If they were baptized at our church, we can look up their sacrament record here. If they were baptized at a different church but can’t find their certificate(s), we recommend calling their church of baptism as soon as possible and asking for an updated sacrament record (it can be helpful to the process if you’re able to give their full name, date of birth, and even their baptism date to the church when you request the record). This record can be sent directly to our church, or you can send us a copy when you receive it.

This program is meant for children who have been baptized Catholic and are in grades 2-4. For a child in grades 5-8 seeking to receive their sacraments or to be baptized, we have a separate program that is more appropriate for that age range. Please contact Samantha (samantha@stalphonsus.net) for more information if your child falls in that older age range or has not yet been baptized.

A few years ago, the diocese determined through prayer and discussion with the school board that a parish-based sacrament prep program was the way to go. This is primarily because the sacraments stem from the faith relationship found within the community of the Church, not membership in a school. Eventually, students graduate from school; but a parish is a family of faith that someone never graduates from. Their school will not be the place they go back to for healing in a moment of crisis, for sacramental care in a time of sorrow or joy, or for direction and encouragement when they are called to grow and mature in life. Through the Sacraments one declares, “I want to be a member of this community of faith for life”. Through our community, the faithful, including our children, grow and become who God wants them to be!

Normally, sacraments should be received in one’s home parish, usually the closest parish to where you live or the parish where you regularly worship. For a serious reason, however, an exception may be made for a child to receive their first sacraments in a different parish. If you’re from a parish other than ours, we ask you to obtain a letter of permission from your own parish pastor and provide it to us before beginning our preparation program.

Children are strongly encouraged to participate in Mass regularly – every weekend. (Our Mass schedule is Saturday at 4pm and Sunday at 9am or 11am.) At baptism, parents promise to raise their children in the practice of the faith. Through Reconciliation and Holy Communion, Catholics are strengthened to take personal responsibility for building good faith habits. It is important that our actions match our inner thoughts, so, candidates looking to receive these two Sacraments who also intend to not enter a church again for some time afterwards should question whether this is the appropriate time in their lives to receive these Sacraments. The most significant way parents can help their children prepare for any sacrament is to participate regularly with them at Mass, to model their own regular participation with the sacraments – and it’s never too late to start!