Baptism
Baptism is the sacrament of a lifetime, the foundation of our life in Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. Baptism bestows God’s grace on a person, frees the recipient from sin, and makes the person a member of the body of Christ.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is one of the two sacraments of healing through which we receive God’s forgiveness for the sins we have committed after Baptism. First Reconciliation (Confessions) is celebrated in January.
Students are instructed to understand:
- Contrition (truly sorry for sins and having the intention not to sin again)
- Confession (telling our sins to a priest)
- Absolution (receiving God’s forgiveness through the words and actions of the priest).
- Act of Penance (accepting and doing penance)
First Reconciliation (Confessions) is celebrated annually.
We have a wonderful experience for your child when making First Reconciliation to the priest. It comes from the Bible story about “The Prodigal Son.” After the confession, the parents put a robe on their child and a ring on his finger, welcoming the child as the Father did in the scripture. This symbolism helps to make this special time more memorable.
1st Eucharist (Communion)
In this sacrament, we share in the Paschal Mystery and receive the Body and Blood of Christ, who is really and truly present in the appearance of bread and wine. In the Eucharist, the faithful join with Christ to give thanksgiving, honor, and praise to the Father through the power of the Holy Spirit. The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life. The sacrament of the Eucharist completes our initiation into the Body of Christ. First Eucharist is usually received in May.
Students are instructed to understand:
- The word Eucharist means thanksgiving.
- Jesus instituted the Eucharist at the Last Supper.
- At Mass, we gather for the Eucharist and do what Jesus commanded.
- Through the power of the Holy Spirit and the words of the priest the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.
Confirmation (Youth)
Confirmation is the second sacrament of initiation. It strengthens the graces of our Baptism, seals us with the special gift of the Holy Spirit which strengthens us to live and proclaim the Gospel. Confirmation strengthens our life with God, unites us more closely to Christ and his body of the Church. Confirmation leaves a mark or seal on our soul and marks us forever as belonging to Christ. Confirmation can be received only once.
Youth Confirmation: Sacramental preparation begins in Grade 9 and above and Confirmation is received in Grade 10 and above. Ten classes over two years comprise the formal formation for this Sacrament, the start of ongoing learning and faith development which continues through high school and beyond. Complementing classes are:
Worship: 5:30 PM Sundays, Youth Mass is for youth and young adults of our community.
Fellowship and Support: 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM Sundays, Youth Group meets for catechetical, issues, and social nights to build community and support teens.
Additionally, teens attend a variety of service, prayer, concerts, fun social events and other activities.
For information, please contact the Religious Education Department at 941-615-0293 or Email Here