Baptism
Baptism is understood as the total annulment of the sins of one's past and the emergence of a totally innocent person. The newly baptized person becomes a member of the church and is incorporated into the body of Christ, thus becoming empowered to lead the life of Christ.
For the grace of Baptism to unfold, the parents' help is important. So too is the role of the godfather and godmother, who must be firm believers, able and ready to help the newly baptized - child or adult on the road of Christian life. The whole church community bears some responsibility for the development and safeguarding of the grace given at Baptism.
Baptisms can be scheduled by appointment- please contact the Parish office at 248-347-7778 for more details.
Reconciliation and First Communion
The Church acknowledges that parents are the first and most effective catechists of children. Parents are also best able to determine the readiness of their children to comprehend the mysteries of the Eucharist and the nature of sin and reconciliation. We ask parents to assist with the preparation of their children for the First Eucharist and First Reconciliation. Children are eligible to receive these sacraments after two years in a Religious Education program, traditionally when they are in second grade. Children must be enrolled in Faith Builders to prepare for the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Communion.
Confirmation
The Ignite Confirmation Preparation Program is a two-year in-person program designed for 7th and 8th-grade students who wish to partake in the Sacrament of Confirmation. As we walk together through this program it is my hope that students will develop a deeper understanding of the love that God has for them, and how He demonstrates this love to us through both the gift of the Holy Spirit and the gifts that the Spirit has given to each of us.
Students will spend time participating in large group activities and lectures (based upon the book, Decision Point, by Matthew Kelly), prayer services, small-group discussions, and a confirmation retreat and learn the value of service through service projects.
Our ultimate goal is that our students will develop a deeper and more enriched relationship with Jesus- learning how to discern the still, small voice of the Spirit within them and welcoming Him, not as a stranger, but as a trusted guide at the time of their Confirmation.
Special Sacramental Preparation
When Students do not prepare for sacraments in the traditional grades, an individualized plan is prepared. We are happy to work with you to develop an individualized plan if you wish to participate in any of the Sacraments outside of the traditional time-frame.
Please contact the Religious Education Office at 248-347-7778 with any questions regarding Sacramental Preparation.
If you have concerns or questions please email:
Director of Religious Education - Meredith Skowronski mskowronski@sjnovi.net