Sacraments
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Sacraments of Christian Initiation
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Baptism
The growth of our parish family in particular and of the universal church at large takes place in one of two ways, when we welcome new members through the waters of baptism, or when baptized members of other Christian communities come into full communion with the Catholic Church. Most Catholics are incorporated into the people of God with the celebration of Baptism as infants. But it falls to the parents and godparents of children to seek baptism for them, and to raise them in the practice of the Catholic faith.
Preparation to celebrate the sacrament takes place upon request. After attending preparation, parents are able to schedule the Celebration of Baptism. Baptism is preferably celebrated within Sunday Mass. For special circumstances, consult with the Pastor.
For the baptism of children, please contact the Pastor.
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Holy Eucharist
We ordinarily celebrate First Holy Communion with our young people in the 2nd Grade. Preparation for the reception of the sacrament takes place during the academic year, and the sacrament is celebrated on a designated Sunday in the Easter Season. Contact the parish office for information..
Catholics past the 2nd Grade who wish to receive First Holy Communion should contact the parish office for information.
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Confirmation
We celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation throughout the Diocese of Richmond in the 10th Grade. Preparation for the reception of the sacrament takes place during the academic year, and the sacrament is celebrated with the Bishop or his delegate at various times throughout the calendar year. Contact the parish office for information.
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Sacraments of Healing
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Reconciliation / Penance
We ordinarily celebrate First Reconciliation (Confession) with our young people also in the 2nd Grade. Preparation for the reception of the sacrament takes place during the academic year, and the sacrament is celebrated on a designated Saturday in the spring before reception of First Holy Communion.
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Anointing of the Sick
The Anointing of the Sick is administered by a priest to a person who is ill, preparing for surgery, recovering from surgery, in hospice care, or in any extreme form of physical distress. Contact the parish office as soon as possible while your sick loved one is alert and able to communicate. The sacrament of Anointing can be given more than once, but only to the living.
"Last rites" for the dying consists of three sacraments: Confession, Anointing of the Sick, and Eucharist (Called "Viaticum" in this case, or "food for the journey").A good rule of thumb: when the doctor suggests calling the family, that's a good time to call the priest for "last rites".
It is best to bring your sick loved one to the attention of the pastor long before they lose the ability to communicate. The pastor visits residents of nursing homes upon request.
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Sacraments of Service & Mission
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Matrimony
The Pastor is primarily responsible for preparing engaged couples for the Celebration of Marriage as required by the Bishop of the Diocese of Richmond. With the assistance of married couple parishioners, the Pastor meets with the engaged couple to begin sacramental preparation at least 6 months prior to the celebration of the sacrament.
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Holy Orders
The ordained ministry or ministerial priesthood is at the service of the baptismal priesthood. The saving mission entrusted by the Father to his incarnate Son was committed to the apostles and through them to their successors: they receive the Spirit of Jesus to act in His name and in His person. The ordained minister is the sacramental bond that ties the liturgical action to what the apostles said and did and, through them, to the words and actions of Christ, the source and foundation of the sacraments. (Catechism of the Catholic Church no. 1120)
For more information about ordained ministry or the religious life (communities of men and women), contact the pastor or the diocesan Vocation Office.
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