Sacraments

Contact: Sr. Pat Hall, srpat@sacredheart-church.org

Christian Initiation of Adults

The process for initiation of new members is individualized for each person, although there is usually an ongoing group. Guidelines describe the four stages: inquiry, formation, preparation for initiation and reflection upon initiation. The time frame for each period can vary; generally, the total time frame is several months to a year. Weekly sessions are held throughout the year. Inquirers can meet according to their schedule. Those in the formation stage attend one of the Saturday or Sunday Eucharistic Celebrations and stay for an additional hour to hour and a half. The norm for adult baptism is a celebration at the Easter Vigil, though exceptions can be made.

Preparation for Marriage

The Pre-Marriage Program for the three Columbia parishes is hosted and coordinated by Sacred Heart Parish. The six-session course is offered in the fall and the spring of each year.

Weddings

A wedding guidelines book is available at the Parish Office. Wedding dates are added to the calendar when the proper guideline steps have been taken. Six months notice and preparation time is required.

Infant Baptism

Baptisms are generally performed during the weekend Mass celebrations. Parents are required to be registered and to attend an instruction session to prepare for the sacrament of baptism. After attending the session, parents may schedule the baptism through the Parish Office at the weekend Mass of their choice. The baptism class is scheduled privately with Deacon John Weaver, jweaver@sacredheart-church.org.

Sacramental Preparation for Children and Youth

Children are prepared for the first reception of Reconciliation in the first semester of grade two during their class sessions in the Parish School of Religion or at Columbia Catholic School. Parent meetings in October and November will involve parents and families in this preparation. A Communal Celebration of Reconciliation for the children and their families is celebrated in early December. Children in grade two are prepared in the second semester for the first reception of Eucharist. Parent meetings in January and March will involve parents and families in the preparation. Individual celebrations of First Eucharist can be scheduled on the Saturday/Sundays after Easter. Children beyond grade two who have not received first sacraments can have a special preparation. Call the parish office to discuss procedures. Confirmation is celebrated with juniors and seniors in high school every other year. The monthly preparation sessions begin in early September and run through early May.