∼Christian InitiationBaptism
Baptism frees us from sin, gives new birth in Christ, and incorporates us into the Church.
Ordinary starting documents
- Child’s PSA or civil birth certificate
- Parents’ marriage record, when applicable
- Parents’ and sponsors’ identification
- Parish boundary confirmation or permission
- Attendance at baptismal preparation
Adults and children of catechetical age follow a formation process adapted to them, ordinarily through the parish catechumenate.
✝Christian InitiationConfirmation
Confirmation deepens baptismal grace and strengthens the baptized with the gifts of the Holy Spirit for witness and mission.
Ordinary starting documents
- Recent baptismal certificate marked “for Confirmation”
- First Communion record, if requested
- Birth certificate and parish registration
- Qualified Catholic sponsor
- Catechesis, retreat, interview, and rehearsal
The Cathedral ordinarily publishes regular group dates and also handles particular arrangements through its parish office.
✺Christian InitiationHoly Eucharist
In the Eucharist, Christ gives himself as true food and drink and gathers the Church into his Paschal sacrifice.
First Holy Communion
- Baptismal certificate
- Age-appropriate catechetical formation
- Understanding of the Eucharist and basic prayers
- First Reconciliation before First Communion
- Parent orientation and rehearsal
Preparation usually takes place through the territorial parish, Catholic school, or an approved catechetical program coordinated with a parish.
✦HealingReconciliation
Through confession and absolution, Christ forgives sins committed after Baptism and reconciles the penitent with God and the Church.
How to prepare
- Prayerfully examine your conscience
- Be sincerely sorry and resolve to avoid sin
- Confess grave sins in kind and number
- Receive absolution and complete the penance
You may ask the priest for help. The seal of confession is absolute. If urgent, politely ask a parish office whether a priest is available outside published hours.
✚HealingAnointing of the Sick
This sacrament gives grace, peace, courage, and union with Christ to Catholics seriously ill, weakened by advanced age, or facing serious surgery.
When to call
- At the onset of serious illness
- Before major surgery for a serious condition
- When an elderly person becomes notably frail
- When a serious condition worsens
Do not wait until the final moments. For a hospital patient, ask the nurses for the Catholic chaplain and also contact the person’s parish. If death has already occurred, request prayers for the dead rather than Anointing.
∞Service of CommunionHoly Matrimony
A baptized man and woman freely establish a lifelong covenant ordered to their good and the procreation and education of children.
Begin early
- Contact the parish 6–12 months before the hoped-for date
- Secure newly issued baptismal and confirmation certificates “for marriage purposes”
- Obtain civil documents and marriage license as instructed
- Complete canonical interview, banns, seminars, and other formation
- Disclose prior marriages, mixed religion, or special circumstances immediately
Only the parish can determine the complete canonical process, permissions, dispensations, music rules, entourage guidelines, and liturgical arrangements.
☯Service of CommunionHoly Orders
Through the sacrament of Holy Orders, the apostolic ministry entrusted by Christ is exercised in the Church by bishops, priests, and deacons.
Discerning priesthood?
- Pray regularly and participate faithfully in parish life
- Seek guidance from a parish priest or trusted spiritual director
- Attend diocesan vocation discernment activities
- Explore human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral readiness
Contact the diocesan vocation ministry through the Chancery. Religious priesthood and brotherhood are discerned with the appropriate religious community.