Sacraments

Holy Baptism is the beginning of the Christian life. Through this sacrament, we are freed from sin, reborn as children of God, and welcomed into the Church. Baptism opens the door to all the other sacraments and begins a lifelong journey of faith in Christ.

“Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as children of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church, and made sharers in her mission.”

Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1213

In the Sacrament of Baptism, we are washed with water and the Holy Spirit, dying to sin and rising to new life in Christ. This first sacrament of initiation welcomes us into the Body of Christ, clothing us in His grace and marking us forever as His own.

For parents

Parents preparing to have their child baptized are asked to contact the Parish Office to schedule a baptism preparation class. These classes help parents understand the meaning of Baptism and their responsibility to raise their child in the Catholic faith.

When selecting godparents, please be sure they meet the Archdiocesan requirements. See the Sacramental Guidelines, page 10.

Registering for Baptism

Use the registration action below to begin the parish process for your child’s Baptism.

“In imparting to his apostles his own power to forgive sins, the Lord also gives them the authority to reconcile sinners with the Church… in Christ’s solemn words to Simon Peter: ‘I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.’”

Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1444

The Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation restores us to God’s grace and heals our relationship with the Church. Through the ministry of the priest, Christ forgives our sins and grants us the strength to live renewed in His love.

Confession is available following weekday Masses and the Saturday Vigil Mass, or by appointment.

First Reconciliation

“According to the Church’s command, after having attained the age of discretion, each of the faithful is bound by an obligation faithfully to confess serious sins at least once a year. Children must go to the sacrament of Penance before receiving Holy Communion for the first time.”

Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1457

The First Reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation is an important step in a child’s sacramental journey, preparing them to receive the Eucharist worthily.

Archdiocesan requirements

• The child must be at least 7 years old.
• The child must have regularly attended and successfully completed the previous year in religious education classes. If completed at another parish, provide a letter from that parish’s Director of Religious Education.
• Provide a baptismal certificate from the church of Baptism.
• The family must be registered with the parish and attend Mass and Holy Days regularly as a family.

“Then came the day of Unleavened Bread, on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. So Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, ‘Go and prepare the Passover meal for us, that we may eat it.’ … When the hour came, he sat at table, and the apostles with him. And he said to them, ‘I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I tell you I shall not eat it again until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.’ And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ And likewise the cup after supper, saying, ‘This cup which is poured out for you is the New Covenant in my blood.’”

Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1339

The Sacrament of the Eucharist is the very heart of Catholic life and worship. In the Eucharist, Jesus Christ gives us His true Body and Blood under the appearances of bread and wine. It is the source and summit of the Christian life, drawing us into communion with Christ and uniting us as one Body, the Church.

First Holy Communion

“The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life. The other sacraments, and indeed all ecclesiastical ministries and works of the apostolate, are bound up with the Eucharist and are oriented toward it. For in the blessed Eucharist is contained the whole spiritual good of the Church, namely Christ Himself, our Pasch.”

Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1324

The First Reception of the Sacrament of the Eucharist is a milestone in a child’s faith journey, drawing them more deeply into communion with Christ and the Church.

Archdiocesan requirements

• The child must be a baptized Catholic and at least 7 years old.
• The child must receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation before First Communion, with an appropriate interval between the sacraments.
• The child must successfully complete one year of sacramental preparation classes. If completed at another parish, provide a letter from that parish’s Director of Religious Education.
• The child must also enroll in and complete two consecutive years of formal religious education before First Communion. If completed at another parish, provide a letter from that parish’s Director of Religious Education.
• The family must be registered with the parish and attend Mass and Holy Days regularly as a family.
• Records of Baptism and Reconciliation may be required.

“Recall then that you have received the spiritual seal, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of right judgment and courage, the Spirit of knowledge and reverence, the Spirit of holy fear in God’s presence. Guard what you have received. God the Father has marked you with His sign; Christ the Lord has confirmed you and has placed His pledge, the Spirit, in your hearts.”

St. Ambrose

The Sacrament of Confirmation deepens baptismal grace, strengthening us with the gifts of the Holy Spirit to live as mature witnesses of Christ and active members of His Church.

Archdiocesan requirements

Candidate requirements

• Be baptized and have received First Reconciliation and First Communion.
• Successfully complete two consecutive years of formal instruction.
• Complete sacramental preparation classes, including a community service project, service hours, and participation in a Confirmation retreat.

Sponsor requirements

• A sponsor assists the candidate in leading a Christian life.
• Only one male and one female sponsor may be chosen.
• Sponsors must be designated by the parents for a minor, by the candidate if of age, or by the pastor or cleric administering the sacrament.
• A sponsor must be at least 16 years old, have received Confirmation and Eucharist, and be a practicing Catholic free of canonical penalties.
• Parents may not serve as sponsors for their own child.
• A baptized non-Catholic may serve only as a witness alongside a Catholic sponsor.

Review the Archdiocese of Atlanta’s current sacrament guidance, then confirm parish-specific preparation with Faith Formation.

“The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life, is by its nature ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring. This covenant between baptized persons has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament.”

Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1601

In the Sacrament of Matrimony, a man and woman are united in a lifelong covenant of love, becoming a living sign of Christ’s faithful love for His Church.

Couples preparing for marriage are asked to use the parish contact form well in advance to schedule an appointment with the pastor. A preparation period of 3–6 months is normally required to ensure proper formation and readiness for the sacrament.

“A particular gift of the Holy Spirit. The first grace of this sacrament is one of strengthening, peace, and courage to overcome the difficulties that go with the condition of serious illness or the frailty of old age. This grace is a gift of the Holy Spirit, who renews trust and faith in God and strengthens against the temptations of the evil one—the temptation to discouragement and anguish in the face of death. This assistance from the Lord, by the power of His Spirit, is meant to lead the sick person to healing of the soul, and, if it is God’s will, of the body as well. Furthermore, ‘if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.’”

Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1520

The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick unites those who are suffering with the healing power of Christ and offers strength, peace, forgiveness, and hope.

If you or a loved one is gravely ill—including but not limited to those near the end of life—please contact Father Mario Lopez to schedule an appointment.

In an emergency when the office is closed, call the parish office and press 2 to leave a message for Father Mario Lopez.

“No one has a right to receive the sacrament of Holy Orders. Indeed, no one claims this office for himself; he is called to it by God. Anyone who thinks he recognizes the signs of God’s call to the ordained ministry must humbly submit his desire to the authority of the Church, who has the responsibility and right to call someone to receive orders. Like every grace, this sacrament can be received only as an unmerited gift.

All the ordained ministers of the Latin Church, with the exception of permanent deacons, are normally chosen from among men of faith who live a celibate life and who intend to remain celibate ‘for the sake of the kingdom of heaven.’ Called to consecrate themselves with undivided heart to the Lord and to ‘the affairs of the Lord,’ they give themselves entirely to God and to men. Celibacy is a sign of this new life to the service of which the Church’s minister is consecrated; accepted with a joyous heart, celibacy radiantly proclaims the Reign of God.”

Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1578–1579

The Sacrament of Holy Orders configures men to Christ as deacons, priests, or bishops, consecrating them to serve God’s people through preaching, the sacraments, and pastoral leadership.

If you believe God may be calling you to ordained ministry, visit the Vocations page of the Archdiocese of Atlanta.