Sacramental Preparation

The seven Catholic Sacraments point to what is sacred, significant and important for Christians. They are special occasions for experiencing God’s saving presence. Please use the helpful links below to navigate through the opportunities offered at Holy Trinity.

Preparation for Baptism
The Sacrament of Baptism for infants under the age of 7 years is celebrated during the Mass. At least one parent must be a participating member of the parish, registered for at least three months prior to beginning the preparation process. All Baptism information such as dates, requirements for godparent and necessary paperwork takes place at the meeting. Parents and godparent are invited to this meeting.

Prepare for First Penance & Eucharist
A child who is in second grade is eligible for preparation for First Penance and Eucharist. This begins with a mandatory informational parent meeting. At this time, parents are informed of the expectations for their child and receive materials for home preparation. First Penance meetings will be in the Fall and First Eucharist in the Spring. There are several other meetings (i.e. 1st Communion Jesus Day Retreat, Interview) that must also be attended to complete this process. Parents are the primary educators and are expected to prepare their child at home. If you have any questions, contact Eva Warner, Director of Religious Education at 757-480-3433, ext 221.

Prepare for Confirmation
The process of preparation involves two full years of participating in a regular religious education program either in the parish or in a Catholic school. The first year of preparation starts when a young person reaches the 10th grade. During the second year, the regular education program is supplemented in the parish with a full year of special formation that is separate and distinct from the regular religious education program.

A young person does not begin the special formation process for Confirmation unless he or she has participated regularly at Sunday Mass and has taken part in the regular parish or school religious education program for at least a year. A young person who has fallen away from active involvement in the sacraments and formal religious formation should be encouraged and assisted to return to an active faith life before preparing for confirmation.

Prepare for Marriage
Holy Trinity is a beautiful place to be married! In the Diocese of Richmond, the couple must contact the parish priest to begin their marriage formation at least six months prior to the date of the wedding. Couples interested in marrying at Holy Trinity should contact the pastor for an initial appointment. Couples are urged not to schedule the date of the wedding without first meeting with the priest. Both the bride and groom should be free to marry in the Church. If either party has been married before, no wedding date can be set until the prior bonds are declared invalid. Contact the pastor if this is a concern.