Sacraments
Baptism
The Sacrament of Baptism
“Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” Mark 10:14
If you are interested in the Sacrament of Baptism for your young child (under the age of 7), the following can provide answers to some of your questions. Parish registration and weekly active participation in liturgy are encouraged. A Baptismal preparation class is required for all first-time parents and parents who participated in a class more than 5 years ago. A personal meeting with Fr. Tony is required to schedule the baptism date. The following pertains to godparents:
Church law requires that godparents be:
- Fully-initiated Catholics (having received the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist)
- Not bound by any canonical penalty
- Leading lives of faith befitting the role to be undertaken
If godparents are not members of Good Shepherd, a letter/document signed by their pastor/parish administrator stating that they meet the above is required. Godparents are also required to be:
- At least 16 years old
- Not parents of the child
Strictly speaking, a child needs only one godparent for Baptism (male or female), but may have two godparents (one male and one female). As long as there is one Catholic godparent, a baptized person belonging to a non-Catholic Christian community may serve as a witness to the Baptism. A person who was baptized Catholic but has abandoned the practice of the Catholic faith would not be a suitable choice as an official Christian witness to a Catholic Baptism.
Diocesan Godparent/Sponsor Forms for Baptism are available if you click on the above photo.
We look forward to welcoming your child into our Catholic Community!
Contact the Coordinator of Religious Education via email [email protected] for more information.
First Reconciliation
Preparation for First Sacraments (Reconciliation and First Eucharist) takes place during the 2nd grade year. Formation is done at home with a curriculum provided by Good Shepherd.
The class comes together throughout the year to review the curriculum and a retreat is included as part of the formation process for each Sacrament. Parent meetings are also part of the formation.
All children should be baptized and members of Good Shepherd before registering for classes.
If your child is in need of First Sacraments but past the 2nd grade year please contact the Coordinator of Religious Education at [email protected] or call 757-365-0579.
First Eucharist
See First Reconciliation.
Confirmation
In order for an adolescent who has received the Sacraments of Baptism and Eucharist to begin preparing for Confirmation, he or she must be currently enrolled in at least the tenth grade and be at least 15 years of age. Reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation will occur in the spring of the year in which the candidate has completed preparation.
Confirmation classes take place throughout the year and are separate from regular formation classes for youth. Candidates are expected to be enrolled and attend classes in both programs. For more information please call the Youth Minister at 757-365-0579 or email [email protected]
Diocesan Sponsor Attestation Forms are available if you click on the picture above.
Marriage
Registered parishioners must contact the parish office to make appointment with the priest at least 6 months prior to the intended date.
Anointing of the Sick
Individuals who are in need of the Sacrament of the Sick, or for an immediate family member, please call the parish office or the pastor to arrange for communion and anointing of the sick.
Or contact us when someone is ill or hospitalized and requires a pastoral visit.
Holy Orders
This is the sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to his Apostles continues to be exercised in the Church.
Orders refers to the three degrees: episcopate (bishop), presbyterate (priest), and diaconate (deacon). A priest is consecrated to preach the Gospel, to celebrate divine worship, especially the Eucharist, and to be a shepherd of the faithful. The deacon is ordained for service and carries this out by the ministry of the Word, of divine worship, of pastoral care and of charity.
This sacrament is conferred by the bishop.