Baptism

  • What is the Sacrament of Baptism?

    Baptism is our rebirth in Christ. Through water and the Holy Spirit, we are cleansed of original sin and become members of the Body of Christ. It is the beginning of a new life in faith, grace, and the love of God.

  • How can I get my child baptized?

    Baptismal preparation classes are offered for parents of children up to age 6. These sessions explore the meaning of Baptism, the role of parents and godparents, and the foundations of faith in early childhood.

  • What are the requirements for the parents?

    Attending Sunday Mass as a family is a vital sign of your commitment to raising your child in the faith.

    Parents must:

    Attend a Baptism preparation class.

    Watch the Symbolon and Reborn video series as a review of the faith.

    Complete all videos at least one week before the class.

  • What are the requirements to be a Godparent?

    Every child to be baptized must have at least one godparent, who may be a single Catholic or a married couple. Godparents must:

    Be at least 16 years old. Be practicing Catholics who attend Mass regularly. Have received Baptism, First Eucharist, and Confirmation. If single, not cohabiting. If married, be married in the Catholic Church.

    Godparents must provide a Confirmation certificate (and a Catholic marriage certificate if married), attend Baptismal preparation with the parents, and sign the Baptism Godparent Application.

Confirmation

  • What is the Sacrament of Confirmation?

    Confirmation deepens our baptismal grace. It unites us more firmly with Christ, strengthens our bond with the Church, and empowers us with the gifts of the Holy Spirit to live out our faith with courage and conviction.

  • How can my teenager son/daughter get confirmed?

    Confirmation preparation is a two-year journey that involves regular Mass and class attendance, as well as the completion of assigned work.

  • What are the requirements for Confirmation?

    Baptismal Certificate, First Communion Certificate. Must be entering 7th grade (at least) or older.

Eucharist

  • What is First Eucharist (First Holy Communion)?

    First Eucharist, or First Holy Communion, is a child’s first reception of the Sacrament of the Eucharist—one of the most important moments in a Catholic’s life. It marks the first time a baptized child shares fully in the celebration of the Mass by receiving the Body and Blood of Christ. This milestone celebrates a deeper participation in the life of the Church and is a joyful occasion for the child, family, and parish community.

  • Who is elegible to receive First Holy Communion?

    Children baptized as Catholics typically prepare for First Communion around the age of 7–8, after completing preparation for First Reconciliation.

    Children over the age of eight who are baptized in another Christian denomination or who missed earlier sacramental preparation enter a process called the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults adapted for Children (OCIC).

  • What is OCIC?

    OCIC (Order of Christian Initiation for Children) is a process designed for older children who were not baptized as infants. It includes formation in the Catholic faith, prayer, and gradual participation in the life of the Church, leading to full initiation.

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 Catechesis, to learn more and explore your next step in faith.

Reconciliation

  • What is the Sacrament of Reconciliation?

    Also called Confession, Reconciliation is the sacrament in which we receive God’s mercy and forgiveness. It brings healing to our souls, restores our relationship with God and the Church, and offers a fresh start on our journey of faith.

  • Why is Reconciliation important? When can I go?

    Confession is a powerful encounter with God’s love that helps us grow in humility, holiness, and peace. Through it, we are strengthened to live more faithfully. Click here for Confession times and take the next step toward spiritual renewal.

  • How do I prepare for Confession?

    Preparation begins with a sincere examination of conscience and a heart open to God’s mercy. Click here for resources on how to make a good Confession, including helpful prayers and step-by-step guides.

Anointing of the Sick

  • What is the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick?

    The Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament of healing in which Jesus, through the hands of a priest, touches those suffering to bring them peace, strength, and sometimes even physical healing. This sacrament reminds us that Christ conquers sin and death not only through words but also through His saving death and resurrection.

  • Why is this sacrament important—and when can I receive it?

    You don’t have to be at the point of death to receive this sacrament. The Church encourages those facing serious illness, preparing for major surgery, or struggling with the challenges of aging to receive it. A careful and sincere judgment about the seriousness of the condition is all that’s needed.

  • What does the Sacrament do? How do I get it?

    The primary effect of the Anointing of the Sick is spiritual healing—bringing the Holy Spirit’s gifts of peace, courage, and strength to face illness or frailty. If it is God’s will, physical healing may also occur. Above all, this sacrament assures the sick person that Christ is near in their suffering and that they are never alone. Click here or the button below if you or a loved one needs to be anointed.

Holy Matrimony

  • What is the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony?

    Holy Matrimony is the sacrament in which a man and a woman freely enter into a lifelong covenant of love and fidelity, becoming a visible sign of Christ’s love for His Church. Through their vows, the couple is united by God and given the grace to live out their vocation in mutual service, faithfulness, and openness to life.

  • Why is marriage a Sacrament?

    Marriage reflects God’s plan for humanity—to love and be loved in total self-giving. In the sacrament, Christ strengthens the couple to live out this love with patience, forgiveness, and joy, even amid life’s challenges. Their union becomes a witness of God’s faithful, fruitful, and permanent love to the world.

  • What is the process of getting married in the Church?

    Couples seeking to be married in the Catholic Church begin with a conversation and preparation process that includes spiritual formation, relationship enrichment, and planning the liturgy. Click here or the button below for details on marriage preparation, required documents, and how to begin the process.

Holy Orders

  • What is the Sacrament of Holy Orders?

    Holy Orders is the sacrament through which men are ordained to serve the Church as deacons, priests, or bishops. Through this sacrament, Christ continues His work of teaching, sanctifying, and shepherding His people. Ordained ministers are uniquely configured to Christ and are given the grace to serve the Church with their whole lives.

  • Why are priests, deacons, and religious sisters necessary for the Church?

    Priests and deacons serve the Church through preaching, sacramental ministry, and spiritual leadership. Religious sisters, though not ordained, play a vital role in the mission of the Church through prayer, teaching, service, and works of mercy. Their witness of consecrated life—living in poverty, chastity, and obedience—is a powerful sign of total dedication to Christ and His people. Together, these vocations enrich the Church and inspire all of us to live our faith more fully.

  • What if I feel called to the priesthood or religious life?

    A vocation often begins with a quiet call—a desire to serve God more deeply or to live a life completely centered on Christ. If you feel God may be calling you to the priesthood or religious life, we encourage you to take that prompting seriously. Talk with Fr. Lou or Fr. Dean to begin discerning your path and to learn more about the next steps.