The origin and foundation of Christian Baptism is Jesus.  Before starting his public ministry, Jesus submitted himself to the baptism given by John the Baptist.  The waters did not purify him; he cleansed the waters. Jesus did not need to be baptized because he was totally faithful to the will of his Father and free from sin.  However, he wanted to show his solidarity with human beings in order to reconcile them to the Father. By commanding his disciples to baptize all nations, he established the means by which people would die to sin – Original and actual – and begin to live a new life with God.

In Baptism, the Holy Spirit moves us to answer Christ's call to holiness. In Baptism, we are asked to walk by the light of Christ and to trust in his wisdom. We are invited to submit our hearts to Christ with ever deeper love.

~from the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults 

For more information on how to request a baptism and attend the required baptism class at Our Lady of the Visitation, please contact our parish office at [email protected].  
Sponsor Form for Baptism 

The new life in Christ that begins in Baptism may be weakened or lost through sin. Sin ruptures not only our relationship with God but also with our brothers and sisters. By the nourishing light of the Holy Spirit, we are able to prepare for the Sacrament of Penance by examining our consciences to identify those ways in which we are not in right relationship with God and with others. This examination also challenges us to recognize our own participation in the “structures of sin” that degrade others’ lives and dignity. Through the Sacrament of Penance, God offers mercy and forgiveness. In response to this gift, we are called to become vehicles of Christ’s love, making amends and restoring justice and the bonds that have been broken. Healed and forgiven, we are sent to work for peace, justice, and love in our communities and world.

Contact the parish office at [email protected] for more information. 

Examination of Conscience for Adults

Examination Conscience for Children
 

In the celebration of the Eucharist, bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit and the instrumentality of the priest. The whole Christ is truly present -- body, blood, soul, and divinity -- under the appearances of bread and wine, the glorified Christ who rose from the dead. This is what the Church means when she speaks of the "Real Presence" of Christ in the Eucharist.

Children are prepared over two years, typically starting in 1st grade with the sacrament of First Reconciliation occurring during Lent and the their First Eucharist occuring in early May during their 2nd grade year. 
Register for First Eucharist
First Eucharist Prayers
First Eucharist Handbook
USCCB Eucharist Infographic

Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation at Our Lady of the Visitation Parish is accomplished through a two-year program. Students are required to attend regular classes, complete 20 hours of community and church service, to write a report on their chosen saint, to write a letter to Cardinal Gregory explaining why they want to be confirmed in the Catholic faith, to attend a Confirmation retreat, to be interviewed by a priest, and to pass their Faith Knowledge Assessment.

Confirmation, together with Baptism and Eucharist, form the Sacraments of Initiation that are all intimately connected. In the Sacrament of Confirmation, the baptized person is “sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit” and is strengthened for service to the Body of Christ. 
 

Youth participate in a two year preparation program (7th & 8th Grade) before they receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. Please contact Erin Clegg at [email protected].   

 Youth seeking sacraments at a later time are encouraged to attend OCIA for youth.  Please contact Erin Clegg at the email above for more information.  

 Adults preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation attend OCIA (formerly known as RCIA) with Fr Greg or Deacon Ted.  Please contact the Parish office at [email protected].   

Register for Confirmation
Confirmation Handbook

Confirmation Interview Questions
Confirmation Service Form
Service Ideas
Confirmation Sponsor Form

In Christian marriage, spouses model the love and self-gift of Christ. By giving of themselves and serving one another, their family, and community, they help one another live out Christ’s call to discipleship, love, and service. Marriage provides a foundation for a family committed to community, solidarity, and Jesus’ mission in the world.

It is Archdiocesan and parish policy that couples seeking to be married in the Church are to make arrangements with a Priest or Deacon a minimum of six months prior to setting a wedding date.  Do not plan the reception until you meet with a Priest or Deacon. 

Contact Fr. Greg at [email protected] or Deacon Ted at [email protected].