Sacraments
Sacramental Life
Continuing the Mission of Jesus
Jesus gave His disciples a mission: “... go make disciples of all nations...” (Mt. 28:19).
This same challenge is ours today! As we strive to live day-by-day in light of the gospel message, Jesus' values grow within us and we become more open to the Holy Spirit speaking and working through us. We become living witnesses of the Kingdom of God.
Readiness
In the immense complexity of today’s society, parents have the awesome task of being their child’s first teachers. Informally but powerfully, parents pass on actions, values and beliefs and give their child a first experience of God. It is also the privilege of parents to present their child as a candidate for fuller participation in the Sacramental life of the church.
Preparation for and celebration of sacraments is also a parish responsibility. An essential partnership exists among families, catechists and the Christian community in fostering the growth of faith in children and youth.
Since sacraments presume faith in Jesus, readiness, not necessarily grade level or age, is the important criteria for determining when the celebration of a sacrament should take place.
Infant or Toddler Baptsim
Baptism is a person’s individual response to Jesus’ call to “Come follow Me”. Infants and young children are unable to make this choice for themselves. Therefore, parents present their child for Baptism and along with Godparents answer Christ’s call for the child.
In order to help prepare and assist parents and godparents in their roles, the parish offers a baptismal seminar which both parents and godparents are asked to attend. These sessions may be attended during pregnancy or after the birth of the child.
Parents desiring to have their baby or toddler baptized begin the process by registering at the parish office 443-1412. An initial parent interview with one of the parish priests, deacon or sister is scheduled.
Baptisms are usually celebrated on the last Sunday of the month. Arrangements for Baptism during a Sunday mass may be made on an individual basis with one of the parish priests.
Pre-school or Primary Baptism
Parents who wish to have their 4, 5 or 6 year old baptized register through the Faith Formation of Youth Office. Preparation sessions are held for the parents and godparents during the year. If old enough, the children attend Faith Formation classes with their peers and a special Baptismal celebration is scheduled for the end of the school year. Contact sr.frances@olphchurch.org for more information.
Baptism of Older children / youth
Once a young person is in the intermediate grades and not baptized, his/her initiation into the church follows the same process as for adults. Parents and their young person participate in a process of preparation which involves faith formation classes with their peers, liturgical rites and community celebrations. The young person then receives the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. Parents register through the Faith Formation of Youth Office.
First Eucharist (Communion)
Catholic youth who are baptized as infants/young children are fully initiated into the church in stages. Children grow in an understanding of their faith as they live their faith on a daily basis with their families and as they participate in the parish Faith Formation of Youth Program or attend Catholic School.
When parents feel their child has reached readiness for First Eucharist, they present their child as a candidate and request they be included in the parish process of preparation by registering for Faith Formation classes (unless the youth are attending Catholic School)
Parents are expected to take an active part in this preparation process. Participation in Sunday Mass, interviews with the parish staff, parent sessions directly relating to the Sacraments and other excellent opportunities for spiritual growth are strongly encouraged and required.
First Eucharist is celebrated in a family setting during designated Sunday Masses after Easter. Parents sign up for the Mass of their choice at the parent session in preparation for First Eucharist.
First Reconciliation (Confession)
Assisted by parents and their catechists, children receiving First Eucharist are prepared for and encouraged to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation prior to First Eucharist.
If for some reason a child/youth has not received the Sacrament of Reconciliation but has received Eucharist, he/she may take part in our process of preparation as it relates to this Sacrament.
Parents present their child as a candidate for First Reconciliation and register through the Faith Formation of Youth Office.
Confirmation
A young person baptized as an infant or young child has the choice of celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation in his/her latter years of high school. This is their time to personally claim for themselves the life of Christ into which they were initiated at the time of their Baptism.
Each year of Faith Sharing Sessions, in our Faith Formation of Youth Program or in Catholic Schools, leads toward readiness. However, there is a special time of preparation prior to the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Juniors or Seniors in High School who have not yet received this Sacrament may sign up as candidates for Confirmation through the Faith Formation of Youth Office. Parents, catechists sponsors and the parish community share in the spiritual journey of these young people.
Confirmation for Adults
Any adult who has been baptized and received Eucharist but has never been confirmed and wishes to do so, may sign up as a candidate and participate in a special process of preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Contact sr.frances@olphchurch.org for more information.
Christian Initiation of Adults
Newcomers are always welcome in the Catholic Church. Adults wishing to become members of the Catholic Church participate in the process know as RCIA.
This process is open to adults who
- have never been baptized
- have been baptized in another Christian Church
- are baptized Catholics but have not yet received Confirmation or Eucharist.
During our time together, there will be
- proclamation and teaching of the gospel … prayer and spiritual direction
- catechesis (the passing on of the traditions and teachings of the church)
- and personal interaction with members of Our Lady of Perpetual Help parish Community.
If you feel the Lord calling you to membership in the Church, or if you are trying to discern the Lord’s call by knowing more about the church, your journey begins by contacting Sister Frances Michele at (619) 443-1477 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (619) 443-1477 end_of_the_skype_highlighting or email at srfrances@olph church.org.
Sacrament of Marriage
Marriage is a wonderful sacrament shared between a man and a woman. Recognizing its importance, the church ensures that couples planning to be married receive quality preparation. In order to have ample time to attend pre-marriage seminar and complete other requirements, couples are asked to apply at least 9 months in advance of their proposed wedding date. Contact the Parish Office: 443-1412 to register.
