Sacraments of Initiation

Baptism

Baptism Preparation for Parents of Children Under the Age of 7

Our parish has a  process designed to help parents understand the sacrament of baptism and to support them in their role of helping their child to fully live the gifts received in baptism.

Both parents and godparents attend a Baptism Class. Baptism classes are held at St. Ferdinand throughout the year. Parents can schedule a time to participate in one of our classes in the Parish office during normal business hours (Mon-Fri 1:00-6:00).

The Sacrament of Baptism is a welcoming and initial initiation into the Mystical Body of Christ which is a community of God's love.  We do not perform private Baptisms.

Baptism Preparation for Children Age 7 and Older

The Religious Education program coordinates the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults adapted for Children. This program is offered to children who have reached the age of 7 and older [up to 12th grade] and have not yet been baptized.  After successfully completing the program, the students will receive the Sacraments of Initiation -  Baptism, Confirmation, and First Holy Communion at the Easter Vigil.  For more information on the specific additional requirements of this program please contact our Religious Education Director.

Baptism Preparation for Adults

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) ministry prepares adults to receive their initiation sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. Check out our "Becoming Catholic" page, and for more information about the RCIA process do not hesitate to contact our RCIA Coordinator.

Eucharist (Holy Communion)

First Communion Preparation for Children in 2nd Grade

A child's regular attendance at Mass with their family is their primary preparation for First Holy Communion.  The Religious Education program prepares children who have been baptized to understand what they will receive in their First Holy Communion.

Students should attend mass regularly and complete an initial year of catechesis in 1st grade, followed by the second year in 2nd grade. After successful completion of both classes, students receive the Sacrament of First Holy Communion / Eucharist during the season of Easter in their 2nd grade year.  Classes are offered Sunday mornings. For more information about the Elementary RE program or for an alternative class time contact our Religuious Education Director.

First Communion Preparation for Children in Grades 3 - 12

For more information about preparing children in 3rd grade or above for First Holy Communion, please contact our Religious Education Director.

First Communion Preparation for Adults

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) ministry prepares adults to receive their initiation sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. Check out our "Becoming Catholic" page, and for more information about the RCIA process do not hesitate to contact the RCIA Coordinator.

Strengthened to be Saints

The gift of the Holy Spirit in each of our lives is an unfathomable treasure. In our Baptism we have received the grace of adoption as God’s own sons and daughters, being recreated in the image of Jesus Christ. The same Holy Spirit empowers us to live and die as Christ did—in complete fidelity to the Father’s will—through Confirmation. This participation in the identity and mission of Christ is made possible because we receive the same Spirit with which Jesus Christ is filled (cf. CCC 1294). The sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation correspond to this twofold nature of God’s gift, first entrance into His Family, and secondly our heroic living as witnesses in that relationship, called to be Saints.

A minimum of two years of formal religious education in a parish or Catholic school program precedes preparation for the celebration of the sacrament of Confirmation.  Students who have already received First Holy Communion, and who attend 8th grade religious education and 9th grade Youth Ministry and Confirmation classes, receive the Sacrament of Confirmation in the 10th grade. 

Role of the Godparent/Sponsor

Every teen preparing for Confirmation needs a sponsor. It is desirable that the same people who served as godparents for baptism return to fill the role of Confirmation sponsors. In the Baptism of infants, godparents represent both the expanded spiritual family of the one to be baptized and the role of the Church as mother. As occasion offers, godparents help the parents so that children will come to profess the Faith and live up to it.

It is expected that each confirmand have one sponsor.

Sponsors should exhibit the following qualities:

• Sufficient maturity to fulfill their function (at least 16 years of age)

• Practicing Catholic in good standing with the Catholic Church

• Having received Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist

• Freedom from any impediment of law to their fulfilling the office of sponsor

• May not be the natural or adoptive parent of the confirmand (Cf. Canon 893).

For more information about the Sacrament of Confirmation for Youth contact our Religious Education Director or Youth Minister.