Sacraments of the Catholic Church

Sacraments are “powers that come forth” from the Body of Christ, which is ever-living and life-giving. They are actions of the Holy Spirit at work in His Body, the Church. They are “the masterworks of God” in the new and everlasting covenant.

CCC 1116

Sacraments of Initiation

“The sacraments of Christian initiation—baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist—lay the foundation of every Christian life."

CCC 1212

A team within our parish family prepares you for these sacraments. Click the links to learn more about each Sacrament and its requirements.

Become Catholic

Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA)

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is the process through which adults join the Catholic Church. Through weekly gatherings, participants deepen their understanding of Scripture, the sacraments, and Catholic teaching, while growing in relationship with Christ and His Church.

Who is OCIA for?

  • Unbaptized adults – You’ll begin as a catechumen (someone preparing to be initiated) and journey toward the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and First Eucharist.

  • Baptized Christians from other denominations – You’ll explore the Catholic faith and prepare to enter into full communion with the Church.

  • Baptized Catholics who never received Confirmation or First Eucharist or are returning to the Church – You’re invited to join us as you reconnect with your faith and complete your initiation.

Not sure if you're ready?

That’s okay! OCIA is more than a class—it’s a supportive community where you can ask questions, learn, reflect, and grow. You’re welcome to participate even if you’re just exploring what it means to be Catholic.

How does it work?

OCIA at Lakewood Catholic Parish Family runs year-round. People join at different times and move forward based on their readiness.

You’ll experience:

  • Weekly classes rooted in Scripture and Catholic teaching

  • A community of fellow seekers walking the journey with you

  • Opportunities to grow spiritually and encounter Christ in a deeper way

Start Your Journey

Everything begins with a simple conversation. Contact Susy Martinez, Director of Sacraments and Youth Catechisis, to learn more and explore your next step in faith.

Sacraments of Healing

“The Lord Jesus Chris, physician of our souls and bodies, who forgave the sins of the paralytic and restored him to bodily health, has willed that His Church continue, in the power of the Holy Spirit, His work of healing and salvation, even among her own members. This is the purpose of the two sacraments of healing: the Sacrament of Penance and the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.”

CCC 1421

Sacraments of Service

“Two other sacraments, Holy Orders and Matrimony, are directed towards the salvation of others; if they contribute as well to personal salvation, it is through service to others that they do so. They confer a particular mission in the Church and serve to build up the People of God.”

CCC 1534