Last Rites”) is an encounter with the Christ, and offers the hope of spiritual and physical healing in times of need.  It is appropriate to celebrate the sacrament for one whose health is seriously impaired by illness, injury or advanced age, or for one who appears to be in danger of death.  It is desirable that the individual receiving the sacrament be able to participate in its reception, surrounded by family and friends.

Please call the office to request the sacrament for someone who is in need, and efforts will be made to provide the sacrament in a timely manner.

First Confession / First Communion / Confirmation

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is that moment of encounter where the sinner is brought back, and sins are forgiven by God in the midst of the Church.  The first celebration of this sacrament will normally precede one’s First Communion.  A leaflet explaining how to prepare for and celebrate the sacrament can be downloaded here.

The Eucharist remains the sources and summit of our life together as Catholics.  Striving to receive Eucharist worthily and often should be the goal of every Catholic.  The reception of one’s First Communion is one of the three Sacraments of Initiation.

The Sacrament of Confirmation, for Catholics baptized as infants, normally completes the process of full initiation into the Body of Christ that is the Church.  It often becomes an opportunity for one to embrace the Catholic faith in a new and fuller way.

Sacramental preparation is handled on an individual basis, with our students participating in the religious education program at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church.