Sacraments

Overview

The Catholic Church celebrates seven sacraments – Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Reconciliation (sometimes called “Penance” or “Confession”), Matrimony, Holy Orders, and the Anointing of the Sick.  Instituted by Christ, they touch all the stages and all the important moments of our Christian life.  Each sacrament is an outward sign of an inward grace. When we participate in them worthily, each helps to nourish the life of God in our souls and provides us with the grace we need to live faithful, Christian lives.

The sacraments – Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist – are called sacraments of initiation; sacraments of Reconciliation and the Anointing of the Sick – are called sacraments of healing; and the sacraments of Matrimony and Holy Orders – are called sacraments of mission and service.

For any assistance you and your family might need in living in the fullness of your faith through any of the sacred sacraments, please contact the Parish Center at [626] 915-7873.

If you were baptized, received First Eucharist, were confirmed or married at St. Louise de Marillac Parish, we are happy to supply a copy of your sacramental record. Call our Parish Center at the number above or click the button below to complete the certificate request online.

Sacramental Records - Certificate Request

Rite of Christian Initiation (RCIA)

RCIA program prepares adult Inquirers/Catechumens and Candidates/Neophytes to receive the Sacraments of the Church through religious education and faith sharing. RCIA is a two-year process, which culminates with:

  • Baptism/Profession of Faith
  • Confirmation
  • First Eucharist at the Easter Vigil

and continues with monthly support of new members. If you have not yet received these Sacraments, call the Parish Center at (626) 915-7873 and we will be happy to assist you. Learn more about RCIA and if its right for you: www.stlouisedm.org/RCIA

Faith Formation Office – Sacrament Preparation

Eucharist & Reconciliation

The Parish School of Religion is for students in grades 1st and 2nd who attend public school or private school, and would like to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist.  Volunteer teachers [Catechists] prepare students for the sacraments and support their on-going religious education.

Children in grades 3rd-8th, attend one year of Religious Education classes with their grade level, and a second year of special sacrament classes with preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist as its focus.

Baptism

To learn more about the necessary aspects and needs for child Baptism please view our Baptismal Pamphlet and view our registration form for Baptism here. 

For specific information regarding sacrament preparation for elementary-age children meaning any children ages 7 or older, please contact the Faith Formation Office at [626] 332-5822

Godparent/Sponsor Guidelines

  • -One godparent must be at least 16 years of age and has been received all sacraments in the Catholic faith.
  • -You are only required to have one godparent— you may have two and they must be a male and a female.
  • -Additional godparents can fully participate in the ceremony, but only two (one female and/or one male) will be listed on the certificate.
  • -At least one Godparent must lead a life “in harmony with the Catholic faith and the role to be undertaken”. They must be someone other than the child’s parents.
  • -A baptized, non-Catholic may serve as a Christian Witness to the ceremony provided there is a Catholic godparent present. The Christian Witness’ name will not appear on the Baptismal Certificate of the child, however, they can fully participate in the child's baptism.
  • -For more insights visit https://lacatholics.org/baptism/

Sacrament of Marriage Preparation

Marriage

The commitment made by a couple, through the Sacrament of Matrimony, is a sign of God’s love and faithfulness. The Christian community shares their joy as they prepare to enter a new life together in the holy Sacrament of Marriage.  A sacramental Marriage celebrated in the Catholic Church acknowledges the importance of God in the lives of both husband and wife. The seriousness of entering into such a Christian marriage relationship requires the utmost diligence and willingness to be prepared in the best possible way.

Church Requirement:

At least one party to the marriage must be a baptized Catholic.

St. Louise de Marillac requires six months’ notice before service can be performed. Please call the Parish Office at 626-915-7873 to get started.

Preparation for marriage:

A formal preparation program is required for all couples.

This typically involves an intake process including discussing the paperwork that is required, a personality/couple assessment (called FOCCUS), and an engaged retreat or a con-validation workshop.  When you call to schedule a wedding, you will first meet with a Deacon or Priest to begin the process.

An “Angel Couple” will be assigned to you to help you in preparing for your wedding ceremony one month before your wedding date.  They preside over the rehearsals and walk the couples through the ceremony. They attend the weddings and help the clergy and the couples to ensure a memorable experience.

Documentation:

You will be asked to provide the following documents before your marriage can be celebrated:

  • -Baptismal Certificate (not more than 6 months old) with all notations included. If the notations are not available, then your First Holy Communion and Confirmation certificate (if applicable).
  • -Letters of Freedom to Marry (affidavits by family or friends close to you, witnessed by a priest, deacon or assigned parish minister) 6 months before wedding.
  • -Valid California Marriage License
  • -Annulment papers if previously married. If you do not have these papers, we will be happy to assist you in receiving an annulment. More information can be found here: Annulments
  • -If either of you is non-Catholic, permission for mixed marriage or dispensation for disparity of worship form is necessary.

Detailed explain of these documents will be discussed when you first meet with a priest.

Church Donations and Payments

It is customary to donate to the Church to help cover expenses the Church incurs for weddings (paperwork, FOCCUS, utilities, clean-up, etc.) The usual fee for an active parishioner who has been registered for more than 12 months is $600.00.  Once your Wedding date has been scheduled a $300.00 nonrefundable deposit is to be made immediately to hold your date.

It is also customary to give a stipend to the presiding priest or deacon, but you may use your own discretion in this matter. 

All fees should be paid in the Parish Center no later than one month prior to your wedding date. If there is a financial hardship, please discuss this with the priest when you meet with him. 

If you are married outside the Catholic Church and wish to receive the Sacrament of Marriage, please contact the Parish Center at 626-915-7873, for assistance with arranging to have your marriage blessed, and with any annulment procedures which may be needed.

Helpful Resources

LA Archdiocese Office of Marriage & Family Life: https://familylife.lacatholics.org/

Marriage Preparation Programs: https://familylife.lacatholics.org/marriage-prep-programs

Marriage Enrichment: https://familylife.lacatholics.org/marriage-family-life-challenges &

https://www.helpourmarriage.org/

Catholic Marriage FAQs: https://www.foryourmarriage.org/catholic-marriage-faqs/

 

Quinceañera

Quinceañeras are not considered a sacrament. However, it's recognized as a celebration that complements the Sacrament of confirmation by providing a special blessing for a young Catholic woman as she enters adulthood, preparing her for her new responsibilities.