Baptism, Eucharist & Confirmation

Sacrament of Baptism
 "Amen, Amen, I say to you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit." (John 3:5)

Baptism at Saint Alphonsus Liguori:

• Baptisms are held twice each month on the second Saturday at 4 p.m. and the fourth Sunday at noon. Baptismal preparation classes are generally held monthly on the second Monday at 7 p.m. 

Baptism forgives all personal sin, takes away original sin (but leaves concupiscence, a tendency toward sin), infuses sanctifying grace and is necessary for salvation. Baptism imprints in the soul a character, a certain spiritual and indelible sign, and so can only be received validly once.

Persons of any age may be baptized, from infant to adult. Only the baptized may receive the other sacraments of the Church. The grace received by baptism may be lost by the commission of an actual mortal sin.

Sacrament of Holy Eucharist (First Holy Communion)
 "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst." (John 6:35)

First Communion at Saint Alphonsus Liguori:

• First Holy Communion is celebrated when children are in second grade and enrolled in the Religious Education program. First Reconciliation must be celebrated before a child receives First Holy Communion, which is held in the Spring shortly after Easter. Adults may also receive first Holy Commuion through the RICA program.

Holy Communion may only be received by baptized Catholics who are not aware of any actual mortal sins that have not been confessed. Reception of this sacrament is a sign of unity with other Catholics within the teachings and practices of the Catholic Faith. Those who obstinately doubt or deny any of the required beliefs of the Catholic faith are not permitted to receive this sacrament (cf. Canon Law 751, 1364). When consecrated, the bread and wine of the Holy Eucharist becomes literally the body and blood of Jesus Christ, such that all of Christ is present: His human nature and His Divine Nature, united in One Divine Person.

Sacrament of Confirmation
"When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord jesus. And when paul laid his hands on them, the holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tonues and prophesied." (Acts 19:5-6)

Confirmation at Saint Alphonsus Liguori:

• Preparation for the sacrament takes place during the student's sophomore year of high school. Older individuals who have not yet been confirmed are also invited into the process.

Confirmation imprints in the soul a character, a certain spiritual and indelible sign, and so can only be received validly once. Confirmed persons are called to profess faith in Christ publicly, and to spread the Gospel message in accord with the ability and circumstances of their lives.

The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit received in Confirmation are wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. Receiving this sacrament, with Baptism and Communion, completes a person's initiation into the one, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.