Sacramental Preparation Program

Each Sacrament in the Catholic Tradition, which is a true encounter with the person of Jesus Christ, requires intensive, short term preparation in accordance with Archdiocesan guidelines. These preparations focus on helping the individual and couples understand the graces available through the particular sacrament they will be receiving. This allows the participant to become familiar with the rituals and symbols represented in the celebrations. Preparations emphasize God’s grace that works through these encounters with the divine and their being a member of the faith community of St. Thomas Aquinas.

Baptism Team
Baptism is one of the Sacraments of Initiation into full membership of the Church. Preparation classes are conducted every other month on the second and third Saturdays starting at 9:30 a.m. in the Siena Room at the front of the church. A team composed of young and energetic couples, along with the deacon and the pastor, conduct the classes for parents and godparents who wish to baptize their baby. Parents need to register with the parish office before they can attend these classes. A meeting with the pastor and the two pre-baptism classes are required before a child is to be baptized at St. Thomas Aquinas Church

First Reconciliation
This sacrament of healing is an important part of our Catholic faith tradition. Jesus offers us the continual grace of God’s forgiveness through this sacrament. Children are offered the opportunity to receive this sacrament beginning in the second grade.

First Eucharist
The Sacrament of Eucharist is a continuation of our initiation experience into the body of Christ. The Eucharist, the true body and blood of Our Lord, nourishes the souls of the children so that they are empowered to live out the Catholic Faith. Children are offered the opportunity to prepare and receive this sacrament in the second grade.

Confirmation
Confirmation is the final sacrament of initiation into the life of the Catholic Church. This sacrament strengthens a person through the power of the Holy Spirit to live out the Catholic faith. The Confirmation process is a two year preparation period which typically begins in 9th grade and culminates with the reception of the Sacrament in 10th grade.

Adult Confirmation Team
Adult Catholics who for any reason did not receive the Sacrament of Confirmation have the opportunity to receive it as adults at the great feast of Pentecost administered by our bishop. A consolidated and well-rounded course is offered at the church by the Adult Confirmation Team for those who wish to receive this great sacrament. If interested, kindly call the parish office.

Sacrament of Marriage
Jesus Christ has raised Marriage to one of the seven Sacraments of the Church. It is a Divine institution. Engaged couples need to contact the pastor six months prior to the wedding for the celebration of their marriage. This allows time for evaluation and preparation as well as to determine the date and time of their marriage in the Church. Marriage preparation aims to identify and deepen the couple’s faith. St. Thomas Aquinas follows strictly the Archdiocesan stipulations for celebrating the Sacrament of Matrimony. These guidelines will be given in the first meeting with the Pastor.

Sponsor Couples
STA has a dedicated team of Sponsor couples who help assist the parish in the marriage preparation of engaged couples. This program is totally designed to assist engaged couples for the celebration of the Sacrament of Marriage. Sponsor couples meet with the engaged couple several times to explore the various facets of married life. Workbooks are used to assist in discussing possible “road blocks” to a life-long Christian commitment.

Marriage Annulment Case Worker Committee
St. Thomas Aquinas has presently parishioners who have gone through the training to be case workers to be of assistance for those who go through the long process of having to seek annulment from the previous marriage. The Sacrament of Marriage has always been considered a Divine Institution. Every Annulment applicant must have a case worker to assist in the process.


Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick
Suffering and illness have always been among the greatest problems that trouble the human spirit. The Lord himself showed great concern for the bodily and spiritual welfare of the sick and commanded his followers to do likewise. Christ strengthens the faithful who are afflicted by illness, providing them with the strongest means of support and instituted the Sacrament of the Sick. The pastor is available to administer this sacrament whenever needed. Every First Friday of the month when Catholics traditionally honor the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is administered at the 7:30 p.m. Mass to those who are seriously sick and in need of the special help of God’s healing grace.

Holy Orders
Is God calling you to become a priest or deacon? If you have questions or are interested in learning more about the religious life or deaconate, please call the Parish Office or call the Archdiocesan Vocation Office at 713-659-5461. You may also log on to www.archgh.org/admin_vocations.htm