Sacraments of Christian Initiation

Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to all the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as children of God; we become brothers and sisters of Christ, are incorporated into the Body of Christ, the Church, and made sharers in Christ’s ministry of reconciliation.

For parents whose own active life of faith moves them to want their children baptized, the first step is to contact the Parish Office – 207-797-7026 – to plan your child’s baptism. Your parish community welcomes you with much joy!

If you are asking for baptism for your first child, we will work together to schedule time for preparation sessions, and find the date and Mass time for your child’s baptism. The selection of godparents is an important one for parents to consider, as you are asking them to support you as you raise your child in the Catholic faith. As such, at least one godparent is to be an active, practicing Catholic. Please reach out by phone or email as soon as you’re ready. It can take a month or longer to finalize arrangements. We do not ask for a fee for baptism; we do appreciate your financial support and ongoing presence in parish life.

Older youth or adults seeking Baptism or those already Baptized as Christians but who wish to join the Catholic Church are prepared and guided through the parish RCIA program (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults).

Confirmation is celebrated after a person is Baptized. The church in Maine is following this ancient order. Confirmation completes what has begun in Baptism and more perfectly binds a person to the Church in the fullness of the Holy Spirit. Along with Baptism and the Eucharist, Confirmation is a “sacrament of initiation.” Our parish faith formation program helps prepare parents and their children for Confirmation and Eucharist in grades 2-3. Older youth or adults would prepare for Confirmation and Eucharist through a program adapted for their age group or the RCIA program, whichever best suits their understanding .

The Holy Eucharist completes Christian initiation and reflects a participation in the ongoing Passion and Resurrection of Christ. Christ is truly present in the Eucharist and when we celebrate the Eucharist, we participate in the Easter mystery of Christ’s Passion and Resurrection. Each Sunday, then, is a reminder of Easter, in communion with others each Sunday, joining with the community to celebrate Jesus’ gift of life and offering our own lives toward the advance of God’s purposes in the world.

Sacraments

The saving words and deeds of Jesus Christ are the foundation of what he would communicate in the Sacraments through the ministers of the Church. Guided by the Holy Spirit, the Church recognizes the existence of Seven Sacraments instituted by the Lord. They are the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, the Eucharist), the Sacraments of Healing (Penance and the Anointing of the Sick), and the Sacraments at the Service of Communion (Marriage and Holy Orders). Through the Sacraments, God shares his holiness with us so that we, in turn, can make the world holier. (USCCB)