Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist are the foundational sacraments of every Christian life. The faithful are born anew by Baptism, strengthened by the sacrament of Confirmation, and receive in the Eucharist the food of eternal life. —Catechism of the Catholic Church

Baptism

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. [CC 1213]

Through Baptism we are not only freed from sin but made children of God. We are incorporated into the life of God and become participants in the mission of the Church.

Baptism of Adults

The Christian initiation of adults begins with their entry into the catechumenate and reaches its culmination in a single celebration of the three sacraments of initiation during the Easter Vigil. To support the journey of the person seeking Baptism, the Church has established the Order of Christian Initiation known to most as the RCIA. This process is a formation in the whole Christian life. Through a 12-18 month process a person seeking Baptism is accompanied by a sponsor as he/she explores the basic truths of the Catholic faith, practices living the life of faith and renounces those practices or attitudes which lead away from goodness. Those desiring to explore becoming members of the Church are welcomed into this process. Persons baptized in other Christian traditions who now desire to become Catholics are also welcomed to participate in the RCIA. After participating in the process, such candidates make their profession of faith at the Easter Vigil or at an early time, if appropriate.

Baptism of Children of Catechetical Age

Children of catechetical age [7 and older] follow a process similar to that for Baptism of adults but do not receive the sacrament of confirmation at that time. If you have older children who have not yet received the sacrament of Baptism.

Baptism of Infants

Parents have a grave obligation to nurture the faith of their children and to provide them full access to the rites of the Church. Parents who wish to have their child baptized participate in a class preparing and strengthening them for their roles as primary nurturers of faith.

Parents and Godparents give concrete and vital witness to faith by living the life they ask of God for the child. If you wish to have your child baptized, please contact the parish office in advance of the baptism. The usual day and time for baptism preparation classes are the first Saturdays of February, April, June, August, October and December at 11:00 a.m. Baptisms are celebrated on the fourth Saturday of each month at 11:00 a.m. or during a weekend Mass.

Confirmation

By Confirmation Christians, that is, those who are anointed, share more completely in the mission of Jesus Christ and the fullness of the Holy Spirit with which he is filled, so that their lives may give off the aroma of Christ. [CC 1294]

Through the anointing of the sacrament we receive the seal of the Spirit that marks our total belonging to Christ. [CC 1121]

In the Diocese of Sacramento the usual age for Confirmation is in early adolescence, allowing for youth to be fully catechized for living the life of faith, prayer and service. Confirmation is not a moment of choosing to be Catholic but one of living more fully what one has already received in Baptism. The reception of the sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace. Each year we begin a two year cycle of preparation for confirmation. Children in the sixth grade should be enrolled and then will be confirmed in the spring of seventh grade. Confirmation will be delayed for sixth grade students who do not begin their preparation this year. Contact our CFF for enrollment.

Parents of youth who have not been confirmed or adults seeking to receive the sacrament

Eucharist

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. [CC 1324]

The Eucharist is both sign and cause of our communion in divine life and the unity of the People of God. It is the sacred meal of our faith, our participation in the sacrifice of Christ Jesus and joins us as one with Christ in giving thanks and praise to the Father. The Holy Spirit parish community comes together for Mass daily as well as on Sundays. It is in our Eucharistic worship that we are animated and formed as disciples of Jesus. The liturgy schedule for the parish is:

• Saturday evening: Vigil Mass at 4:00 p.m.
• Sunday: Mass at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
• Children Liturgy of the Word and a pre-school program for small children [under 5] is available during the 9:00 liturgy.
• Daily Mass: 08:00 a.m.
• Holy day schedule: Mass at 8:00 a.m.; 6:30 p.m. on the day of the feast. (check bulletin to confirm Mass times)