Sacraments of Initiation

Baptism
In Baptism we celebrate a new birth - a birth into the life of God. Baptizein in Greek means to plunge or immerse, as the waters of baptism symbolize that we are plunged into Christ's death and resurrection and become a new creature. Original sin is not "committed" but "contracted" - the state of fallen human nature we are born into. Baptism initiates and incorporates a person into the life of the Church, giving us strength and support to fight that inclination to evil.


The Sacrament of Baptism is celebrated on the first and third Sundays of the month at any scheduled Mass. Prior arrangements must be made in person at the rectory. Pre-instructions for both parents are required. Baptisms will be scheduled upon completion of instruction.

Eucharist
Eucharist is an action of thanksgiving to God (eucharistia in Greek means thanksgiving). Each time we gather to celebrate the Eucharist we offer thanksgiving and praise to God. Eucharist also recalls Christ's sacrifice and makes that sacrifice present to us (sacrifice means to make holy). At the heart of the Eucharistic celebration are the bread and wine that, by the words of Christ and invocation of the Holy Spirit, become Christ's body and blood (John 6:48-58). We call this transubstantiation through which the bread and wine are sacramentally transformed into the body and blood of Christ. Our "Amen" signifies that we believe this is the Lord and we can be transformed to carry on God's mission in the world.

The Sacrament of First Eucharist is celebrated in second grade with our St. Francis community during regularly scheduled masses. A two year preparation in the St. Francis Religious Education program is required, as well as active participation in Sunday liturgy. Dates for First Eucharist contact the Religious Education office at 203-226-9474.

HOSPITAL AND HOME VISITATION AND EUCHARIST 
Please notify the parish of any family member who may be ill at home or in the hospital. We welcome the opportunity of visiting them and bringing them the Eucharist.

Confirmation
Confirmation reaffirms what God gave us in Baptism. It brings an increase and deepening of baptismal grace. It unites us more firmly to Christ and makes our bond with the Church more perfect. It gives us the grace of the Holy Spirit to spread and defend the faith.

The Sacrament of Confirmation is administered at St. Francis in the freshman year of high school after a three-year preparation program. Registration takes place through the Youth Ministry office (203-227-8353). Adults wishing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation should contact the rectory (203-227-1341). See Youth Programs for more information.

Please see the confirmation page for curriculum, forms, contact information and more!

SPONSOR CERTIFICATES
As stated in Church law, a sponsor for the Sacraments of Baptism or Confirmation must be a practicing Catholic, at least 16 years of age, fully initiated (i.e. has received the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist), and registered in a parish where they pray and worship regularly. Anyone wishing a sponsor certificate from this parish must also meet these requirements.

RCIA Program

Adults who wish to be Initiated into the Catholic Church should look through the RCIA pages found here