Baptism Preparation for Children Birth to Under the Age of Seven

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 sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church, and made sharers in her mission: “Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word.”

Since the earliest times, Baptism has been administered to children, for it is a grace and a gift of God that does not presuppose any human merit; children are baptized in the faith of the Church. Entry into Christian life gives access to true freedom.

The Church beckons all its members to bring their children for Baptism. In order to assure that the parents understand what their role is as Christian parents, St. Mary of the Angels has a mandatory preparation session for parents and Godparents. Please contact the parish office at 928-367-2080 to set up an appointment.

Godparents

Per Church and Diocese of Gallup guidelines, Baptism Godparents (sponsors) must be 16 years old, fully initiated Roman Catholics (Baptized, Confirmed and receiving Holy Communion), and regularly practicing their faith. A baptized non-Catholic may be chosen as a Christian witness provided there is at least one Catholic Godparent meeting the above criteria. St. Mary of the Angels does require a Godparent verification form from the Godparent’s parish of registration which must be signed and sealed by the parish office and must be received no less than two weeks prior to the child’s Baptism.

Registration for Baptism Preparation

We are excited to join you as you initiate your child’s faith journey in the Sacrament of Baptism. Please call the parish office at (928) 367-2080 to start the registration process and then contact the Directors of Religious Education, Mike Caruth.

At some point before or after the Baptism preparation session, you will also be asked to meet with Fr. Peter Short to get to know you a little.

For the Baptism preparation session, you will be asked for pertinent information, such as parents’ names, date of birth of the child (if already born), and name(s) of Godparent(s), if known.

You will be required to bring the child’s birth certificate and signed/authorized Godparent verification forms at least 2 weeks prior to the Baptism. This is so we can assure all information provided is accurate for the parish record, which is a legal document.

The Rite of Baptism

Baptisms of children under the age of 7 are generally celebrated with Fr. Peter Short at 11:00 a.m., the first Sunday of the month. If you would like to request a different day/time, make your request known to the Religious Education Director at registration, and we will try and accommodate.

Please contact the parish office at (928) 367-2080 if you have any further questions about the Sacrament of Baptism for Infants.

Click here if you would like to read the Diocese of Gallup policy on the Sacrament of Baptism for Infants.

For Baptism of Persons Age 7 or Older

The Church considers age 7 the age of reason, meaning that at that age a child can discern the difference between right and wrong. For that reason, children over age 7, along with adults, are baptized through another formation process. Please contact the parish office for more information, and/or to register for that process.

Confirmation and First Holy Eucharist (Communion) candidates are eligible if they are in third grade or above, have been baptized and have previously completed preparation for the sacrament of 1st Reconciliation. Children complete two consecutive years of preparation prior to receiving the sacraments of Confirmation and First Communion in third grade.

If your child/ren is in 3^rd, 4^th or 5^th grade and has not previously attended Religious Education please contact, Director of Religious Education, Mike Caruth at 928-367-2080.

The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick

“Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.” (James 5:14)

Many of us, perhaps, remember a time when this sacrament was celebrated only for those who were dying. However, any illness of serious nature can be a legitimate reason to celebrate the sacrament. What’s more, the sacrament may be repeated if the sick person recovers after the anointing but becomes ill once again, or if, during the same illness, the person’s condition becomes more serious. Any person over the age of reason (age seven) preparing for surgery is encouraged to contact our office to receive the sacrament.

Do you feel you need the Anointing of the Sick?

Call the office during business hours at 928-367-2080. After hours call 928-367-2539.

The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults

St. Mary of the Angels RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) is the process for adults to explore and join the Catholic Church, offering formation in faith, teachings, and sacraments like Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist, with programs available to provide a supportive journey for inquirers and those seeking to deepen their Catholic understanding. Participants journey through stages of learning and reflection, culminating in full communion at the Easter Vigil, with sponsors guiding them. 

If you'd like more information about becoming Catholic and the RCIA process, please contact Fr. Peter Short at (928) 367-2080

Adult Confirmation

Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist (“Holy Communion”), together, constitute the sacraments of Christian initiation. The reception of Confirmation is therefore necessary (and not optional) for being a fully initiated Christian.

There are many reasons the sacrament of Confirmation is postponed or overlooked during one’s adolescent years; and sometimes, sadly, never to be conferred at all. However, that you are reading these words now is a sign of great hope and speaks to God’s incredible work in your life. Congratulations!

Far from merely a box to check in route to becoming a Godparent, preparation for Confirmation aims at leading candidates into an intimate union with Christ and His Spirit, so that they may one day live as active disciples (learners) of Jesus and be sent out to make disciples of their own.

With this in mind, preparation for Confirmation is ultimately meant to bring about a deepening of the graces received at Baptism. It is to unite us more firmly to Christ and initiate a more significant sense of belonging to the Catholic Church, and to the parish community (e.g. St. Mary of the Angels)

Are you a baptized Catholic in need of the sacrament of Confirmation?

This process is for those who have been baptized Catholic, and who may or may not have received their First Communion.

Note: If you were baptized in a separate community (e.g. a Protestant church), your process will differ from those who were baptized in the Catholic Church.

Holy Matrimony

“God who created man out of love also calls him to love – the fundamental and innate vocation of every human being. For man is created in the image and likeness of God who is himself love. Since God created him man and woman, their mutual love becomes an image of the absolute and unfailing love with which God loves man. It is good, very good, in the Creator’s eyes.”

Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1604

Preparing for Marriage

Welcome to Marriage Preparation at St. Mary of the Angels Catholic Parish!

God has a beautiful and unique plan for your marriage. We are excited to walk with you on this journey which is designed to enrich and strengthen your relationship with God and with each other. We are here to provide you support, guidance and resources needed as you prepare for the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony.

Your participation in your marriage preparation shows your understanding of the commitment you are making. The Diocese of Gallup has prepared a beautiful, rewarding and intentional process to aid and equip you on this journey. Please visit Diocese of Gallup Marriage Policy for details, requirements and a timeline.

Getting Started

Please direct additional questions to Fr. Peter Short.

The Sacrament of Holy Orders

“Christ is knocking very hard at many hearts, looking for young people like you to send into the vineyard where an abundant harvest is ready.” (St. John Paul II)

Do you think God Might be calling you to the priesthood or permanent diaconate?

Call the office at (928) 367-2080 to setup an appointment with Fr. Peter Short.