Sacraments

Adults who have never been baptized are invited to learn about the Catholic faith through a process that gradually introduces them to the teachings of Jesus and our heritage. Those who have been baptized in another tradition or who were baptized in the Catholic Church as infants but not raised in the faith are also invited to 'come and see.' Adult Catholics who have not been confirmed are also invited. Accompanied by the team and their sponsors, this small community shares the Word and learns together. Through the Rites of Christian Initiation of Adults, the inquirers enter fully into the life of the church. The sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and First Eucharist are celebrated at the Easter Vigil. Please contact Marueen Lahiff at the parish office.

Baptism: Parents bringing infants and young children to the faith are prepared in a family-centered process. After an interview with our pastor Father Tony Herrera, the parents attend two Saturday morning sessions, led by a team of couples. (Parents may attend these sessions before the birth of their baby.) Baptisms are celebrated on the third Sunday of the month at 12:30 pm. The date of baptism is scheduled at the first interview. For more information, please contact the parish office, 510 522 8933.

First Communion: Children who were baptized as infants are prepared for first reconciliation and first communion in a family-centered process. The children must have participated in at least one year of faith formation before beginning to prepare for these sacraments. Enrollment for first communion takes place in late August and early September. In addition to the formation that takes place during school and in Faith Formation Classes, parents and children are required to attend about 3 evening sessions in preparation for first reconciliation and communion. For more information, please contact Sister Madeline Antoskiewicz, SSJ, Director of Faith Formation, at 510 337 8962.

Confirmation: Teens who were baptized as infants and who received First Communion and continuing faith formation are invited to complete their initiation by receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation. Teens from the four Alameda parishes are confirmed together. The Diocese of Oakland asks these teens to participate in a two-year preparation process. In Alameda, teens may begin preparing for Confirmation as early as 9th grade. Teens who wish to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation may contact the Alameda Youth Ministry or the parish office directly.

Children who are 7 years of age or older who have not been baptized: Children who are able to understand the elements of the faith are fully initiated at the Easter Vigil, along with the adults. They are prepared in a family-centered process. For more information, please contact Sister Madeline Antoskiewicz, SSJ, Director of Faith Formation, at 510 337 8962

Sacraments of Reconciliation and Healing

Our parish church is open for the Sacrament of Reconciliation every Saturday afternoon from 4:00 to 4:45 pm. Individuals may choose to speak with the confessor face-to-face or from behind a screen.

During Advent and Lent, the parishes of the Alameda Deanery host evening celebrations of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. After a Liturgy of the Word, several confessors are available for individual confession.

Appointments may also be made for confession. Those who are homebound are encouraged to call the parish to make arrangements for a priest to visit.

Anointing of the Sick

We celebrate this sacrament with those who are seriously ill, with those facing surgery, and with those who are carrying heavy burdens of age and chronic disease. The Anointing of the Sick can be celebrated at home or in the hospital, but when it is possible, this sacrament is celebrated during a weekday Mass.

Please call Fr. Tony to arrange for this sacrament. For more information about our Ministry to the Sick and Homebound, please contact Fr. Tony at the parish office: (510) 522-8933.

Sacraments of Vocation and Commitment

Christian Marriage

The process of marriage preparation takes at least 6 months. It is advisable to begin preparation as early as possible. Please contact the parish office before any other plans are made. Some of the preparation takes place with the parish staff. Couples are asked to attend the Evenings for the Engaged led by a team of couples from the Alameda Deanery.

Those who have been married in a civil ceremony who would like to prepare to celebrate the sacrament of marriage are encouraged to contact Father Tony. If one or both of the spouses have been divorced, the parish will assist them in petitioning for a declaration of nullity.

For more information about our Ministry to Married Couples,
please see the Ministries section of our web page or the parish bulletin.

Religious Life and Holy Orders

The Parish Staff welcome questions about life in a religious community and service as a deacon or priest.

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