Sacraments

Baptism Preparation Classes: Infants through children age 6

Our Baptism Preparation Classes focus on the parents as the primary teachers of the faith in their families.  Both parents and both godparents are expected to attend both classes.  Beginning August 1, 2011, there is a $40 fee for the Baptism Preparation Class.

Baptism Calendar 2011-2012 (Calendario para Bautismo 2011-2012)

Registration for Baptism Classes

In order to register for Baptism Preparation Classes, all information must be turned in to the parish office one week before classes are scheduled to begin.  We must have at least three families registered in order to hold classes.  With fewer than three families, classes will be cancelled until the following month.

Baptism Check List 2011-2012 (Lista de Registración Bautismal 2011-2012)
Baptism Registration Form 2011-2012 (Forma de Registración Bautismal 2011-2012)

Baptism for Children ages 7 - 17

Children and youth over the age of 7 who have had little religious education are required to participate in the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) as adapted for children and youth.  Through this process they are introduced to the teachings of the Catholic Faith, basic Catholic prayers, and the sacramental life of the Church.  At the end of the two year process, they are baptized, confirmed and receive their first holy communion.

Baptism for Adults

Please see the section below on the RCIA.

Godparents

As a Godparent, your role is to be an example to the godchild.  You are called to reflect with your godchild the meaning of life of Catholic discipleship.

Only one godparent is called for by the Roman Catholic Church. A child may have two godparents, male and female only.  Godparents must be at least sixteen years old; not the parent of the child to be baptized (grandparents may be godparents); fully initiated Catholics (have celebrated the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and Eucharist); be Catholics in good standing in the Church; if married, be in a valid Catholic marriage; and be practicing members of the Catholic faith.

Godparents must complete and sign the Godparent covenant as requested by the Diocese of Austin.

Baptism Sponsor Covenant (Convenio de padrino)

First Reconciliation (Confession) and First Communion requirements can be found in the PDF document link below.  They are also available at the church office.  Please contact the office to find out if your child is eligible to participate in the First Communion Class.

Los requisitos para las clases de la Primera Reconciliación (Confesión) y la Primera Comunión están disponibles para revisar.  También son disponibles en la oficina de la iglesia.  Por favor llame a la Oficina de la iglesia par informarse si su niño es elegible para participar en las clases de Primera Comunión.

Confirmation requirements can be found in the PDF document link below.  They are also available at the church office.  Please contact the office to find out if your child is eligible to participate in the Confirmation Class.

Los requisitos para las clases de la Confirmación están disponibles para revisar.  También son disponibles en la oficina de la iglesia.  Por favor llame a la Oficina de la iglesia par informarse si su niño es elegible para participar en las clases de Confirmación.

§1  The rite of Christian initiation…is designed for adults who, after hearing the mystery of Christ proclaimed, consciously and freely seek the living God and enter the way of faith and conversion as the Holy Spirit opens their hearts.  By God’s help they will be strengthened spiritually during their preparation and at the proper time will receive the sacraments fruitfully.  (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is for adults who seek to become Catholic through the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and Eucharist.  It is also for those persons baptized in other Christian faith traditions who wish to become Catholic through a profession of faith and the sacraments of confirmation and Eucharist.  Baptized Catholics who did not receive instruction in the Catholic faith and did not complete the initiation process may receive instruction in the faith and prepare for the sacraments of confirmation and Eucharist.  All sacraments are received at the Easter Vigil.

RCIA begins in September and lasts through May.  Registration takes place in the parish office beginning in August.  Unbaptized persons must turn in a copy of their official (not hospital) birth certificate.  Baptized persons must turn in a copy of their baptism certificate.

Persons seeking full initiation in the Catholic Church must be living according to Catholic teaching in order to receive the sacraments.  One important aspect of this pertains to marriage.  The Catholic Church recognizes marriage as a sacrament of the Church.  Persons who are civilly married, living together or married by common law must bring their marriage into the Catholic Church in order to be “in good standing” and receive the sacraments.  Please contact the parish office as soon as possible to begin the marriage preparation process.

Marriage requirements can be found in the PDF document link below.  They are also available at the church office.  Please contact the office at 478-7955 at least six (6) months prior to your intended wedding date.

Los requisitos para la preparación de matrimonio están disponibles para revisar.  También son disponibles en la oficina de la iglesia.  Por favor llame a la Oficina a 478-7955 no menos de seis (6) meses antes de la fecha deseable de su boda información.