Sacraments

We celebrate the sacraments throughout the year, and provide many sacramental preparation programs for children and adults. Adults seeking to become Catholic or Catholic Adults seeking to complete their Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Communion), refer to RCIA Preparation.

 

Baptism

The Sacrament of Baptism for infants to age 7 is the first of the Sacraments of Initiation by which your child becomes a member of the Body of Christ, the Church. In the waters of Baptism, your child participates in the dying and rising to new life with Jesus. It is through Baptism that your child begins a journey of faith with God, supported by the Catholic Christian Community. St. Thomas More considers the Celebration of Baptism a special time for family, friends and the
entire parish community.
 

First Reconciliation & First Communion

From the day of a child’s baptism, the Church prepared a place for him or her at the table of the Lord. Every Sunday the baptized people gather around this table. Children in Grades 2, 3 or 4 are called to come to that table, to taste and see the goodness of the Lord. Older children can also prepare to receive these sacraments. The Church requires that a child celebrates his or her First Reconciliation before receiving First Communion.
 

Confirmation

As Catholics we grow in grace, just as we physically grow from childhood, through adolescence, into adulthood. The Sacrament of Confirmation is the spiritual equivalent of the physical growth process. Confirmation is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace, making the recipient “more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit.” Once confirmed, a Catholic is considered a true witness of Christ, and so is more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1285)
 

Who can be confirmed, and what is required of a candidate for Confirmation?

Any Catholic Christian who has received the sacrament of Baptism and is in the “state of grace” can be admitted to Confirmation. To be “in the state of grace” means not to have committed any serious sin (mortal sin). – YOUCAT  206

At St. Thomas More parish, youth in grades 7-12 may register for Confirmation. (Those who have already registered for Confirmation 2021 do not need to register again.)

Confirmands must complete all required preparations.
 

Christian Initiation (Child or Adult Baptism)

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) and Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA Adapted for Children) run September through June at our parish.
 

Marriage

We have gathered resources to assist you in planning your wedding celebration at St Thomas More. We believe that adequate preparation will facilitate your growth in love for God and for each other throughout your married life. We are here to assist you in making your marriage celebration a happy and memorable occasion. If you have further questions please feel free to contact the parish office. Normally a couple should contact a priest at least six (6) months before any proposed date of marriage. The priest will want to discuss your readiness for Christian marriage, preparation for marriage courses, the documents required for marriage, and the ceremony itself. All couples preparing for marriage must attend a marriage preparation course. A program is given here at St. Thomas More every year around February or March. There are also programs offered through the Archdiocese. Information for these programs can be obtained through the office.

 

Annointing of the Sick

To receive the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, please contact the parish office at 780-434-6313 and speak to one of the priests.