Sacraments

"The sacraments are efficacious signs of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, by which divine life is dispensed to us" through the work of the Holy Spirit.  CCC 1131,774

The whole liturgical life of the Church revolves around the Eucharistic sacrifice and the sacraments. CCC 1113

Baptism     Eucharist     Confirmation     Reconciliation     Anointing of the Sick     Marriage     Holy Orders

SACRAMENTS OF INITIATION

Baptism

  Baptism is the first Sacrament that we receive as Catholics to mark the beginning of our faith journey.  The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us that 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.”  Baptism allows one to “put on Christ,” makes us the sons and daughters of God, and members of the Church community. 
​  
  Baptisms at St. Thomas More Catholic Church are scheduled on a regular basis throughout the Liturgical year.

​  There is a preparation period prior to parents having their children baptized.  It is required that parents attend the Baptismal Preparation Course which consists of 2 sessions.  These sessions discuss our Catholic Faith, our Call to have our Children Baptized, the importance of naming, the role of the Godparents, the symbols at baptism, and the logistics of the baptism ceremony. 
The schedule for the 2018/2019 Baptismal Preparation classes and Baptismal Ceremonies are as follows:

Contact: Trish Pabis
relformation@stmva.org
(434) 237-5911 ext. 211

Baptismal Preparation Classes​                                             
Monday, October 29 / November 5: 6:30 -8:30 pm                  
Monday, January 7 / January 14: 6:30 -8:30 pm                      
Monday, February 11 / February 18:  6:30 -8:30 pm                            
Monday, April 1 / April 8: 6:30 -8:30 pm      ​

Baptism Ceremonies
Saturday, August 18: 10:30 am
Sunday, August 19:  11 am Mass
Sunday, November 18: 11 am Mass
Saturday, January 26: 10: 30 am
Sunday, March 3:  11 am Mass
Saturday, May 11: 10:30 am

Confirmation

Eucharist

First Eucharist
Preparation to receive the Sacrament of Eucharist for the first time occurs in the 2nd grade year with 2 Spring retreats.  Those 2nd or 3rd graders who have already received their Sacrament of Baptism, will attend a 3 – 3 1/2 hour parent/child retreat held at the parish.  For the 2018/2019 school year, the retreats will occur:

Saturday, March 2, 2019: 8:45 am – 1:30 pm
Saturday, April 6:  8:45 am – 12:30 pm

First Eucharist Weekend will be held the weekend of May 4/5, 2019 at the 5:00 pm Mass, 8:15 am Mass and the 11 am Mass.

Reconciliation

First Reconciliation
Preparation to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time occurs in the 2nd grade year with 2 Fall retreats.  Those 2nd or 3rd graders who have already received their Sacrament of Baptism, will attend a 3 – 3 1/2 hour parent/child retreat held at the parish.  For the 2018/2019 school year, the retreats will occur:
 
Saturday, October 6, 2018:  8:45 am – 12:30 pm
Saturday, November 3, 2018: 8:45 am – 12:30 pm
 
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is celebrated Saturday evenings from 3:30 pm until 4:45 pm, or by appointment with the Parish Priest.

Anointing of the Sick

Marriage

Holy Orders