Prior to preparing for the Sacraments of Baptism, First Reconciliation, First Eucharist or Confirmation, the Diocese of Richmond requires that families have completed registration, be regularly attending weekend Mass and be active in the life of the parish. See below for particular information.

Baptism: Children, youth and adults may be Baptized. For young children (up through age 6), parents are asked to attend preparation which is scheduled several times during the year. Baptisms are celebrated with other parish families at set times during appropriate liturgical seasons. Godparents must be practicing Catholic and if not a member of St. Stephen’s, must provide a letter from their parish stating their membership in the parish.

Parish Contact: Deacon Keith Fournier deaconkeith@ssmrcc.org or 757.421.7416.

Reconciliation: Children over age 7 years may prepare for first Reconciliation. Classes are held usually in the Fall. Parents and children are asked to participate in classes and the communal celebration of the Sacrament. Families must be attending BLAZE as well as Reconciliation classes. Also, children need to have been in Religious Education the year prior to their Sacrament prep year.

Parish Contact: Cathy Barrick cathy@ssmrcc.org or 757.421.7416 ext. 308.

First Eucharist: Children usually are in second or third grade for this preparation. Classes are ordinarily held after New Year’s. Parents and children attend classes. Celebration of First Communion is the time of Easter, one weekend at usual Sunday Masses. Families must be attending BLAZE and have been in Religious Education for the year prior to their Sacrament prep year in order to enroll in this preparation for this Sacrament of initiation.

Parish Contact: Cathy Barrick cathy@ssmrcc.org or 757.421.7416 ext. 308.

Confirmation: The Diocese of Richmond Confirms children in the 10th grade. It is a Diocesan policy that the student be enrolled in Christian Formation in the 8th grade in order to enter the two year Confirmation Preparation Program. The students choose their sponsors in the 9th grade and begin the journey with them to the sacrament at the end of the 10th grade.

Sponsors are to be a fully initiated Catholic, actively participating in their parish and be willing to meet with their candidate through their junior year. Confirmation typically happens in the spring following Easter. Please contact the Christian Formation office regarding any questions or concerns.

Parish Contact: Suzanne Flach Suzanne@ssmrcc.org or 757.421.7416

Marriage: 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. (Catechism #1601)
Preparation before the Sacrament of Marriage is necessary for the couple. In order to have sufficient time for this preparation, the Pastor must be contacted six to twelve months prior to the wedding.

Parish Contact: Fr. Brian Rafferty frbrian@ssmrcc.org or 757.421.7416

Holy Orders/Vocations Vocations Link

Anointing of the Sick: The Sacrament of Anointing is the proper sacrament for those Christians whose health is seriously impaired by sickness or old age. One seeks the Sacrament for support in struggle against illness and to seek healing from Christ.

Parish Contact: Fr. Brian Rafferty frbrian@ssmrcc.org or 757.421.7416

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