Sacraments of Initiation:
Baptism, Confirmation & Eucharist

Baptism

The ideal time for baptism of any person is at the Easter Vigil or on Easter day. For infants not baptized at that time, baptisms at St. Mary’s are celebrated in groups with other families on predetermined Saturdays of the year. For parents wanting to baptize their infant or child (age 7 or younger), an instructional class is required. Adults and older children are expected to take part in the Rite of Christian Initiation process leading to baptism at Easter. To register for baptism or ask questions, please contact the parish office, parish@stmarygr.org or tel. 616.459.7390.

Confirmation

The second sacrament of Christian initiation completes our reception of baptismal grace. The gift of the Holy Spirit is imparted by the laying on of hands, and signified through an anointing with perfumed oil (chrism). Confirmation is celebrated jointly with baptism at the Easter Vigil for adults and older children. Adult Catholics (baptized) who have not received this sacrament can take part in the Rite of Christian Initiation process leading to confirmation at Easter. Baptized children usually wait until after the “age of discretion” to receive confirmation. In our diocese, candidates for confirmation commonly travel to the Cathedral of St. Andrew to receive confirmation together with candidates from other parishes. If you would like more information, please contact the parish office, parish@stmarygr.org or tel. 616.459.7390.

First Eucharist

First Holy Eucharist completes Christian initiation. The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life, the culmination both of God’s action sanctifying the world in Christ and of the worship people offer to Christ and through him to the Father in the Holy Spirit. Adults participating in the Rite of Christian Initiation process receive first Eucharist at Easter. Children may receive first Eucharist after the “age of discretion,” commonly 2nd, 3rd or 4th grade. For more details, please contact the parish office, parish@stmarygr.orgor tel. 616.459.7390.

Celebrating Mass

More than just a sacrament of initiation, the Eucharist is a sacrament that sustains us repeatedly throughout our Christian life… (more information being prepared)