The Sacramental life of our parish is our deepest expression of who we are. All sacraments are community celebrations of our encounters with the risen Lord in the most important moments of our lives. Since sacraments are so important to us as Catholic Christians, we take them very seriously and prepare to receive them carefully.
 

Any child that enrolls in our Program without having celebrated the sacrament of Baptism is considered a Catechumen. 

The process of celebrating the sacraments will depend on the grade level of the child.

"Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua), and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: 'Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word.'" --Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1213
 

How old should my child be to be baptized?
Under ordinary circumstances, parents should see to the Baptism of their infants within the first few weeks/months: “As soon as possible after birth, even before it, they are to approach the parish to ask for the sacrament for their child and to be themselves prepared for it” (Canon #876). The first consideration in determining the time is the welfare of the child. If the child is sickly, the Baptism should not be unduly delayed.
For children under the age of 6 contact:    Sheila Mosser   sheila@saint-theresa.org                      
 

 What if my child is no longer an infant?
As long as your child is less than seven years of age, the process and requirements are the same. Depending on the understanding and maturity of your child, this might be a wonderful opportunity for them to share in the preparation for the Sacrament. If your child is seven years or older, we will work with you to find the best pathway that leads your child to the Sacrament of Baptism—and the other Sacraments. (Please contact Mary Chapman- Faith Formation Director, if your child is seven or over)

Children ages 7 (seven) through 14 (fourteen) will celebrate the sacrament of Baptism as part of their faith formation in the Religious Education Program / Teen Sacrament Preparation.  To celebrate Baptism, a minimum of two consecutive years of faith formation is required  and the child must be in (at least) 2nd grade. 

CHILDREN IN GRADES 2-6

• The child will attend the Faith Formation classes / Catholic School with good weekly attendance.
• The parent / godparent / child will attend 3 monthly classes in preparation for the Sacrament.
• The child will attend 6 monthly First Holy Communion classes and Retreat.
• They will celebrate the sacrament of Baptism and the Eucharist in the same year.
• The Catechumen will enter into his/her specific grade-level class for the first year of faith formation.  After at least one year of faith formation, if deemed appropriate, the child will then be placed into the First Communion Class. T
• The child will celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism on the 1st Sunday in February, and First Communion with his/her class at the designated date of the Mass.  They will then be placed into continuing faith-formation classes to prepare for Confirmation.

Program Requirements:

• The child has to attend the program for at least two consecutive years, beginning in second grade at the earliest.
• If the child attends Catholic School, he or she receives Faith Formation in the classroom; however, Sacrament preparation happens at the parish.
• The child must have good attendance. 
• The child must be at least in second grade when celebrating the sacraments.
• Parents must attend all mandatory preparatory meetings.  
• Children must attend all mandatory rehearsals.
• Additional information and requirements will be provided at the Parents’ Meeting for First Communion.