BAPTISM
Baptism is the first of the three sacraments of initiation. Baptism is the first step in a lifelong journey during which we respond to God’s love for us. Through baptism we die to sin and rise to new life in Christ.
Parents who want their daughters and sons baptized should contact the parish office. There is a brief period of instruction for the parents and sponsors (Godparents). Infant baptisms are celebrated during a weekend Mass.
Children who are at the age of reason (7 years or older) and adults who wish to be baptized are asked to enroll in the Rite of Christian Initiation (RCIA). Contact the Director of Faith Formation for more information.
CONFIRMATION
Confirmation is the second sacrament of initiation. Through the Sacrament of Confirmation, the baptized are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit. It is sealing of the baptism. In the Diocese of Saginaw, the sacrament of Confirmation is conferred upon children prior to First Communion. For adults who have been baptized in the Catholic Church but have not been confirmed, there is a time of preparation prior to the celebration of the sacrament of Confirmation.
Confirmation can be conferred upon children (7 years old and older) or adults. Families of children seeking Confirmation are asked to enroll in the Sacrament Process and Family Faith Formation program. Contact the Director of Faith Formation for further information.
Adults who wish to become members of the Catholic Church are encouraged to enroll in RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults).
EUCHARIST (HOLY COMMUNION)
Celebrating and receiving the Eucharist or Holy Communion is the third of the sacraments of initiation. The word Eucharist comes from the Greek word for thanksgiving; we are giving thanks to God for all gifts, and especially the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. During the Mass, we gather as God’s daughters and sons around the table of the Word (the proclamation of the Word of God) and the table of the Lord (the altar). During the Eucharistic Prayer, the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ. Through the reception of the Body and Blood of Christ, we are intimately united with Jesus, Our Lord and Savior, and all the other persons gathered for the Mass. We are then send out as his presence for all those we meet in the world.
Children of our parish begin faith formation in the first grade and will celebrate the sacraments of first Eucharist (Holy Communion) and Confirmation during the following year. It is expected that their faith formation will continue on throughout the rest of their lives.
Adults who wish to receive to join the Catholic Church are encouraged to contact the parish for information regarding the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults).