God’s Grace at Every Stage of Life

The Eucharist is the “source and summit of the Christian life,” in which Christ Himself is truly present—Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity—under the appearance of bread and wine. In Holy Communion, the Lord nourishes us, unites us more closely to Himself, and builds up the unity of the Church.

• Children typically receive First Holy Communion in second grade after at least two consecutive years of formal religious formation (parish religious education or Catholic school).​

• Preparation includes regular participation at Sunday Mass, sacramental catechesis, and readiness for a first celebration of Reconciliation.​

• Home-school families work with the parish using diocesan-approved materials and join the parish celebration of the sacrament.​

Current preparation schedules and celebration dates are available through our religious education office.

In the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation, we confess our sins, receive God’s mercy, and are restored to grace and communion with the Church. Confession is an ongoing part of Christian conversion and healing, not only a one-time event.

• At Epiphany, First Reconciliation is ordinarily celebrated in second grade in conjunction with First Communion preparation.​

• Regular confession times are offered weekly; additional opportunities are scheduled during Advent and Lent.

• Adults and older children preparing for their first confession do so as part of RCIA/OCIA or special sacramental preparation.​

Those who have been away from the sacrament for some time are especially encouraged to return—our priests are ready to help you make a good confession.

Confirmation completes Baptismal grace and seals us with the Gift of the Holy Spirit for mature Christian discipleship. Confirmed Catholics are strengthened to witness to Christ in the Church and in the world through word and action.

• Youth Confirmation is ordinarily celebrated after a period of proximate preparation that includes catechesis, service, prayer, and participation in parish life.

• Candidates typically participate in a two-year parish formation process, culminating in reception of the sacrament at a scheduled liturgy with the bishop or his delegate.

• Adults who have not yet been confirmed are invited to prepare through a separate track, often connected to RCIA/OCIA.

For current age norms, timelines, and registration information, please contact the formation office.

In the Sacrament of Marriage, a baptized man and a baptized woman freely enter a lifelong covenant of love, open to the gift of children and modeled on Christ’s love for His Church. Marriage is both a path to holiness for the couple and a sign of God’s faithful love to the world.​

• Engaged couples should contact the parish at least six months before their desired wedding date to begin preparation and scheduling.​

• Preparation typically includes meetings with clergy, participation in marriage preparation programs, and planning the wedding liturgy in accordance with Church norms.​

• At least one of the engaged persons should be a practicing Catholic with a connection to the parish.

Specific guidelines for ceremonies, music, and use of parish facilities are available through the parish office.

Anointing of the Sick brings Christ’s healing presence, comfort, and strength to those who are seriously ill, facing surgery, weakened by age, or nearing death. Through this sacrament, the Church prays for physical and spiritual healing, the forgiveness of sins, and trust in God’s mercy.​

• Parishioners are encouraged to request anointing at the onset of serious illness or before significant medical procedures, not only at the point of death.​

• Anointing can be celebrated in the home, hospital, care facility, or at the parish, as needed.

• Communal celebrations of the sacrament may be scheduled periodically for the sick and elderly of the parish.

In cases of emergency or danger of death, please call the parish emergency line.

Holy Orders is the sacrament by which men are ordained as deacons, priests, or bishops to serve and shepherd the People of God. The Church also recognizes that God calls each person to a particular vocation—marriage, ordained ministry, or consecrated life—for the building up of His Kingdom.​

• Those discerning priesthood or the permanent diaconate are encouraged to speak with a parish priest, who can provide guidance and connect them with diocesan vocation resources.

• The parish community supports vocations through prayer, encouragement, and fostering a culture of discernment, especially among youth and young adults.

For adults and older children who wish to become Catholic or complete their sacraments of initiation, Epiphany offers the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA/OCIA). This process includes prayer, catechesis, and participation in parish life, culminating in the reception of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist, usually at the Easter Vigil.

If you are interested in exploring the Catholic faith or returning to the Church, we invite you to contact us so we can walk with you on this journey.