"Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit."
*All Sacrament Registrations are now Officially Closed for the Year
Sacraments of Initiation
The sacraments of Christian initiation - Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist - lay the foundations of every Christian life. “The sharing in the divine nature given to men through the grace of Christ bears a certain likeness to the origin, development, and nourishing of natural life. The faithful are born anew by Baptism, strengthened by the sacrament of Confirmation, and receive in the Eucharist the food of eternal life. By means of these sacraments of Christian initiation, they thus receive in increasing measure the treasures of the divine life and advance toward the perfection of charity.”
- Catechism of the Catholic Church 1212
Baptism
“Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua), and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: “Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word.”
- Catechism of the Catholic Church 1213
New Life in Christ - Baptism changes everything for those who receive it. Through the holy waters of Baptism, we are united to Christ, freed from sin, and reborn as sons and daughters of God, thus becoming members of the Church. In a special way, infants are to receive the gift of baptism from the Church through the loving consent of their parents.
Confirmation
“For by the sacrament of Confirmation, [the baptized] are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit. Hence they are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed.”
- Catechism of the Catholic Church 1285
Baptism and Confirmation are distinct sacraments but are closely related. Baptism has been described by the Saints as giving a seed of Dive life. In Confirmation, the Holy Spirit completes and strengthens our baptism. It can be considered that Confirmation brings the seed into maturity.
Eucharist
“The Eucharist is the ‘source and summit of the Christian life.’ The other sacraments, and indeed all ecclesiastical ministries and works of the apostolate, are bound up with the Eucharist and are oriented toward it. For in the blessed Eucharist is contained the whole spiritual good of the Church, namely Christ himself, our Pasch.”
- Catechism of the Catholic Church 1324
In Holy Eucharist we receive Jesus himself in the form of bread and wine. The Catechism quotes the council of Trent stating, “In the most blessed sacrament of the Eucharist “the body and blood, together with the soul and divinity, of our Lord Jesus Christ and, therefore, the whole Christ is truly, really, and substantially contained.”
Because the Diocese of Phoenix confers sacraments in the “Restored Order,” Confirmation and First Communion are both given in 3rd grade (see Restored Order below). Reconciliation, Confirmation & First Communion classes are also provided for children in older grades who still need the sacrament(s).
Restored Order of the Sacraments
In the early church the sacrament of Confirmation was given before Eucharist. Over the years the tradition changed for Conformation to be given later on when the child was older. Very simply the restored order of the sacraments is simply going back to the early church. The button below provides more information detailing Bishop Olmsted's decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be registered at the parish?
Parents are to be registered active members of the parish. You can register by going to the parish office.
My child is older but needs to be baptized. What should I do?
Children 4th Grade and up who desire to become Catholic and need baptized, receive Faith Formation through the Right of Christian Initiation of Children (RCIC) process. We have classes for children of all ages who are not baptized. When registering for classes we will ask what sacraments your child has received and based off of you answer we will give you the class times appropriate for your child.
What is my child is older and still needs some sacraments?
We have classes for all ages. When registering for classes we will ask what sacraments your child has received and based off of you answer we will give you the class times appropriate for your child.
What if my child was baptized but not in the Catholic Church?
If a child has been baptized but not in the Catholic church, contact the Faith formation Office. In some cases the child may need to make a "Profession of Faith," which is simply a statement that the child believes in the teachings of the Catholic Church.
What does my child need to receive Reconciliation?
Students must be 7 years of age or older (2nd Grade), be baptized, and prepared for the sacrament.
What is needed to prepare for Confirmation?
Students must be in the 3rd grade or older, be baptized, and receive reconciliation, and complete preparatory classes. A sponsor and Saint name is also required. A Confirmation packet will be given out with information and forms.
What does my child need to receive First Communion?
Students must be in the 3rd grade or older, be baptized, and receive reconciliation, and complete preparatory classes.
Why are children being given the sacraments of First Communion & Confirmation in 3rd Grade?
Because the Diocese of Phoenix confers sacraments in the “Restored Order,” Confirmation and First Communion are both given in 3rd grade. Reconciliation, Confirmation & First Communion classes are also provided for children in older grades who still need the sacrament(s).
What is the Restored Order?
In the early church the sacrament of Confirmation was given before Eucharist. Over the years the tradition changed for Conformation to be given later on when the child was older. Very simply the restored order of the sacraments is simply going back to the early church.
These links provide more information detailing Bishop Olmsted's decision:
https://www.ewtn.com/library/BISHOPS/ordsacinit.htm
http://dphx.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/SacramentsInitQAEnglish2005.pdf
I moved into the area but my child had started formation classes at another parish. Can my child still get credit for the other class?
Request a letter from the previous parish/formation program stating the classes that were taken and if the child is prepared to receive which sacraments.
What do I need to register for a sacrament class?
A copy of the child’s baptismal certificate is required for all children receiving any sacrament.
I only have partial custody of my child. Is there anything I should keep in mind?
In a few circumstances, custody agreements may have an impact on a child receiving sacraments. If there is any custody agreement, please indicate on the registration form and we will work with you.
Am I required to go to Mass?
Catholics are obligated to go to Sunday Mass (or a Saturday Vigil Mass). It is expected that all children are regularly attending Mass.
What is the attendance policy?
To be well prepared for sacraments and for continuity in learning it is very important for the child to be present. We have both excused and unexcused absences. Children are allowed 3 Unexcused absences. If there are more than 3 unexcused absences sacraments may be deferred to another year.
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Excused absences are defined as uncontrollable situations (sickness, car trouble etc.) and do not count against students.
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Unexcused absences are things that can be controlled (vacations, scheduled appointments, sports, etc.).
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Retreats during sacrament years are mandatory.
How is it determined if my child is to receive sacraments?
Parents and Catechist both are to discern the readiness of a child to receive sacraments. If there is a concern of a child’s readiness parents and the Formation Office will together further discern the best option for the child (either another way/resource for the parent to prepare the child and cultivate readiness or having the child wait till another year).
*** Preparation for the Confirmation includes sponsor paperwork, Saint name form, retreat, and volunteer hours. If any of this information or attendance at events are missing sacraments may be deferred to another year.
Will there be child care during the parent classes?
At this time we do not have child care.
What if my child is sick and I cannot attend the parent class?
We recognize that uncontrollable circumstances happen. We will recorded the class and you can contact the office to watch the video and short fill in the blank worksheet as make up.
Are both parents required to attend the parent class?
Both parents are encouraged to attend but only one is required.