Sacraments

Sacraments and Preparation

Baptism

Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as children of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and are made sharers in her mission: "Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word." (CCC 1213)

To register and receive more information please contact baptism@olqpva.org.

If your child is between 2nd and 6th grade, also register for the First Reconciliation and Communion program. Please see below for more information.

Baptismal candidates in 7th grade and above will be prepared through the Confirmation program. They will receive all three sacraments, Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Communion, at the end of the formation process.

We welcome adults who have not yet been Baptized to do so through Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. Please see below for more information.

First Reconciliation and Communion

The First Reconciliation and Communion program is a two-year program. Children should begin preparing in first grade and receive the sacrament in second grade. Children will join a Foundation Class led by catechists, and we also support and empower parents to teach lessons at home through Family Circles.

Registration & More Information
To register for Foundation Classes and receive more information, including the class schedule, click the link below.

go here to register

First Reconciliation
First Reconciliation preparation begins in October, and the sacrament is celebrated in December. There is a second reconciliation service prior to receiving First Communion. Information and materials will be distributed during the parent info session.

First Communion
First Communion preparation begins in January, and the sacrament is celebrated in May. Information and materials will be distributed during the parent info session.

Reconciliation

Reconciliation is offered each week on Saturdays from 4:45-5:15 pm and by appointment in Fr. Ray Hall library. As part of the Diocese’s Lenten initiative, “The Light is on for You,” we are making a commitment to pray in a special way for family members, friends, colleagues and neighbors who are alienated from the Church or who are inactive in the practice of their faith. Join us during Lent in praying at the church on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm to ask that the grace of reconciliation can bring lasting peace to our hearts, homes and communities. During Lent, on alternating Wednesdays, OLQP offers a Reconciliation Service or Sung Stations of the Cross. During Advent, a Reconciliation Service is offered on the Monday following the Second Sunday of Advent.

Confirmation

Confirmation is a two-year program where students meet weekly with catechists for Foundation Classes. Students begin preparing in 6th grade and receive the sacrament in 7th grade.

Registration & More Information
To register for Confirmation and receive more information, including the class schedule, click the link below.

Go here to register

Retreats and Service Projects
We will offer retreats as part of the program. Candidates will have the opportunity of doing their service during the Summer. Each student has to finish their Service Project and reflection before mid August.

Curriculum
We will use two main resources: Called to be Catholics & Confirmed in the Spirit. The first textbook helps the students review the basic tenants of the faith; the second textbook teaches the essential elements of confirmation.

Info Session
There is a mandatory parent info session each year before classes kick off in the Fall. Specific dates will be shared with parents once registered.

Marriage

Congratulations! To help you get ready for this sacrament, OLQP offers, "Water into Wine," a marriage preparation program that is given for engaged couples three weekends per year.

The program consists of talks and workshops presented over a day and a half by a team of married couples on such topics as Children, Daily Living, Life Challenges, and more. In addition, meals and snacks are provided during the weekends by a team of hospitality couples. Engaged couples are typically referred to this program by the priest who is preparing them for the sacrament of marriage. Additional information, program dates, and registration form are available in the, "Water into Wine" brochure, which will be given to you by the clergy person who is preparing you for marriage.

Please contact Fr. Tim, Fr. Martin or Deacon Tony at least six months before wedding date in order to complete the requirements. Thank you!

Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)

The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) is a process for welcoming new members into the Roman Catholic Church. The RCIA is a community journey leading to a transformation of mind and spirit as well as a personal journey in which participants reflect on their relationship with God. Guided by the Gospel and encouraged by the welcome of church members (opportunities exist for serving as a sponsor or Companion on the Journey), newcomers find their place in the community of believers. Meetings are held once per week beginning in September, and the RCIA process continues through the celebration of the sacraments of initiation during the Easter Vigil Mass or at Pentecost for some confirmation candidates.
Contact: Alice and Kevin Curtin, acurtin947@aol.com
RCIA en español – Contact: Cecilia Lopez Oetgen, clopez@olqpva.org

Please Contact us with any questions:
Cecilia Lopez Oetgen clopez@olqpva.org
Faith Formation Director