Frequently Asked Questions

“If we learn everything but Christ, we learn nothing. If we learn nothing but Christ, we learn everything.” -St. Bonaventure-

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is a Sacrament & why should I care?
A. A Sacrament is an outward sign, instituted by Christ, that bestows grace. That’s a fancy way of saying that Sacraments are celebrations of God’s love and action in our world. There are seven Sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance & Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Matrimony, and Holy Orders.

Q. Where can I find my Sacramental Records?
A. Baptismal records are kept at the parish where you were baptized. If your parish has closed or merged, you can look here to see where the records are kept.

Q. Wait! Does the Church keep ALL of those records?
A. Yes! The Church keeps a record of who has received the Sacraments because they are important. Each Sacrament is also recorded as a note in the baptism registry so that everything is in one place.

Q. Is it too late for me to receive my Sacraments?
A. No! If you are interested in receiving one of the Sacraments, talk to someone at your parish. They will be excited to celebrate with you!

Q. When should I start preparing for my child’s baptism?
A. Let your pastor know as soon as possible, even before the birth of your child. This allows ample preparation and prayer for the new addition to your family.

Q. What are the requirements for a godparent?
A. A godparent must be 16 years old, fully initiated (Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation), and in good standing with the Church. Parents of the child being baptized cannot be godparents. If there are two godparents, one of each gender is allowed.

Q. How can I help the future godparents of my child know what they need to do?
A. A free course for godparents is available for anyone who wants to learn more. You can find it here.

Q. Can a non-Catholic be a godparent?
A. A baptized non-Catholic may be a Christian witness to the baptism, but there must also be a Catholic sponsor (godparent) who meets the requirements.

Q. When do those seeking Baptism use the OCIA process?
A. Once a person has reached the age of reason (7 years old), the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is the proper preparation process for all the Sacraments of Initiation. Prior to 7 years old, the Rite for Infant Baptism is used.

Q. Wait, what is the OCIA?
A. The OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) is the process by which adults join the Catholic Church. It has four stages and culminates at the Easter Vigil. Learn more on the OCIA page.

Q. Can a child be baptized if the parents are in a marriage not recognized by the Church?
A. As long as there is a well-founded hope that the child will be raised Catholic, the parent’s marital status should not impede baptism. This is also an opportunity to learn how to have the marriage recognized.

Q. Can the Church deny anyone baptism?
A. If there is serious reason to suspect the child will not be raised in the Catholic faith, a pastor may delay baptism until those worries are alleviated. This is meant for proper preparation, not punishment.

Q. Do Catholics really believe the bread and wine become Jesus?
A. YES! Through the prayers of the priest and the gathered assembly at Mass, a process called Transubstantiation changes the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ. Christ is fully present—body, blood, soul, and divinity.

Q. Can non-Catholics receive the Eucharist?
A. Normally, no. Members of churches not fully united with the Catholic Church are not admitted to Communion without permission from the bishop.

Q. Can Catholics go to Communion in other churches?
A. No. The Eucharist is a Sacrament that should not be confused with other symbolic acts. Praying with fellow Christians is good, but it does not replace the Eucharist.

Q. If someone cannot have gluten, can they still receive Communion?
A. The only acceptable bread for Communion always contains some gluten. Low-gluten hosts may be used, but wheat flour is still included.

Q. Can I have my underaged children receive grape juice instead of wine?
A. No. If someone cannot receive wine at Communion, they should abstain from the chalice. The fullness of Christ is received under either species.

Q. Do Catholics still fast before receiving Communion?
A. Yes. Prior to receiving Communion, a person should fast from food and drink (except water and medicine) for at least one hour. Exceptions apply for the elderly, sick, and caregivers.

Q. What is the age for Confirmation?
A. For youth baptized as infants, preparation begins no earlier than 8th grade. Most Confirmands are in 9th or 10th grade.

Q. My child is in Catholic Schools. Does he/she still need to join the parish preparation program?
A. Religious instruction may suffice for learning, but other requirements like retreats, service, and parish sessions should be completed with the parish.

Q. Who can be a Confirmation sponsor?
A. Sponsors must be chosen by the candidate, at least 16, fully initiated, in good standing, not bound by penalty, and not the candidate’s parent.

Q. Why is it a two-year process to prepare for Confirmation?
A. Two years allow candidates to understand the faith, process what the Sacrament means, and build sustaining relationships.

Q. May a candidate have more than one sponsor?
A. Yes, up to two can be recorded, but only one presents the candidate liturgically.

Q. If my sponsor is unable to be physically present, what are my options?
A. A proxy may stand in place of a sponsor, but the original sponsor’s involvement is recommended.

Q. Do candidates for Confirmation need a Confirmation name?
A. A new name may be chosen to reflect Christian virtues, though the baptismal name is also appropriate.

Q. Is Confirmation how I become an adult in the Church?
A. The Church does not have a rite of adulthood. Confirmation seals baptism and completes initiation.

Q. They say I become a “Soldier for Christ” at Confirmation. Do I get a sword?
A. No. “Soldier for Christ” refers to defending the faith, not literal combat. Sponsors and the Church support the candidate.

Q. Should a person be Confirmed prior to marriage?
A. Catholics should receive Confirmation before marriage if possible. Those not yet confirmed should join a parish or adult Confirmation program.

Q. What’s up with all the names for one Sacrament?
A. The Catechism calls it: sacrament of conversion, Penance, confession, forgiveness, and Reconciliation. Most often: Penance, Reconciliation, or Confession. Learn more.

Q. What if I forget the prayers?
A. Don’t worry! Prayers are provided or the priest will help. They guide you to experience God’s mercy.

Q. How do I know the priest won’t judge me for my sins?
A. The priest is pastoral and bound by the Seal of the Confessional — everything stays private.

Q. What if I haven’t been to the Sacrament in a long time?
A. Be comfortable; the priest is happy you are there and will guide you. You may bring a cheat sheet.

Q. When should someone receive the Sacrament?
A. Any Catholic seriously ill, preparing for surgery, or in need of healing may receive this Sacrament.

Q. Wasn’t this called something else – extreme unction?
A. Yes. Previously for those near death, it is now for anyone in danger of death from sickness or old age.

Q. May a person with a developmental disability or serious mental illness be anointed?
A. Yes, handled individually and in consultation with a physician.

Q. Can I receive this Sacrament multiple times?
A. Yes! Call your pastor or priest whenever you need God’s healing grace.

Q. Who can receive the Sacrament of Matrimony?
A. Two baptized Catholics who are free to marry (not bound by previous marriages) and able to give free consent may receive this Sacrament. One baptized Catholic and one baptized non-Catholic Christian may marry with permission. A Catholic marrying a non-Christian requires a dispensation.

Q. Can same-sex couples receive Matrimony in the Catholic Church?
A. No. The Church teaches that Matrimony is a lifelong union between one man and one woman, open to life and faithful to each other.

Q. Does the Church require a wedding in a church building?
A. Yes. Catholic weddings are celebrated in a church with a priest or deacon witnessing and officiating.

Q. What preparation is required for marriage?
A. Couples must meet with their parish, participate in a marriage preparation program (Pre-Cana or FOCCUS), and discuss their readiness for a lifelong commitment.

Q. Can I get married if I was previously married?
A. If a previous marriage was valid, an annulment is required. If declared null, you are free to marry in the Church. Civil divorce alone is not enough.

Q. What about mixed-religion marriages?
A. Permission is required. Couples must commit to raising children in the Catholic faith and understand the spiritual nature of the Sacrament.

Q. Do we need to have children to get married in the Church?
A. No. The Sacrament is about the lifelong covenant and love between spouses, not just children, though being open to life is an essential part.

Q. Can a wedding be postponed or canceled?
A. Yes. If there is serious doubt about readiness or consent, the pastor may delay until preparation is complete. This is pastoral care, not punishment.

Q. What if one of us has a disability or special needs?
A. The Church ensures accommodations and proper guidance so that every couple can receive the Sacrament with full understanding and consent.

Q. What is Holy Orders?
A. Holy Orders is the Sacrament by which men are ordained as deacons, priests, or bishops to serve the Church and administer other Sacraments.

Q. Who can receive Holy Orders?
A. Baptized men who feel called to serve the Church, meet formation requirements, and are in good standing may be ordained. Women cannot receive Holy Orders in the Catholic Church.

Q. Are married men allowed to become priests?
A. In the Latin Rite (most of the world), priests must be celibate. Married men may be ordained as deacons. Some exceptions exist for priests converting from other Christian traditions.

Q. Can priests become bishops?
A. Yes, bishops are chosen from priests who have shown leadership, holiness, and pastoral ability.

Q. What does ordination do?
A. It configures a man to Christ in a special way, giving him the authority and grace to act in the person of Christ for the Church.

Q. Can Holy Orders be received more than once?
A. No. Holy Orders imprints a permanent spiritual character; a man may be ordained only once to each degree (deacon, priest, bishop).

Q. What about someone who left the priesthood? Can they return?
A. Once ordained, the sacramental character is permanent. A man may seek dispensation from clerical duties, but the ordination itself is indelible.

Q. Can priests or deacons marry after ordination?
A. In the Latin Rite, no. They commit to celibacy. In some Eastern Catholic rites, men may marry before ordination, but priests cannot marry after ordination.

Q. Why is Holy Orders important for the Church?
A. It ensures that the Sacraments are administered and that the Church has pastors, teachers, and shepherds to guide the faithful.