PREPARATION FOR SACRAMENTS
BAPTISM
In order to have a child baptized in the Catholic Church, parents are required to participate a preparation course. Our preparation course consists of two one hour sessions. Ideally it would be great if both parents participate, but we recognize that this is not always possible. We ask that parents not bring their child to the course and make alternative arrangements for childcare so that they can fully participate in the session. Godparents are welcome to participate in the course, but it is not required.
Normally, the sessions are offered on the first two Tuesdays in September, November, February, April, and June at 7:00 P.M. in the Cathedral Hall. Although pre-registration is not required for these sessions, it is best to call the office to ensure that there have been no date changes. Parking is available in our parking lot.
For families that will be celebrating the baptism at St. Anthony’s Cathedral or Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, please contact the office to complete a registration form as well as to pick up a “baptism kit”.
Prior to the celebration of Baptism you will need to provide the office with a copy of the child’s birth certificate or health card and a copy of the Godfather’s and Godmother’s baptismal certificate.
In order to be a Godparent, one of the Godparents must be baptized and confirmed as a Roman Catholic. If there is a second Godparent, he / she must be of the opposite sex of the other godparent and he / she must be baptized (either in the Catholic Church or another recognized Christian Church.) There are no exceptions to these requirements as they are Church Law.
If needed, you can obtain a copy of your Baptismal certificate from the Church where you were baptized. Explain that you are going to be a Godparent and need proof that you have received the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation. If you were baptized or confirmed at Nativity of Our Lord Parish or St. Alphonsus Parish these records are here at St. Anthony’s Parish.
If the Baptism is taking place elsewhere, please contact that Parish for details about registration and arranging the baptism. Our preparation course is open to any family who is preparing for baptism and a certificate of completion will be provided to those families having their child baptized in another Parish.
FIRST RECONCILIATION
Children in grade three and up who have been baptized are invited to prepare to celebrate the Sacrament of First Reconciliation (Confession). A preparation course (which consists of three sessions) is offered in the fall for candidates and their parent(s). They are normally scheduled one per month in September, October, and November. Parents are to accompany their child(ren) and participate in the sessions. Upon completion of the preparation course and the “at home” workbook, the Sacrament of Reconciliation is celebrated at the end of November or early December.
FIRST COMMUNION
Children in grade three and up who have received the Sacrament of Reconciliation are invited to prepare to celebrate the Sacrament of First Communion (Eucharist). A preparation course (which consists of two sessions) is offered in the winter for candidates and their parent(s). They are normally scheduled one per month in February and March. Parents are to accompany their child(ren) and participate in the sessions. Upon completion of the preparation course and “at home” workbook, the Sacrament of First Eucharist is celebrated in the Easter Season.
CONFIRMATION
Young people in grade seven and up who have received the Sacrament of First Communion are invited to prepare to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation. A preparation course (which consists of various sessions) is offered in the fall for candidates. Upon completion of the preparation course, the Sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated in the Easter Season.
The Sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated every second year in the Parish. Preparation sessions will begin in the fall of 2024 with Confirmation being celebrated during the Easter Season of 2025.
MARRIAGE
Couples who are planning to be married should contact the Pastor at least six months prior to their anticipated wedding date to make an appointment to meet and begin preparation. All couples are required to attend a marriage preparation course as well as complete the necessary paperwork to have their marriage celebrated in the Church.
RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITITATION OF ADULTS (RCIA)
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a process to guide and prepare adults who are considering becoming a member of the Roman Catholic Church. This process is designed for those who have never been baptized before or who have been baptized in another Christian Church and want to become Catholic. The process typically begins in the fall with the celebration of Christian Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist) taking place at the Easter Vigil.