Sacraments: Instructions and Preparation

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us that “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.” (1116).


As Catholics, we are privileged to have a rich sacramental life whereby we can receive sanctifying grace and experience the love of Jesus Christ in a special way. Sacraments are not a “thing” to be received, but a life changing event that draws us ever closer to Christ as we continue our journey of faith.


The seven sacraments are celebrations that invoke what is sacred, significant and important for Christians. Through them we receive gifts of God’s grace, and so they are special occasions for experiencing God’s saving presence.



Each of the seven sacraments gives a different form of grace:

St. Thomas Aquinas Parish offers instruction and preparation, as required, for Baptism, Communion, Confirmation & Marriage

Baptism

Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through baptism we are freed from original sin and reborn as children of God, becoming members of Christ’s Church, and sharing in His mission. As your parish family, we are happy to guide you in welcoming infants and young children into the family of God through the sacrament of Baptism.

“The origin and foundation of Christian Baptism is Jesus. Before starting his public ministry, Jesus submitted himself to the baptism given by John the Baptist. The waters did not purify him; he cleansed the waters. “He comes to sanctify the Jordan for our sake . . . to begin a new creation through the Spirit and water” (St. Gregory Nazianzen). … Jesus’ immersion in the water is a sign for all human beings of the need to die to themselves to do God’s will. Jesus did not need to be baptized because he was totally faithful to the will of his Father and free from sin. However, he wanted to show his solidarity with human beings in order to reconcile them to the Father.” (-US Conference of Catholic Bishops)*


Baptism, together with Eucharist and Confirmation, form the Sacraments of Initiation that are all intimately connected. The Sacraments of Initiation are those that establish and maintain Christ’s Holy Church. They are how we become members and fulfill our faith.


Bringing new life into the world and caring for a child’s well-being is both a wonderful gift and a great responsibility. We are here to help you.

We’ll take you through the three simple steps …


1) basic instruction about our Catholic faith and the sacrament of baptism,
2) arranging for godparent(s),
3) scheduling the actual celebration of the sacrament of baptism.


Finally, we’ll invite you and your family to live your life of faith fully by taking advantage of all that St. Thomas Aquinas and the Catholic Church has to offer.


Getting started … just contact us and introduce yourself.


If you need more information about Baptism, please download this form, fill it out and drop it at the front office.


Baptism Coordinator
Kevin Welsh
Phone: (727)372-8600 ext 132
Email:  kevin@stanpr.org


We look forward to hearing from you!


Adults seeking baptism, as well as parents of children over 7, especially middle-school and high-school aged young people are regarded by the Church as capable of learning about our Catholic faith and appreciating the glorious gift of the sacraments. The customary path for adults and older children is a program of study, worship, and sacraments called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).


Click on this link for more information about RCIA.

Reconciliation

In the Sacrament of Penance, the faithful “obtain from God’s mercy and pardon for having offended Him and at the same time reconciliation with the Church family which they have wounded by their sins and which by charity – example and prayer, seek their conversion. (Rite of Penance #4) Sacrament of Reconciliation is Saturdays: 2:30pm – 3:30pm and by appointment.

Eucharist – First Communion for Children

First Sacraments for children includes both First Reconciliation – or “Confession” – and First Eucharist – or “Communion.” This is a separate program from Children’s Faith Formation (K-to-5, formerly “CCD”).



First Sacraments involves a series of workshops that both child and parent(s) attend together.

To be eligible, a child must be age 7 or older (as of September 1st) and baptized in the Catholic Church (i.e., by a Catholic priest in accord with the Rite of Baptism; proof required, e.g., copy of baptism certificate). In addition, the Diocese of St. Petersburg requires that the child must have received at least one year of religious education and be enrolled and attending a program concurrently with the First Sacraments program.
Note: Kindergarten does not count as a year of preparation for sacraments.


Registration forms will be available at the beginning of the year for Children’s Faith Formation, usually held in late August.


In unusual circumstances, arrangements might be made for parents to prepare their child privately for First Sacraments with the guidance of the Office of Faith Formation, including support materials and resources. The child and parents will be expected to participate in one or more consultations with clergy or catechetical lay ministers to verify the child’s progress and readiness to receive each of the sacraments.


Watch for notices in the Mass bulletin or on the News & Updates page of this website. If you need more information about First Communion, please download this form, fill it out and drop it at the front office.
For more information, contact:
Office of Faith Formation
Phone: (727) 372-8600
Contact Michaela Myers at ext 133 or michaela@stanpr.org

Confirmation

Those who have been baptized continue on the path of Christian Initiation through the Sacrament of Confirmation, receiving the Holy Spirit whom the Lord sent upon the apostles on Pentecost. This giving of the Holy Spirit conforms believers more fully to Christ and strengthens them so that they may bear witness for the building up of his Body in faith and love. (Rite of Confirmation #1 and #2). Contact Youth Ministers Beth DeBella and Cliff Stodden at ext. 131.

Holy Matrimony

The sacrament of Matrimony signifies and shares in the love Christ has for his Church, with Jesus becoming a third partner in the marriage. Because the Church wants to do all it can to help ensure a lifelong commitment, six months preparation time is required. Click here to view our Marriage Guidelines. The Catholic Church is committed to helping ensure your marriage lasts a lifetime. 6 months preparation is required.
Call or e-mail the parish to request our informational wedding brochure.

Phone: (727) 372-8600
Email:  office@stanpr.org


For our marriage guidelines and contact information, please visit Marriage Guidelines.


* © 2026 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
https://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/sacraments/baptism/index.cfm

Holy Orders

Those who receive the sacrament of Holy Orders are consecrated in Christ’s name “to feed the Church by the word and grace of God.” Holy Orders is the sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to his apostles continues to be exercised in the Church until the end of time: thus it is the sacrament of apostolic ministry. For information on discerning a vocation to religious life, contact the Diocesan Vocations Office at 727-345-3452.

Anointing of the Sick

Formerly known as Last Rites, the Anointing of the Sick provides healing and peace for those facing surgery, dealing with illness, the effects of old age and those facing death. Contact the parish office during the day. If there is an emergency at night or on the weekend, please call (727) 372-7460.