As Catholic Christians, our sacramental life is central to our life as a community of faith.  The Sacraments, or Holy Mysteries, are special moments of grace in which we experience God's love and mercy.

Baptism

Through the waters of baptism, one is welcomed into the Christian Community and becomes a member of the Mystical Body of Christ.  At St. Elizabeth, infant and child (under the age of seven) baptisms are generally celebrated quarterly at the Sunday Liturgy, in the midst of the assembled community.  A preparation class is required of parents and godparents prior to the baptism itself.  For more information about when the baptism classes are held and to arrange for your child to be baptized, please contact the parish office.

For adults and children ages seven and older, preparation for Christian Initiation is conducted through our RCIA program.

Children's First Reconciliation

Children are invited to begin their preparation for their First Reconciliation during the second grade year, and this program is offered in conjunction with the First Communion preparation.  Classes for First Reconciliation preparation begin in January every year, and the sacrament is usually celebrated during the season of Lent.  The preparation program then transitions into preparation for First Holy Communion.  The children's sacramental preparation program involves a series of Sunday classes (following the 9:00 Mass), parent involvement, retreats, and individual and communal growth to the sacraments.

Children's First Eucharist

Preparation for children's First Holy Communion is a part of the children's sacramental preparation program (offered in conjunction with preparation for First Reconciliation),  in second grade.  The children's sacramental preparation program involves a series of Sunday classes (following the 9:00 Mass), parent involvement, retreats, and individual and communal growth to the sacraments.  First Holy Communions are celebrated at the Sunday Liturgy during the season of Easter (usually in the month of May).

Youth Confirmation

At St. Elizabeth, youth are invited to begin their preparation for the sacrament of Confirmation in the seventh grade year, and our program is usually offered every-other year.  We are currently offering a youth confirmation preparation program for the 2010-2011 school year.

RCIA stands for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, a process that was recovered in the 1970s in the wake of Vatican II, reclaiming some of the earliest practices of initiation from the early Christian Church.  It is a process through which both unbaptized and baptized individuals enter into the community through a period of discernment, catechesis, and liturgical rites, culminating in their entrance into the Catholic Church through the celebration of the sacraments of initiation.  The entire RCIA process takes place within the community gathered.  For more information about RCIA or to inquire about how to begin the process or become involved on the Catechumenate Team which leads the process, please contact Kyle.

Here is our current RCIA schedule:  2010-2011 RCIA Schedule

For more information about any of our sacramental preparation programs, contact Kyle Turner.