Visible Signs of God's Saving Grace
THE SACRAMENTS
BAPTISM
Through the Sacrament of Baptism we are freed from Original Sin, reborn as children of God, and incorporated into the Body of Christ, which is the Church. We rejoice in welcoming families and individuals who seek this first and foundational sacrament of the Christian life!
For children under 7 years old:
Infant Baptism is celebrated for children who have not yet reached the age of reason.
Baptisms are celebrated on the second Sunday of the month in English and on the third Sunday of the month in Spanish.
Parents should begin the preparation process at least one month in advance. Baptismal preparation classes are required for first-time parents.
For more information, please contact Patty Acosta at 201.641.6464 or by email at: pacosta@stfrancisrp.org
For children 7 years old and older:
Children who have reached the age of reason are prepared through a period of catechesis before receiving the Sacraments of Initiation.
Children must be enrolled in our Faith Formation Program for two years prior to receiving Baptism. For more information, please contact Millie Lopez at 201.641.6464 or by email at: mlopez@stfrancisrp.org
For Adults:
Adults seeking Baptism or full communion with the Catholic Church are invited to participate in the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (O.C.I.A.). Through prayer, study, and formation, participants prepare to receive the Sacraments of Initiation and enter more fully into the life of Christ and His Church.
O.C.I.A. sessions are held on Sundays.
FIRST COMMUNION
The preparation for First Holy Communion begins with Faith Formation. Children seeking to receive the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist must be enrolled in our Faith Formation Program, which runs from September through May. In accordance with the requirements of the Archdiocese of Newark, children are to complete two years of sacramental preparation before receiving First Holy Communion.
CONFIRMATION
Confirmation completes the grace of Baptism and strengthens us through the gifts of the Holy Spirit to live as faithful disciples of Jesus Christ. At Saint Francis of Assisi, students ordinarily receive the Sacrament of Confirmation in the spring of their eighth-grade year. Preparation begins in the seventh grade and includes two years of formation, prayer, and participation in parish life.
Students are expected to remain enrolled in Faith Formation continuously after receiving First Holy Communion until they receive Confirmation. Those who have missed one or more years of religious instruction may participate in remedial catechetical classes to ensure they are properly prepared to receive this sacrament.
