Preparation for the Sacraments
Baptismal Preparation
The Sacrament of Baptism is the first of the Sacraments of Initiation which include the Sacrament of First Eucharist and the Sacrament of Comfirmation. It enables us to participate in all other sacraments.
Baptism in the Ctholic Church today is most commonly administered to infants by the consent of their parents. It removes Original Sin and personal sin (in the case of an older child or adult). It removes the punishment owed because of our sin. We receive the sanctifying grace of the Holy Spirit. It brings us into new life with Christ, and we become a member of the Church, which is the Mystical Body of Christ on earth.
As an adult, by our fully informed consent, baptism is most often received through the process of RCIA, at which time, we may also receive First Eucharist and Confirmation as well.
You have the option of having your child baptized either during or after a Mass, or in a private ceremony.
First, contact the priest or deacon that you would like to perform the ceremony to set a date within their schedule.
Come to the Church Office to pick up the paperwork that needs to be filled out. There is one paper for the parents to fill out, and one for each of the godparents to fill out. These need to be returned to the office about two weeks before the baptism.
Baptismal Preparation for parents and godparents is only required for your first child.
First Reconciliation and First Communion Preparation
Traditionally, the sacrament of Reconciliation was administered immediately before that of First Eucharist. The Church changed that practice after Vatican II, as First Reconciliation, with its focus on sin and punishment, often overshadowed First Eucharist, the sacrament of God’s unconditional love. Now, the two sacraments are administered with a sufficient amount of time separating them, but both normally in the second year of religious education, at the age of seven, which is deemed the age of reason.
The children are prepared for First Reconciliation through teachings of the consequences of our selfish choices, which are forgiven by God’s merciful love. Teachings for First Eucharist prepare the children to receive Jesus into their hearts through the species of bread and wine transformed into His true body and true blood at the consecration.
Confirmation Preparation
Students must be in their 11th year of religious education to receive instruction for Confirmation. They attend Religious Education at Holy Ghost. The sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated at Holy Ghost Church, where the bishop confirms students from both communities at the same time.
Marriage Preparation
Before any plans or bookings are made, the couple should first contact one of the parish priests six months before the anticipated date. Following the regulations of the Diocese of Baton Rouge, there are three steps to be taken in preparation of marriage.
- An initial assessment of the couple’s freedom and readiness for marriage is done by the priest.
- A spiritual retreat and consultation with a parish sponsored married couple.
- Liturgical planning is done with the priest who will officiate at the wedding ceremony.