BAPTISM THE SACRAMENT: The sacrament of Baptism is the entrance into the life of Jesus Christ, a freedom from original sin, and the gateway to the other sacraments; Baptism  is the one sacrament that all Christian denominations share in common.  By Baptism one becomes part of the Church, is joined to the body of Christ, and becomes an adoped child of God.  Jesus himself says: "Unless you are baptized by water and the Spirit, you shall not enter the kingdom of God" (John 3:5), and his final instruction to his disciples is: "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit." (Mt 28:19).  We recognize the importance of this sacrament.

BAPTISM PREPARATION: For many centuries it has been the custom to baptize infants in the first few months after birth.  The same is true for children up to the age of 7.  There is a one-time preparation session that is held (often wth a few other couples) which can be scheduled by calling the parish office.   Children over 7, and teens/adults who wish to be baptized, should go to the R.C.I.A. page by clicking  HERE.  Mrs. Sweeney will help guide them through the process.

MARRIAGE THE SACRAMENT: The Church states about Marriage: "The intimate community of life and love which constitutes the married state has been established by the Creator and endowed by him with its own proper laws. . . . God himself is the author of marriage ... Marriage is not a purely human institution despite the many variations it may have undergone through the centuries in different cultures, social structures, and spiritual attitudes."  In the marital union, the couple act as ministers before God and join themselves in a sacramental union by the power of God.  They become a sign and symbol of the love and fidelity of God for his people, a love which is faithful, is based on true love, and does not abandon the other.

MARRIAGE PREPARATION: The Marriage preparation process involves a few meetings with the ministers of preparation to help the couple understand the sacrament, to deepen their understanding of one another, and to be sure that they are ready for such a commitment.  In addition to these meetings, attendance at a retreat or other marriage preparation activity in ordinarily required.  We aim to make the process as easy and fruitful as possible.  Please contact the parish office as soon as possible to discuss your marriage.
 

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