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Sacraments of Initiation
Baptism
Baptism is re-birth into new life in Christ. Through Baptism we become adopted into God’s family as members of the Catholic Church, the Body of Christ and share in His priesthood. It seals the Christian with the indelible spiritual mark of Christ. Given once for all sins, Baptism cannot be repeated. This sacrament is traditionally administered to children. Parents desiring to baptize a child (along with the sponsors/godparents) are required to attend classes that explain the sacrament and the important role they will play in the child’s spiritual life.
St. Louis has a comprehensive, four-segment Baptism program of catechesis called What Do You Ask of God’s Church? for those who are registered or living within our parish boundaries. Parents seeking baptism of infants or children under the age of six should come by the Church Office during office hours to obtain information and register for classes.
Adults seeking Baptism, who have never been baptized in any denomination, are invited to participate in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). Though an un-baptized Inquirer can begin learning about the Catholic faith at any time, the process of Adult Initiation typically begins in August or September. After celebrating the sacraments of initiation during the Holy Saturday Vigil at Easter, new Catholics complete their formation for several more weeks and are sent into the parish community to live what they have learned. Information on the Adult Initiation program is available through our Lifelong Christian Formation (LCF) departments located in the Parish Education Center.
Parents and/or children of catechetical age (7 years or older) who have never been baptized or completed their sacraments of initiation can prepare for the sacraments in our Christian Initiation of Families program. Information is also available through LCF.
Watch parish bulletins for information or call 512.454.0384, ext. 222 or 225
Confirmation
"Confirmation perfects Baptismal grace; it is the sacrament which gives the Holy Spirit in order to root us more deeply in the divine filiation, incorporate us more firmly into Christ, strengthen our bond with the Church, associate us more closely with her mission, and help us bear witness to the Christian faith in words accompanied by deeds." Catechism 1316
In the Latin Church, this sacrament is administered when the age of reason has been reached and its celebration is normally reserved to the Bishop. Preparation for youth in high school is coordinated through our High School Ministry program. Parish Adult Sacraments programs prepare those adults baptized either in the Catholic Church or other Protestant churches through classes offered twice a year in the spring and fall. Adults, who have never been baptized, receive Confirmation at the Easter Vigil, immediately after Baptism. Call 512.454.0384 ext. 222 or 225 for more information.
Eucharist
We unite ourselves to Jesus and to his Body, the Church, through Eucharist. This Communion allows up to participate with the whole community in the sacrifice of Jesus. "Eucharist is the heart and the summit of the Church’s life’ and the celebration alwyas includes the Word of God, thanksgiving to God, the consecration of bread and wine and participation by the faithful in receiving the Lord’s body and blood.
First Communion preparation is typically offered in the second grade through our parish Childhood Ministry programs. Older children are prepared through our parish Lifelong Christian Formation programs. Adults are prepared for First Eucharist through either the RCIA or Adult Sacraments programs. Call 512.454.0384 ext. 222 or 225 for more information.