Dates for Sacramental Preparation & School Masses

Why Sacramental Preparation?

Sacraments are moments when heaven and earth meet – moments in time when God reaches out to us.  Some sacramental celebrations such as Baptism, Confirmation, and Marriage are once in a lifetime events.  Others such as the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist, become an ongoing part of our life, celebrated on a regular basis with our faith community.  While sacraments are primarily God’s action in our lives, they are not magic – they call for a response on our part, a response of mind, heart and body, a response in word and in deed.  

Like any celebration in the lives of individuals, families or communities, sacramental celebrations also call for preparation.  In the case of baptism of infants, it is the parents who make the faith commitment – a commitment to bring up their child in the practice in the practice of the faith with all that that entails.  Later as children mature, parents will work with them to prepare them for sacraments. 

Parents are the primary faith educators of their children.  Our Catholic schools, in a variety of ways, provide ongoing instruction in our Catholic faith as well as providing an educational milieu where Catholic Christian values can permeate all learning that takes place.  This does not replace the role of the parent but supplements it.   Both are needed.  However, it is parents, following through on the commitment that they made at their child’s baptism, who will be the first teachers, by word and example, of what it means to be a Christian in the Catholic tradition.  It is parents who will do the immediate preparation of their children for first Reconciliation, first Communion, and Confirmation.  It is crucial, therefore, that parents themselves have a good knowledge and understanding of their faith.

Sacraments are normally celebrated in the parish community where a family attends Sunday Mass.   Our role as your parish community is threefold:

• to support families, couples and individuals as they prepare to take these important steps on their faith journey by providing them with the information, and the resources that they need to prepare well.
• to plan for and to prepare the actual celebrations.
• to accompany individuals, couples, and families in this process through our prayers.

For parents who are “veterans” of the process (e.g., those who have prepared an older child):  It is still important and beneficial to attend sacramental preparation sessions:

• From time to time new resources may be introduced which can increase our understanding of the great sacramental mysteries of our Church.
• We all need continuing refreshment for our faith journeys – we never stop learning and growing.
• You who are veterans can assist others to prepare.   When we gather in small groups, we support one another and build community.

Baptism Preparation

Baptism Preparation sessions are held five times a year (two evenings per session) in September, November, February, April, and June.  Each evening session begins at 7:00 p.m and is approximately an hour and 15 minutes.  Please phone the parish office for dates and to register.  Baptisms are usually celebrated on the last weekend of each month at all Masses.  There are no baptisms during Lent.

Marriage Preparation

All couples wishing to be married in our parish are asked to contact the parish office at least 6 months before the proposed wedding date. An initial interview with the parish priest will be set up at which time the preparatory steps for celebrating the sacrament of marriage will be explained. Because of the importance of the sacrament and of the couple, the church requires that proper preparation take place. You may contact our office for information regarding a Marriage Preparation Course.