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The Sacraments of Christian
Initiation
"Baptism,
Confirmation and Eucharist
are the foundational sacraments of every Christian life. “The
faithful are born anew by Baptism, strengthened by the sacrament
of Confirmation, and receive in the Eucharist the food of
eternal life.”
– Catechism of the Catholic Church [1212]
BAPTISM
Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway
to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the
other sacraments.” [cc 1213] Through Baptism we are not
only freed from sin but made children of God. We are incorporated
into the life of God and become participants in the mission
of the Church.
Baptism of Adults
The Christian initiation of adults begins with their entry
into the catechumenate and reaches its culmination in a single
celebration of the three sacraments of initiation during the
Easter Vigil. To support the journey of the person seeking
Baptism, the Church has established the Order of Christian
Initiation known to most as the RCIA. This process is a “formation
in the whole Christian life.”
Through a 12-18 month process a person seeking
Baptism is accompanied by a sponsor as he/she explores the
basic truths of the Catholic faith, practices living the life
of faith and renounces those practices or attitudes which
lead away from goodness.
Those desiring to explore becoming members of the Church are
welcomed into this process.
For more information please see our RCIA
information page.
Persons baptized in other Christian traditions
who now desire to become Catholics are also welcomed to participate
in the RCIA. After participating in the process, such candidates
make their profession of faith at the Easter Vigil or at an
early time, if appropriate.
Baptism of Children of Catechetical
Age
Children of catechetical age [7 and older] follow a process
similar to that for Baptism of adults but do not receive the
sacrament of confirmation at that time. If you have older
children who have not yet received the sacrament of Baptism,
Contact: Father Looney, 443-5442
Baptism of Infants
Parents have a grave obligation to nurture the faith of their
children and to provide them full access to the rites of the
Church. Parents who wish to have their child baptized participate
in a class preparing and strengthening them for their roles
as primary nurturers of faith.
Parents and Godparents give concrete and vital
witness to faith by living the life they ask of God for the
child. If you wish to have your child baptized, please contact
the parish office in advance of the baptism.
The usual day and time for baptism preparation class
is the first Saturdays of January, April, June, August and October at 10:00 a.m.
Baptisms are celebrated on the fourth Saturday of each month at 11:00 a.m.
Contact: Father Looney
443-5442
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CONFIRMATION
By Confirmation Christians, that is, those who are anointed,
share more completely in the mission of Jesus Christ and the
fullness of the Holy Spirit with which he is filled, so that
their lives may give off “the aroma of Christ.”
[cc 1294] Through the anointing of the sacrament we receive
the seal of the Spirit that marks our total belonging to Christ.
[cc1121]
In the Diocese of Sacramento the usual age for
Confirmation is in early adolescence, allowing for youth to
be fully catechized for living the life of faith, prayer and
service. Confirmation is not a moment of choosing to be Catholic
but one of living more fully what one has already received
in Baptism.
The reception of the sacrament of Confirmation
is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace.
This year we begin a two year cycle of preparation for confirmation. Children in the sixth grade should be enrolled and will be confirmation in the spring of 2011. Confirmation will be delayed for sixth grade students who do not begin their preparation this year. Contact our CFF for enrollment.
Parents of youth who have not been confirmed
or adults seeking the receive the sacrament
Contact: Father Looney or Sister Katherine 443-5442
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EUCHARIST
“The Eucharist is ‘the source and summit of the
Christian life.’ The other sacraments, and indeed all
ecclesiastical ministries and works of the apostolate, are bound
up with the Eucharist and are oriented toward it.” [cc.1324]
The Eucharist is both sign and cause of our communion in divine
life and the unity of the People of God. It is the sacred meal
of our faith, our participation in the sacrifice of Christ Jesus
and joins us as one with Christ in giving thanks and praise
to the Father.
The Holy Spirit parish community comes
together for Mass daily as well as on Sundays. It is in our
Eucharistic worship that we are animated and formed as disciples
of Jesus. The liturgy schedule for the parish is:
Saturday evening: Vigil
Mass at 5:15 p.m.
Sunday mornings: Mass at 8:00am, 9:30am &
11:00am
Children’s Liturgy of the Word and a pre-school program
for small children [under 5] is available during the 9:30
liturgy.
Daily Mass: 8:00 a.m
Holy day schedule: Mass at 8:00 a.m. &
7 p.m. on the day of the feast and a 7:00 p.m. Mass on the
vigil.
Eucharistic adoration is available on the first Friday of
every month from 8:30 until 10:30 a.m.
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