Sacramental Preparation

Good Shepherd provides opportunities for individuals to prepare for and receive sacraments for the first time. Click on a sacrament for more information.

Sacrament of Baptism

For Catholics, the Sacrament of Baptism is the first step in a lifelong journey of commitment and discipleship. Whether we are baptized as infants or adults, Baptism is the Church’s way of celebrating and enacting the embrace of God.

Sacrament of First Eucharist

Catholics believe the Eucharist, or Communion, is both a sacrifice and a meal. We believe in the real presence of Jesus, who died for our sins. As we receive Christ’s Body and Blood, we also are nourished spiritually and brought closer to God.

Preparation for this sacrament is offered in three sessions, late winter and early spring.

Sacrament of First Reconciliation

The Catholic Sacrament of Reconciliation has three elements: conversion, confession and celebration. In it we find God’s unconditional forgiveness, and as a result we are called to forgive others.

This sacrament is offered at Good Shepherd twice each fall.

Sacrament of Confirmation

Confirmation is a Catholic sacrament of mature Christian commitment and a deepening of baptismal gifts. Like Baptism and Eucharist, it is a Sacrament of Initiation for Catholics and a Sacrament of faith in God’s fidelity to us.

Preparation classes for Confirmation take place August through May.

Sacrament of Marriage

For Catholics, the Sacrament of Marriage, or Holy Matrimony, is a public sign that one gives oneself totally to this other person. It is also a public statement about God: the loving union of husband and wife speaks of family values and also God’s values.

You must be a registered parishioner or live within the parish boundaries to receive this sacrament at Good Shepherd.