Sacraments

Sacrament of Baptism       

For Infants
The Sacrament of Baptism is usually celebrated several Sundays a month at 1:15 p.m. in Church.  Parents are the most important people taking part in the baptism rite. It is their "yes" that makes it possible for the sacrament to be conferred and for the child to begin life as a member of Christ's Church. For a child to be baptized at Immaculate Conception, the parents must be members of our parish and faithful Catholics.  To assure that parents have a full understanding of what it means to have their child Baptized into the Catholic faith, they will be asked to attend two learning and faith-sharing gatherings.  At the first gathering they will meet with a mentor couple along with other parents who are preparing to have their children baptized.  The second meeting takes place at Church and will be facilitated by one of our priests or deacons.  Godparents are asked to attend the second meeting. Both meetings are pre-requisites for baptism. Please call the parish office 3 months in advance to arrange a child's baptism.  
Starting Sept. 1, 2015 all godparents must complete and return the godparent form.
Contact:  Chris McNamara     636-561-6611     chris.mcnamara@icdparish.org
 
Rite of Christian Initiation for Children: For School-Age Children  (RCIC)
Children who have reached the age of reason, (usually seven or older), who have not been baptized or who have been baptized in another faith, or who have not received the Sacrament of the Eucharist at the traditional age, may seek membership and the Sacraments of Initiation in the Catholic Church through this process.  This process requires both a conversion that is personal and the faith education they need for their spiritual growth.  The children’s progress depends on the help and example of their companions and the influence of their parents.  Parent involvement is essential.
Contact:  Barb Morgan     636-561-6611    barb.morgan@icdparish.org
 
Rite of Christian Initiation of Teens (RCIT)
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Teens is a process for High School age teens who wish to become Catholic or are interested in completing the Sacraments  of Initiation of Eucharist and / or Confirmation. 
Contact:  Barb Morgan     636-561-6611    barb.morgan@icdparish.org
 
 

Order of Christian Initiation (formerly Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults)

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is the process in which a person who is not baptized or baptized in another faith denomination journeys with others like them and other Catholics to be fully initiated in the Catholic faith.  It is a process of formation.  There are four steps in this formation process which culminates at the Easter Vigil with the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation, Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.  The RCIA is not simply another parish program. The entire parish community, through its prayers, witness, worship, service, and catechesis, offers the invitation and support for the men and women to initiated into the Catholic Church.  Weekly meetings are held beginning in September and ending in May.  

Contact:  Fr. Christopher Smith       636-561-6611 ext 516     frchristopher.smith @icdparish.org

 

Sacrament of Holy Eucharist (First Communion)

Children typically begin preparing to receive their First Holy Communion or First Eucharist once they reach the Second Grade. 
Contact:  Barb Morgan     636-561-6611    barb.morgan@icdparish.org

Sacrament of Matrimony

Arrangements for weddings must be made in person by the parties to the proposed marriage at least six months in advance of the wedding and prior to setting a firm date.  This will allow sufficient time for the couple to complete the required FOCCUS survey, to attend the pre-marriage programs and to prepare a proper celebration of the sacrament.  To make wedding arrangements please call  636-561-6611.

 

Catholic Annulments:  Often individuals are not fully participating in the life of the Church because of divorce and remarriage.  Others, civilly divorced, have questions regarding the previous marriage.  One of our priests will happily meet to discuss the status and possibilities of these particular situations.  They can be reached by calling 636-561-6611.


Sacrament of Confirmation

For Youth:
Confirmation for youth generally takes place during the 8th Grade year. In order to be Confirmed, an individual must participate for at least 2 years of preparation. In addition to reflecting on their Faith in class, candidates are asked to participate in other service and prayerful projects. If a young person is beyond 8th Grade, and has still not received the Sacrament, he should contact the Youth Minister to make arrangements.
Contact:  Barb Morgan     636-561-6611    barb.morgan@icdparish.org
 
For Adults
Occasionally, for various reasons, an individual may not have been Confirmed in his or her youth. Adults who are not yet Confirmed are invited to call the Parish Office to make arrangements to celebrate the Sacrament. Confirmation takes place on Pentecost at the Cathedral.  
Contact:  Fr Christopher Smith  636- 561-6611 x 516   frchristopher.smith@icdparish.org
 
 
 

Sacrament of Reconciliation

This Sacrament of God's love and forgiveness reconciles us with God and with our Church.
 
Confessions Schedule
Saturday, 4:00 to 4:45 p.m. (Church)
Wednesday, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (Church)
1st Saturday  8:30-9:00 a.m. (Chapel)
Mon.-Fri. 6:00 a.m. to 6:20 a.m. (Chapel)
During Advent & Lent, the parish offers other Reconciliation times. Consult the bulletin for detaIls.

Annointing of the Sick

This Sacrament is not just for those in danger of death, but for anyone who suffers from serious or chronic physical or emotional illness or who struggles with the infirmities of age.  Those scheduled for a surgery or hospital stay may request this sacrament prior to entering the hospital.  Please call the Parish Office at  636-561-6611 to speak to one of the priests to arrange a time, usually after 6:30 a.m. or 8 a.m. Mass in the Chapel.
 
Pastoral Care of the Sick
The Pastoral Care Ministry at Immaculate Conception exists to give spiritual care to our parishioners. We visit the sick, those who are homebound, those in adult homes or nursing homes. We visit people after they have been hospitalized and follow up with hospice patients. When the Church cares for the sick, it serves Christ himself in the suffering members of his Mystical Body. The Church shows this by visiting those in poor health, raising them up through the sacrament of anointing, and by nourishing them with the Eucharist during their illness.  Call the Parish Office to talk to Kathy Prewitt or Paulette Smeltzer about receiving services from this ministry or volunteering for the ministry.   Please call the Parish Office at  636-561-6611.
 
Communion Calls
Holy Communion is brought once a week to those who are sick or unable to attend church on a regular basis.  Please call the Parish Office at  636-561-6611 to arrange a visit.
 
Hospital Visitation
If you are hospitalized, we would like to visit and pray with you during your stay.  It is of great importance that members of Immaculate Conception who are hospitalized NOTIFY the parish office. Due to HIPPA Law, hospitals no longer automatically inform parishes when a parishioner is admitted.  Remember, our Priests, Pastoral Associates, etc. will be happy to visit you if we are notified. Please call the Parish Office at  636-561-6611.