Church of the Annunciation

On our Journey, we LEARN as a Child.

Preparation for Infant Baptism

The Church of the Annunciation is here to assist parents in their role as their child’s primary teacher of faith. This begins with attendance at one Baptismal Preparation class prior to their infant’s Baptism. Classes are currently scheduled periodically on Sunday afternoons from 1:00-2:30PM and on Thursday evenings from 7:00 - 8:30 PM watch the weekly church bulletin for specific dates. If you are expecting a child, why not come in anticipation of the birth? To register for the preparation classes please make an appointment with Kathy Keary in the Parish Office.

Baptisms are generally celebrated during Mass on the first weekend of the month. Baptisms can also be celebrated after the 10:30 A.M. Mass on other Sundays of the month.

Note that Baptismal sponsors who belong to another Catholic parish must have a letter (see links below) from their proper pastor attesting to the practice of their faith.

First Reconciliation

Parents play an active role in preparing their children for First Reconciliation. Preparation begins with a parent meeting on September 17, 2009 from 7 - 8:30 PM. This will provide the parents with the background information to effectively teach their children about this sacrament of healing and God’s great gift of mercy. Parents will be given instructional materials to be completed prior to a parents/child retreat which is scheduled for November 8, 2009 from 12:00-4:00 PM. Parents are asked to attend First Reconciliation with their child at 7PM on November 17, 2009. Parents are encouraged to also participate in the sacrament demonstrating to your child the healing power offered in Reconciliation.

Our parish policy is that a child should have completed at least one year of formal religious instruction (in our program or elsewhere) before beginning to prepare for First Reconciliation. Ours is a family centered program. It combines family sessions at the parish, preparation in the home and retreat experiences and celebrations.

To register for the First Reconciliation, please contact Kathy Keary in the Parish Office.

First Eucharist

Children are individuals, so there is no set age for the reception of these sacraments. The documents of the church speak of "the age of reason" -- an age when a child is capable of an appreciation of the Eucharist and an eagerness to receive it. For most children this is about the age of 7 or 8. In the United States the majority of children prepare to receive the Eucharist for the first time in the second grade. It is important to focus on the readiness of each child and for this reason we have children of different ages preparing to receive this sacrament.

Parents play a vital role in preparing their child to receive Christ in the Eucharist for the first time. Preparation begins with a parent meeting on February 4, 2010 from 7:00-8:30 PM designed to renew your love for the Eucharist in order to pass on the love of this special gift to your child. Parents will be given instructional materials to complete with their child. Three lessons will be due prior to the parents/child retreat scheduled the afternoon of March 7, 2010. Families are asked to complete the remaining three lessons prior to the evening of rehearsal and pictures scheduled for April 6, 2010 at 7:00PM. Parents will have an opportunity to schedule the date of their child’s First Holy Communion at the initial meeting with the parents. A few options will be offered in April following Easter with up to four children receiving their First Holy Communion per Mass.

Our parish policy is that a child should have completed at least one year of formal religious instruction (in our program or elsewhere) before beginning to prepare for First Eucharist. Ours is a family centered program. It combines family sessions at the parish, preparation in the home and retreat experiences and celebrations.

To register for the First Eucharist, please contact Kathy Keary in the Parish Office.
If your child has not been baptized, please contact Kathy Keary.