Receiving the Sacred Sacraments
The holy sacraments
The sacred sacraments are signs of God’s grace and a way to deepen our connection with God. If you are looking to begin your faith journey through the receiving the sacred sacraments, reach out to start a conversation with the pastor or our staff Director of Sacraments.
Baptism
Baptism
The first sacrament a person receives is that of Baptism. This sacrament usually happens during infancy, but may be received at any point in a person's life.
Upon completion of the necessary teachings and parents' agreement to these teachings, the priest will schedule an infant Baptism ceremony.
Adults who want to be baptized must complete this instruction themselves and then agree that they fully understand and accept these teachings before a Baptism is scheduled with the priest.
If you'd like to discuss baptism for yourself or for your child, please contact the church office.
Reconciliation & First Communion
Reconciliation & First Communion
The preparation for receiving the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Communion begins in 2nd grade. Students receive this instruction during their Faith Formation classes on Sunday mornings. Then during the year, the students and their parents attend a retreat day where they are provided the details and instructions that are necessary to fulfill the diocesan requirements. All students and families are part of the preparation process.
The preparation for receiving the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Communion begins in 2nd grade. For more information on Reconciliation and First Communion for your child, please call the church office.
Confirmation
Confirmation
After receiving the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Communion, students are encouraged to continue their faith formation through Confirmation, starting in the 9th grade. When a student chooses Confirmation, they go through a year-long engagement in parish life and faith formation alongside a mentor. After this year of preparation, the student and their mentor meet with Fr. Mark and his team to determine if the student is ready to be confirmed. They are then presented to the Bishop at a confirmation ceremony.
Do you have a rising 9th grader who is ready for confirmation? Please contact the church office for more information to begin the process.
Order of Christian Initiation
Order of Christian Initiation
The Order of Christian Initiation is the process through which an adult becomes a fully-initiated member of the Catholic church. It begins with an individual's request to become a Catholic and lasts for a year. During that time, the person receives teachings of faith and doctrines through the parish. They are assigned a sponsor who accompanies them through their journey. Throughout this year-long process, they also are required to attend diocesan gatherings.
Upon completion of these teachings, individuals are fully initiated into the church at an Easter Vigil service. At that time, they will receive the necessary sacraments — Baptism (if they weren't baptized previously), First Communion, and Confirmation.
Are you interested in becoming a fully-initiated member of the Catholic Church? Contact the church office to receive the Order of Christian Initiation.
Weddings or funerals
Weddings or funerals
Weddings and Funerals are very special events, and we wish to respect everyone’s requests during these times. All funerals or weddings begin with a conversation with the pastor. If you would like to talk with Fr. Mark Begly, please email him at mbegly@dioceseaj.org and he will reach out to you.