Sacraments at St. Mary's

Select one to learn more about the preparation process.

Baptism | First Reconciliation | First Eucharist | Teen Confirmation | Adult Confirmation

To get Faith Formation and Sacrament Calendars,
Brochures and Registration Forms, click here.

Baptism
(Contact Sr. Pat - 804-740-4044, ext. 13)

• In compliance with diocesan policy, parents are expected to participate in two baptismal preparation   sessions prior to scheduling their child's baptism. See calendar on the side.
• The family of the child to be baptized is to be a registered member of St. Mary's for at least three   months.
• Baptism initiates a child into the faith community of the Catholic Church. It is celebrated in the midst of a   parish community whose presence witnesses its willingess to support and encourage its newest   members and their parents. Therefore, Baptsim is celebrated during our weekend Eucharistic Liturgies.
• The fee for baptismal materials, including the child's candle, is $30. Payment may be made during the   preparation meeting.
• Parents will need to call Sr. Pat at the Parish Office (740-4044, ext. 13) to register for Baptismal   Sessions.

     We welcome your child to be baptized at St. Mary's. Whenever we welcome new life, our life as a faith community is enhanced. Parents, godparents, and community together promise to share the joys and challenges of living our Catholic faith.
     As a Sacrament of Initiation, Baptism is the first step in our life-long journey of faith. Parents who decide to have their baby baptized are also choosing to share their own faith by the example of their words and actions. Baptism, then, makes visible your commitment, and that of the godparents you choose, to the ongoing growth in faith of your child. A faith that is alive and active is "caught" more than it is "taught".
     We hope that this time of preparation and celebration will be an opportunity for you to both reflect on your faith and to renew your commitment to living our your chosen responsibilities. May you understand as addres to you the words of Christ to His disciples: "Teach them to carry out everything I have commanded you. And know that I am with you always ...".

First Reconciliation (Penance, Confession)
Registration Guidelines
(Contact John Sweet - 804-740-4044, ext 17)

• A child must be entering the second grade to begin preparation.
• If a child is not in Catholic school, the family must be registered for Generations of Faith during the   coming year.
• If a child does attend Catholic school, it is very highly recommended that the family be registered for   Generations of Faith during the coming year.
• Family must be registered at St. Mary's Church.
• Families must be attending Mass on a regular basis.
• Family must be willing and ready to commit to the full preparation process during the coming year (see   calendar).
• The Church recognizes parents as the most influential agents of catechesis for their children; the first   educators or catechists.
• The basic responsibility for Sacrament preparation rests with the parent. The role of the parish is to   support and aide the parent.
• A copy of the child's baptismal certificate** must be attached to the registration form, unless the child was   baptized at St. Mary's.
• The child must have attended religious education or Catholic school during the year prior to entering   Sacrament preparation and be registered in either for the coming year.
• Children must celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation/Penance prior to receiving Holy Communion.
• A $35 materials fee is charged to help cover costs. If a family cannot afford this, we simply ask that you   attach a letter to the registration form asking that the fee be waived. No child will be denied due to financial   difficulties.

**Children age 8 or above who have not been baptized or who have been baptized in another faith should contact the office prior to registering. The RCIA adapted for children may be the preparation process for you.

Prior to celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation, a child will come to know in an age-appropriate way:

• the difference between right and wrong.
• that accidents or mistakes are not sins.
• that when we deliberately choose to do what is wrong and turn away from God, we sin.
• that God is loving and merciful. God will always forgive us if we ask.
• that Jesus has given us the Sacrament of Reconciliation through which our sins are forgiven and we receive the grace to live as God's children.
• that we must be willing to forgive others, just as God forgives us.

First Eucharist (Holy Communion)
Registration Guidelines
(Contact John Sweet - 804-740-4044, ext 17)

• A child must be entering the second grade to begin preparation.
• If a child is not in Catholic school, the family must be registered for Generations of Faith during the   coming year.
• If a child does attend Catholic school, it is very highly recommended that the family be registered for   Generations of Faith during the coming year.
• Family must be registered at St. Mary's Church.
• Families must be attending Mass on a regular basis.
• Family must be willing and ready to commit to the full preparation process during the coming year (see   calendar).
•The Church recognizes parents as the most influential agents of catechesis for their children; the first   educators or catechists.
• The basic responsibility for Sacrament preparation rests with the parent. The role of the parish is to   support and aide the parent.
• A copy of the child's baptismal certificate** must be attached to the registration form, unless the child   was baptized at St. Mary's.
• The child must have attended religious education or Catholic school during the year prior to entering   Sacrament preparation and be registered in either for the coming year.
• Children must prepare for and celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation/Penance prior to receiving Holy   Communion.
• A $35 materials fee is charged to help cover costs. If a family cannot afford this, we simply ask that you   attach a letter to the registration form asking that the fee be waived. No child will be denied due to   financial difficulties.

Prior to celebrating First Holy Communion …

• A child will know that the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ - that Jesus is   truly present (Christ's Real Presence), that is, he/she will understand the difference between ordinary   bread and wine and the Eucharist.
• A child will have sufficient preparation to allow for reception of the Eucharist with appropriate devotion and   reverence.
• It is reasonable to expect that a child is attending Mass weekly.
• It is reasonable to expect that a child has an understanding of what it means to participatein Mass -   knowing the responses and the prayers of the Mass and the importance of regular attendance.

NOTE: The Code of Canon Law of the Catholic Church states that children are required to have sufficient knowledge and careful preparation so as to understand the mystery of Christ according to their capacity and so that they receive the Body of the Lord with faith and devotion (Canon 913).

Teen Confirmation Registration Guidelines
(Contact John Sweet - 804-740-4044, ext 17)

"The process of Christian Initiation has its summit in the Sacrament of Confirmation. The seeds of faith are planted at Baptism. Faith sets down firm roots and comes to maturity at the Eucharistic table. People whose faith has grown up around the Eucharistic table do not make a permanent dwelling place there. Rather, inspired and strengthened by the Eucharist, they press onward to live out their faith. Confirmation is the juncture between faith that is reaching maturity and faith that has matured. It is the turning point where disciples of faith become apostles of faith in the world." (Called to Faith, Diocesan Sacrament Guidelines, #75)

• A young person must be entering the eleventh grade to begin immediate preparation.
• If a teen is not in Catholic school, the family must be registered for Generations of Faith during the   coming year.
• If a teen does attend Catholic school, it is very highly recommended that the family be registered for   Generations of Faith during the coming year.
• Family must be registered at St. Mary's Church.
• Family and teen must be attending Mass on a regular basis.
• Family and teen must be willing and ready to commit to the full preparation process during the coming   year (see calendar). In addition, the candidate will have some "at home" study and activities to complete.
• The Church recognizes parents as the most influential agents of catechesis for their children; the first   educators or catechists, therefore parents are actively involved in the preparation process.
• The basic responsibility for Sacrament preparation rests with the young person. The role of the parish   and parent is to support and aide the candidate on his/her journey of faith.
• In addition to the parish and parent, each candidate will choose a sponsor who will be active in helping   and supporting the candidate on his/her journey of faith.
• A copy of the teen's baptismal certificate must be attached to the registration form, unless the child was   baptized at St. Mary's.
• The young person must have attended religious education or Catholic school during the year prior to   entering Sacrament preparation and be registered in either for the coming year.
• Candidates will have the opportunity to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation prior to celebrating   Confirmation.
• A $35 materials fee is charged to help cover costs. If a family cannot afford this, we simply ask that you   attach a letter to the registration form asking that the fee be waived. No child will be denied due to   financial difficulties.

Prior to celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation, the candidate will have …

• an expression of desire to receive the Sacrament
• an understanding of the Sacrament as a personal commitment to assume fuller responsibility in the   community and in the ministry and service aspects of parish life
• a sense of unity with the parish community as evidenced by participation in the liturgy and the Eucharist,   with an awareness of what is taking place
• a basic understanding of Catholicism, including a deepened awareness of Jesus, his teaching, and the   role of the Church in continuing his mission
• an ability to express his or her faith in ways that others can understand and appreciate
• a witness in the way the candidate lives a Christian life.

Adult Confirmation Information
(Contact Sr. Pat - 804-740-4044, ext. 13)

Adult Confirmation is a program available to adults who have not received the Sacrament of Confirmation. The sessions meet weekly on Wednesday evenings during the Lenten season. Confirmation of adults takes place at the Easter Vigil Service.