Infant Baptism
Baptism is usually administered at infancy. At the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, we have a procedure which must be followed by parents wishing to have their child baptized in the parish. Parents must attend a series of three instruction classes which are offered every other month. After having attended all three classes, both parents will be interviewed privately by one of the priests of the parish. The Baptism will be scheduled during this interview. Baptisms take place, under ordinary circumstances, during a Sunday liturgy when the community is present.

Adult Baptism
Adult instruction followed by initiation into the community takes place within the context of Christian Initiation of Adults. The celebration of Baptism takes place at the Easter Vigil Services. Instruction is presented through a weekly course of study of basic doctrine conducted in the parish from September until Pentecost. Other means of instruction are also available. Immediate preparation for Baptism, takes place during the Lenten season through the Adult Catechumenate.

The Eucharist is the Thanksgiving Meal of the Church community, when we gather as a family around the table of the Lord. We remember and make present the great event of the Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

First Communion
Celebration of First Communion takes place in the parish during the second year of school. Children are prepared by a formal religious education program. This program is conducted through the Catholic school and the CCDD program. Parental involvement is included in the program also. Children should be enrolled in a formal religious education program from first grade.

Confirmation joins with the sacraments of Baptism and Eucharist as Sacraments of Initiation. Through this sacrament, the parish celebrates that the Holy Spirit is indeed active and vital in the life of the total parish community.

In our parish, the present age for reception of the sacrament is in the Spring of the eighth grade. Students prepare through a formal program offered in the Catholic school and CCDD program with home involvement of the parents. Students should be enrolled in a formal program of religious education beginning in elementary school prior to preparation for Confirmation.

Reconciliation is that sacrament through which we experience the heating forgiveness of God, our loving Father. This sacrament of the community is a unique sign that both God and the Church family forgive us our human weaknesses, welcome us home, and support us in our renewed efforts to love as God loves us.

Reconciliation Schedule
The sacrament of Reconciliation is offered on Saturday afternoons and before the Sunday morning Liturgies. Schedules are printed on the front of the Sunday bulletin. The sacrament is also available at any time by private appointment with one of the priests. Communal celebrations are held during Advent and Lent.

First Reconciliation
In accordance with Diocesan policy, children in the parish receive the sacrament of Reconciliation through a formal program of preparation at home and in the religious education program of the Catholic school and CCDD. Children should be enrolled in a formal program of religious education since first grade.

Holy Orders is that sacrament conferred on men called to shepherd the community of God's people as priests. Young men who feet called to share fully in this priesthood of Christ should contact one of the parish priests.

Young men and women who feel called to serve the Church through the religious life other than as a priest may obtain information from one of the priests or sisters who serve in the parish and who represent several different religious orders.

Christian Marriage is the sacrament by which a man and a woman are united in Christ in a covenant relationship of mutual and lasting fidelity. The love which binds the two into one is a reflection of the tremendous love God has for all people, a love which binds each of us to God and to one another.

Marriage Preparations
Before celebrating Christian Marriage, the engaged couple must approach the priest at least six months prior to the proposed marriage. The couple must also be involved in the pre-Cana programs offered by the parish.