Baptism is one of the three Sacraments of Initiation; that is, through Baptism, we become members of the Church, which is the Body of Christ. In Baptism, the Holy Spirit moves us to answer Christ’s call to grow into the persons that we were created to be: persons of prayer, love, and service. While the practice of Baptism is deeply rooted in our culture, the Church requires a period of preparation. The preparation process will give you a deeper understanding of the commitment you are undertaking, the meaning of one’s own faith, and the elements of the rite itself. Baptism of a Child Baptisms of children (under the age of twelve) ordinarily take place on Saturday afternoons or evenings, or on Sundays immediately following the 9:00 AM mass. Parents and godparents will be required to attend a two-hour preparation class. Godparents must be baptized Catholics, they must be confirmed and have made their First Communion. In addition, Godparents must be Catholics in good standing, who regularly practice their faith. Please contact Laura Badillo at 630-1748 to learn more or to schedule a baptism. Baptism of Youth and Adults If a person is over the age of twelve, the process for baptism takes a little longer, because the person is better able to understand the step that he or she is about to take. Ordinarily, the baptisms take place at the Easter Vigil, when the person will also receive First Holy Communion and the Sacrament of Confirmation, as well. Please contact Ms. Beatrice Gallego at 638-1966 for more information.

The Sacrament of Matrimony is a blessed covenant, a sacred union between two people in the eyes of the Church, who are called to love each other and love God. The marriage preparation process is an opportunity for a couple to deepen their relationship through vital discussions of faith, life, future, and past history. The process takes time, because the commitment is life-long. Couples are expected to attend six online preparation sessions prior to the ceremony in which they will come to explore the Church’s understanding of marriage, communication styles, raising children, and how to keep Christ at the center of the relationship. Weddings must be scheduled no earlier than six months from the date of the first meeting with the priest. At least one spouse must be a baptized Catholic, and both must be over the age of seventeen. Please contact Ms. Beatrice Gallego at 638-1966 for more information.

The Anointing of the Sick is a Sacrament that gives strength and comfort to the sick and ill by bestowing on them the Holy Spirit’s gifts of peace, spiritual healing, and courage to deal with the difficulties of illness. If you or a loved one are unable to attend mass due to illness or ability to get around, our lay ministers would be happy to come visit you, pray with you, and bring you the Blessed Sacrament on Sundays after mass. Please contact Ms. Beatrice Gallego at 638-1966 for more information.