SACRAMENTS OF INITIATION
BAPTISM | 1ST COMMUNION | CONFIRMATION
UNDERSTANDING
BAPTISM
Baptism is God's most beautiful and magnificent gift. . . .We call it gift, grace, anointing, enlightenment, garment of immortality, bath of rebirth, seal, and most precious gift. It is called gift because it is conferred on those who bring nothing of their own; grace since it is given even to the guilty; Baptism because sin is buried in the water; anointing for it is priestly and royal as are those who are anointed; enlightenment because it radiates light; clothing since it veils our shame; bath because it washes; and seal as it is our guard and the sign of God's Lordship.
The Sacrament of Baptism is the first of our seven sacraments. It is through Baptism that the stain of original sin, and any other sin, is wiped away and we become new members of the Body of Christ and the Catholic Church.
Baptism is the Sacrament through which a person becomes a Christian. In the Roman Catholic Church, children are usually baptized as infants. In such instances, parents and godparents are to participate in a baptism preparation class to learn how to live their responsibility in helping the child grow in the faith.
Older children (7+) and adults who have not been baptized as infants can also receive the sacrament. Parents of older children should contact the parish office for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a baptismal preparation session?
A baptismal preparation session offers an overview of our threefold baptismal call as priest, prophet and king and explores the role and responsibilities of parents and godparents in raising a child in the Catholic faith. We also walk through the parts of the baptismal rite and explain the theology of the rite’s language and symbolism.
Q: When and where does the session take place?
Please contact our parish office at 819.777.6931 to set up a session.
Q: What is the cost for session?
There is no cost for a preparation session at OLA.
Q: Who can enrol?
Any parent or godparent who is preparing their child for baptism- regardless of the church or country where the child is being baptized – can call us for a session.
Q: Do both parents need to attend the baptismal preparation session?
It is advisable for both parents to be involved in the preparation of their child's baptism, but only one is required to have the session.
Q: If I have taken the baptismal preparation class before , do I need to take it again?
The sessions for Baptism at OLA grant you information that will help in the celebration; which is different information than the one received at a Catholic Baptism Class. Therefore we urge you to give the Parish a call.
Q: When are baptisms offered?
At Our Lady of the Annunciation, baptisms occur during regularly scheduled weekend Masses (Saturday 5:00 PM; Sunday 9:00 AM). The date of the baptism is only confirmed after having had a session.
SACRAMENTS OF INITIATION
BAPTISM | 1ST COMMUNION | CONFIRMATION
UNDERSTANDING
1ST COMMUNION
First Holy Communion is considered one of the holiest and most important occasions in a Roman Catholic person’s life. It is the first time that a person receives the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, which is the eating of consecrated bread and drinking of consecrated wine.
Along with the Sacrament of Baptism, First Holy Communion is one of our three sacraments of initiation. It is through these sacraments of initiation that we become full members of the Church. We receive the Holy Eucharist for the first time during the First Holy Communion. The Holy Eucharist refers to Christ’s body, blood, soul, and divinity that are truly present in the consecrated host and wine (now called the Body and Blood of Christ) on the altar. For us as Catholics, there is nothing greater than to receive Jesus, truly present in the Eucharist at Mass.
First Holy Communion is considered one of the holiest and most important occasions in a Roman Catholic person’s life. It is the first time that a person receives the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, which is the eating of consecrated bread and drinking of consecrated wine. Most Catholic children receive their First Holy Communion when they are 7 or 8 years old as this is considered the age of reason.
Older people can receive communion for the first time when they have met all of the Catholic Church’s requirements. If you are an adult, 18 years or older, who is seeking more information on how to become a member of the Catholic Church, or if you are a baptized Catholic and have never received First Holy Communion, please refer to The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) for further information.
PREPARATION SCHEDULE
First Reconciliation and first Holy Communion will commence in September 2022.
All communication will be done via email.
SACRAMENTS OF INITIATION
BAPTISM | 1ST COMMUNION | CONFIRMATION
UNDERSTANDING
CONFIRMATION
The Sacrament of Confirmation is the supernatural equivalent of the growth process on the natural level. It builds on what was begun in Baptism and what was nourished in the Holy Eucharist. It completes the process of initiation into the Christian community, and it matures the soul for the work ahead.
Just as our bodies and minds grow, Catholics believe that our souls need to grow in the life of grace. Just as the human body must grow in childhood, adolescence, and then adulthood; the human soul needs to grow into maturity. The Sacrament of Confirmation is the supernatural equivalent of the growth process on the natural level. It builds on what was begun in Baptism and what was nourished in the Holy Eucharist. It completes the process of initiation into the Christian community, and it matures the soul for the work ahead.
Confirmation means accepting responsibility for your faith and your destiny. The focus is on the Holy Spirit, who confirmed the apostles on Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4) and gave them courage to practice their faith. The same Holy Spirit confirms Catholics during the Sacrament of Confirmation and gives them the same gifts and fruits.
If you are an adult who is seeking more information on how to become a member of the Catholic Church, please refer The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).
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