The Sacraments of Initiation
Baptism | Confirmation | Eucharist
The sacraments of Christian initiation – Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist – lay the foundations of every Christian life. ‘The sharing in the divine nature given to men through the grace of Christ bears a certain likeness to the origin, development, and nourishing of natural 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
Amen, amen, I say to you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit.
John 3:5
INFANT BAPTISM
Congratulations on the birth of your child!
The Church recognizes that born with a fallen human nature and tainted by original sin, children are in need of the new birth in Baptism to be freed from the power of darkness and brought into the realm of the freedom of the children of God, to which all men are called. cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church no. 1250.
Is there an expectation for parents? Yes. Parents are called to be a living model of the faith for their children. By its very nature, infant baptism requires a life of formation in the faith that is “necessary for the flowering of baptismal grace in personal grace” (CCC 1231). Christian parents will recognize that this practice is their role and responsibility as nurturers of the life that God has entrusted to them. (CCC 1251).
If you are interested in having your baby baptized, please click on “Baptism Inquiry Form” and complete the form. If you have not received an email within 10 work days, please contact Bridget@lotw.org
BAPTIZING CHILDREN AGED 7 AND OLDER
What if my child is 7 y.o. or older and hasn’t been baptized?
The path to receiving the sacrament of baptism is a little different than that for an infant. Please click on “Baptism Inquiry Form” and complete the form. Then you will be contacted to set up a meeting to discuss what would be involved in planning for your child(ren) to receive the gifts of the sacraments.
INTERESTED IN HAVING A GRANDCHILD BAPTIZED
What if I am Catholic and my grandchildren have not been baptized yet?
Please contact Bridget@lotw.org so that we can meet and discuss your particular situation.
INTERESTED IN BEING BAPTIZED AS AN ADULT
What if I am an adult and have not been baptized?
Please call RachelC@lotw.org to set up a meeting to discuss what would be involved and to answer any questions you may have.
GODPARENTS
Congratulations on the awesome privilege of supporting the formation of a child in the practice of the Catholic faith. Classes to prepare you for this responsibility are offered for LOTW parishioners.
Please notify us no less than six weeks prior to the baptism. Email your request with the date and location of the baptism along with the parish contact to bridget@lotw.org.
Confirmation
The sacrament of Confirmation helps the baptized to become more perfectly bound to the Church and strengthened through the Holy Spirit to become witnesses of Christ, reflected in their words and deeds.
Adults interested in being confirmed can contact Rachel Carlson at rachelc@lotw.com. Parents of children and teens interested in being confirmed can contact Bridget Rincon at bridget@lotw.com.
Eucharist
The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life and all the other sacraments and ministries of the Church are oriented toward it. Unlike the other sacraments which are channels through which we mysteriously encounter Christ and receive grace, the Eucharist is Christ himself, wholly and substantially present; Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity.
The Eucharist is the source and cause for communion in the divine life of God and unity among the family of God. When the faithful participate in the celebration of Mass, God lifts us to the heavenly liturgy in anticipation of eternal life with God, the angels and the saints.
Questions? CONTACT US!
For questions related to children and youth receiving these sacraments, contact Bridget.
