Baptism

A sacrament of initiation that frees individuals from sin, incorporates them into the Church, and imprints an indelible spiritual sign. To have a child baptized, parents must generally be registered parishioners at a local Catholic parish, complete a registration form, attend a mandatory Baptism class (often for first time parents), and may need a letter of permission if they are registered in another parish. The ceremony involves the use of water and the Trinitarian formula: “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

First Penance / First Eucharist

Penance: Receiving God’s forgiveness for sins committed after Baptism, preparing them for a deeper relationship with God and the Church. Preparation typically occurs in second grade and includes faith formation, parent/child sessions, and participation in a communal service. The sacrament involves confessing sins to a priest who offers absolution (God’s forgiveness), followed by a penance to help the child live a more virtuous life.

First Eucharist: The reception of the Eucharist, which is the body and blood of Jesus Christ. Preparation for this sacrament, which typically occurs in the second grade after First Penance, requires students to be baptized and complete at least one year of formal religious education beforehand. The preparation program teaches that the Eucharist is a memorial of Christ’s sacrifice and that receiving it strengthens a person’s union with Christ and the Church.

Confirmation

This sacrament strengthens one’s bond with the Church, deepens their relationship with Christ, and provides the Holy Spirit to bear witness to the faith. Candidates must be baptized, have received their first Communion, and be in the 8th grade or older, with preparation typically beginning in the fall of 8th grade. Preparation includes religious education and an annual parental consent form is required. The sacrament culminates in the Bishop anointing the candidate with Sacred Chrism, saying, “Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit”.

Holy Matrimony

A sacrament that is a life-long covenant between two baptized persons ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of children. Preparation involves meeting with a parish priest/deacon, completing the “Life Skills for Couples” Pre-Cana program and potential annulment process, if applicable.

Holy Orders

This sacrament continues the mission of the Apostles through the ordination of bishops, priests, and deacons. The Diocese of Wilmington has resources for men discerning a call to the priesthood or diaconate, which can be explored by contacting the Vocation Director or a local parish priest. The sacrament is conferred through a bishop’s imposition of hands and a consecratory prayer, which imparts a permanent character and grace for the individual’s ordained ministry.

Anointing of the Sick / Last Rites

Anointing of the Sick: For those who are seriously ill, experiencing the frailty of old age or preparing to undergo a major medical procedure. Its purpose is to provide spiritual and, if it is God’s will, physical healing.

Last Rites: An informal term for the combination of sacraments and prayers administered to a person that is near the end of life. It typically includes Penance, Anointing of the Sick, and the Eucharist. The Anointing of the Sick is for healing, and strength and can be administered multiple times, not only at the time of death.