Sacraments

Baptism
Baptism is the initial Sacrament into the paschal mystery of Jesus. Through it comes the forgiveness of sins, adoption into God's family, and membership into the body of Christ, the Church.

Preparation for Baptism
Parents are required to attend a baptism class, prior to the baptism of your child. Godparents are encouraged to attend. At least one godparent must be a confirmed and practicing Catholic.

When: Classes are offered online or bi-monthly, Baptisms are celebrated privately or at Mass.
Where: Baptisms are celebrated during the Mass or following Mass

Confirmation
Confirmation is a Sacrament that seals the baptized Christian with the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Preparation for Confirmation
We invite students in ninth grade and above who have participated in faith formation for one year to prepare through our two-year process.

When: Confirmation preparation is a two-year process, celebrated in May
Where: Classes in Activities Building, celebrated at Basilica of Saint Mary

Holy Communion
The Eucharist is the Sacrament of thanksgiving to God, which constitutes the principal Catholic Christian liturgical celebration of our participation in communion with the paschal mystery of Jesus. The Eucharist is the true presence of Jesus Christ and is the source and summit of our Catholic worship. Through our participation in the Eucharist, we grow in communion with God and one another.

Preparation for First Holy Communion
We invite children in second grade and above who have participated in faith formation for one year to prepare for First Holy Communion.

When: First Holy Communion preparation starts in January, and is celebrated in April or May
Where: Home Study and Learning Stations in the Activities Building

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
RCIA is the process for adults to be fully initiated into the church. Normally at the Easter Vigil, participants receive all of the Sacraments of Initiation that they have not received already: Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Communion.

When: October-April

We also offer sacramental preparation for children who have not been part of a regular faith formation program but would like to receive the Sacraments of Initiation.

When: Twice a month between Sunday Masses (November – April)

Reconciliation
Reconciliation is the Sacrament which confers God’s mercy and forgiveness. The faithful are encouraged to make a regular examination of conscience — even daily — and to pray for forgiveness whenever aware of personal sin, particularly an Act of Contrition.

When: Wednesdays and Fridays: 8-8:30 a.m., Saturdays: 3:15 - 4 p.m., and by appointment
Where: In the Church

Preparation for First Reconciliation
At Saint Bonaventure, we invite children in second grade and above who have participated in faith formation for one year to prepare to receive Reconciliation.

When: First Reconciliation preparation begins in the fall, celebration in January
Where: Home Study and Learning Stations in the Activities Building

Anointing of the Sick
Anointing of the Sick provides a spiritual healing by which sins are forgiven and the person receives the Holy Spirit’s gifts of peace and courage to deal with the health difficulties that lie ahead or are being experienced – and, if it be God’s will, the person is aided in the physical ailment. There is no need to wait until a person is at the point of death to receive this Sacrament. A careful judgement about the nature of the illness or upcoming procedure is sufficient.

When: By request, call the parish office.

Marriage
The Sacrament of Marriage is a covenant or partnership of life and commitment. By exchanging one's consent in the presence of God, with the witness of clergy, family and friends, two people enter into the Sacrament of Marriage. This Sacrament is a visible sign to the world of God’s love, and through it a couple receives the grace needed to live out this sign. On their wedding day, a couple promises to be faithful to one another, be open to the gift of children and care for the good of his/her spouse for a lifetime.

Preparation for Marriage
Engaged couples begin the marriage preparation process at least six months before their wedding date. This process aims to help couples understand their marital relationship as a Sacrament. At Saint Bonaventure, this process involves meeting with the pastor, an engagement retreat, and a sponsor couple. Learn more here.

Holy Orders
Holy Orders is the Sacrament by which men are ordained to be of service to the Church as deacons, priests, and bishops. While all of the baptized are 'ordained' to a life of service and commitment to Jesus Christ, the Church calls upon some of its members to serve the community through ordination. These ordained servants administer Sacraments, confer blessings and offer proclamations specifically for the Kingdom of God.