Sacraments
The sacraments are rites of the Catholic Church, instituted by Christ, transforming in themselves and producing the gift of God whom they contain. Sacraments are celebrated in the context of a parish community. Preparation for celebrating six of our seven sacraments is necessary for the individual as well as the community. In the case of a child, the parents are involved in the preparation. Registration and participation in the parish must precede Sacrament Preparation.
Baptism
Infant to 7 years: Parents must be active in Church for a minimum of three months prior to beginning Baptism Preparation. Parents are required to attend classes which familiarize them with the sacraments and its meaning. The Baptism Celebrations are held each month. Please call the parish office (867-9171) to register for classes. Class size is limited.
7 years to 8th Grade: Christian Initiation for Children adopts the O.C.I. model to prepare families with children of catechetical age to be initiated into the Catholic Community. This process involves the entire family and culminates with the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil. Each family is handled on an individual basis.
First Reconciliation:
Children in the second grade who have completed one year of Christian Formation and are enrolled in our weekly program are eligible to begin preparing for their First confession. Parental participation is crucial to the program's success. Call the Christian Formation office for more information.
First Communion:
Children in third grade who have celebrated First reconciliation and are enrolled in our weekly program are eligible to begin preparation for first Eucharist. Parental participation is rucial. contact the Christian Formation office for more information.
Confirmation:
Confirmation is the sacrament that completes the initiation process that began at Baptism. This sacrament gives the opportunity to candidates second grade and older to make their personal commitment to Christ and the community of believers, the church. It is the sacrament that celebrates the presence of God's special strength and gifts in a baptized person. The person being confirmed is committed to Christ and ready to be responsible in the Christian Community. Confirmation will be celebrated in November of each year. For more information, please contact Suzanne Gilbert at the Christian Formation Office at 602-867-9715.
Marriage:
Couples desiring a Catholic wedding must contact the parish office at least six months prior to the wedding date. Preparation includes catechesis, Evenings for Engaged, or Engaged Encounter Weekend. Sessions with the priest, deacon or minister include the Focus, which is an inventory for engaged couples, and follow-up sessions for Liturgy planning. Couples are reminded that this time period is designated to prepare them to celebrate a sacrament, and seeks to integrate them into the life of the Catholic Church and of the parish community. Please call for an appointment with our Liturgist, Devin Carpenter.
Holy Orders/Religious Life:
A man or woman who feels called by the Lord to sever the Church as a priest, deacon or vowed religious is encouraged to make an appointment with one of our priests, permanent deacons or lay staff person. Additional information may be obtained by calling the Office of Women Religious (257-0030) or the Diocesan Vocation Director (257-0030).