Growing and strengthening the Catholic faith in the Community we serve.

Sacraments

Baptism (Infant)

Baptisms at Shepherd of the Hills are celebrated once a month during Mass. One baptismal preparation class is required. Please make arrangements to attend the preparation class before the birth of your child.  To celebrate baptism you must be a registered, practicing, contributing member of Shepherd of the Hills.

 

Reconciliation

The sacrament of reconciliation is celebrated weekly at 3:30 pm on Saturdays. Shepherd of the Hills also holds a communal celebration of the sacrament of reconciliation with an opportunity for individual reconciliation each Advent and Lent. Please check the bulletin for times. To set up an appointment for the sacrament of reconciliation at a different time, please contact the parish priest.

Children enrolled in Shepherd of the Hills school and religious education programs prepare for and receive the sacrament of reconciliation for the first time in second grade.

 

Eucharist

Children enrolled in Shepherd of the Hills school and religious education programs prepare for and receive the sacrament of eucharist for the first time in second grade.

 

Confirmation

Confirmation is the strengthening and fullness of the Holy Spirit already received in Baptism. When we were baptized we became children of God. As children of God we share the life of God, the life of three persons in one love. The Spirit is the love between Father and Son. The Spirit acts in us urging us beyond our individual selves into making the community on Earth like the community of love that is God. Confirmation calls us to a great participation in the mission of Jesus and the Church. Through Confirmation our relationship with God is deepened and we are incorporated more completely into the body of Christ. Confirmation obliges us, as true witnesses of Christ, to spread and defend the faith by word and deed.

Eligibility requirements for those seeking the sacrament of confirmation are:

  • Must be 16 years of age or older or entering their junior or senior year of high school
  • Reception of the Sacrament of Baptism and First Holy Communion
  • Regular attendance at Mass
  • Regular attendance of Life Teen Life Nights
  • Completion of the required 30 hours of service hours.

 

Confirmation (Adult)

Adult confirmation classes are offered throughout the year.

 

RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is the formal process of welcoming adults into the Catholic Church. The program is open to any adult non-Catholic who wishes to enter the Catholic Church through celebrating Baptism and/or Confirmation. The process is also for adult Catholics who were baptized but never received the sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation. The goal of the RCIA process is to arouse faith, examine the reasons for belief, celebration of the sacraments and integration into the Christian community and witness.

 

Marriage

Arrangements and preparation must be made at least six months in advance, though you are encouraged to contact the parish priest up to one year prior to the requested date. There are no weddings during Advent and Lent or on holy days. There is only ONE wedding celebrated per weekend, on a first come basis. Those requesting marriage must be registered, practicing, contributing members of Shepherd of the Hills.

 

FOCCUS Couples

FOCCUS is a discussion tool used to assist couples preparing for the sacrament of marriage. Trained married couples from the parish work with the engaged couples, administer the FOCCUS questionnaire to the couples, and do pre-marital counseling. They serve as mentors and resource couples for those preparing for marriage. For more information about becoming a FOCCUS couple, please contact the parish priest.

 

Communion to the Sick/Anointing of the Sick/Pastoral Visits

Anyone in need of communion at home, anointing of the sick, or a pastoral visit, please contact the parish office. Please also notify the parish office if you or a family member is hospitalized, homebound, or entering a nursing home.