A multi-year approach to the preparation of First Reconciliation and First Communion with Sacraments received in the 2nd grade year. Families are invited and encouraged to sign up for Kids Club and start bringing their children in first grade to weekly faith formation to get them excited for their big 2nd grade year! Children in 2nd grade who are in Sacramental prep will break into their own separate group as part of Kids Club once/twice a month. All 2nd grade parents (regardless of school attending) are required to attend a meeting at the beginning of their 2nd grade year for more information. Please see the Sacramental Prep page to Register and for more details.
The gifts of the Holy Spirit given in Baptism are strengthened by the laying on of hands. This sacrament, Confirmation, is celebrated locally beginning in the eighth and ninth grade for those baptized as children. Please see the Sacramental Prep page to Register and for more details.
See the Diocese’s website for more information on the restored order of the Sacraments of Initiation https://ptdiocese.org/restoredorder
The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life, is by its nature ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring; this covenant between baptized persons has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament.
Couples wishing to participate in the Sacrament of Matrimony are asked to contact one of our priests six months in advance to begin preparation for a lifelong union, not just the wedding ceremony.
Fr. Steve Olson : (850) 438-3131 x114
Fr. Randy Recker: (850) 438-3131 x111
To inquire about potential dates email office@shc.ptdiocese.org
and our Wedding Coordinator will follow up with you.
The Sacrament of Holy Orders is for men who are blessed with the call by God to continue the ministry of Jesus Christ. Priests serve as spiritual leaders of their communities, and deacons serve to remind us of our baptismal call to help others.
Those men called by God to discern the priesthood are asked to contact our Diocesan office for more information (website).
“Is any among you sick? Let him call for the presbyters of the Church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven” (Jas 5:14-15).
Call 850-438-3131 Ext. 110 to make an appointment with a priest for the Anointing of the Sick.
OCIA is the program/process by which unbaptized adults or those baptized in another Christian tradition are fully initiated into the Catholic Church. Candidates for reception into the church must participate to the fullest possible extent in the entire program in order that they may be fully aware of the life of the Church and the rights and responsibilities of their life as a Catholic Christian
The initiation of unbaptized adults into the Catholic Church is done at the Easter Vigil where all of the Sacraments of Initiation are administered together at that time (Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist).
https://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/who-we-teach/christian-initiation-of-adults
"After study, consultation, and prayer, I have decided that the age for the Sacrament of Confirmation for children in the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee will be moved to an earlier age. Beginning in 2025, we will be moving gradually and methodically toward a "restored order" of the Sacraments of Initiation that will be completed in 2028. Practically speaking, this means that children, around the age of discretion (7), will receive the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist (First Communion) at the same Mass when properly catechized and disposed." - Most Rev. William A. Wack, CSC
Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission.
To have your child baptized, we ask that you call or email the Office: (850) 438-3131, office@shc.ptdiocese.org. Someone will assist you in navigating this part of the journey of faith.
Parents are required to take the baptismal prep class, which is offered on the first Saturday of each month - see Parish Calendar for dates. Godparents will need a signed certificate of good standing from the parish that they attend.