sacraments of initiation
Baptism , Holy Eucharist , and Confirmation
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Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua), and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: "Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water and in the word."
Celebrated on the second and fourth Sunday of each month (unless otherwise specified) at 12:00 PM.
First-time parents are required to attend a Baptismal Preparation Session held on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM at the rectory. To make arrangements for a baptism and register for the Preparation Session, please call the parish office 609.561.6116.
Sacrament of Baptism | Catholic Catechism
Godparents (Baptism) and
Sponsors (Confirmation)
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At the Last Supper, on the night he was betrayed, our Savior instituted the Eucharistic sacrifice of his Body and Blood. This he did in order to perpetuate the sacrifice of the cross throughout the ages until he should come again, and so to entrust to his beloved Spouse, the Church, a memorial of his death and resurrection: a sacrament of love, a sign of unity, a bond of charity, a Paschal banquet ‘in which Christ is consumed, the mind is filled with grace, and a pledge of future glory is given to us." [Catholic Catechism, 1323]
Parish Celebration of the Eucharist |
Solemn Eucharist
Catholic Catechism | Today's Readings
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Baptism, the Eucharist, and the sacrament of Confirmation together constitute the "sacraments of Christian initiation," whose unity must be safeguarded. It must be explained to the faithful that the reception of the sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace.
For "by the sacrament of Confirmation, [the baptized] are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit. Hence they are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed.
[Catholic Catechism 1285]
Sacrament of Confirmation | Catholic Catechism
Seven Sacraments
Sacraments of Initiation | Sacraments of Healing | Sacraments of Vocation