Sacramental Preparation Ministries

RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults for those interested in the Catholic faith) - Fr. Tuan
RCIA adapted to children - Fr. Tuan, 472-7738 Ext 103
Infant Baptism - Teresa Dent
First Reconciliation and First Eucharist - Fr. Bryan, 253-441-6256 / Colleen Whitehead, 253-531-7110
Confirmation - Fr. Bryan, , 253-441-6256 / Colleen Whitehead, 253-531-7110

Hello. My name is Teresa Dent and I am the Infant Baptism Coordinator. I am a long time parishioner at Visitation. I was baptized, received first Reconciliation, Communion, and Confirmation and attended Visitation School. Some of you may have known me as Teresa Stevens. My husband and I returned to Visitation in 1990 after serving my country for eight years in the U.S. Army. I have 4 children, their ages range from 10 to 24. All of my children either attend or have attended Visitation school.

The Baptism program is a wonderful way to begin your spiritual journey with your child. The focus of our program at Visitation is celebrating your faith with your family and the Catholic faith community. I truly believe that no matter what Catholic school or church you belong to you can't be a complete person and celebrate the Catholic truths unless you attend church, receive the Eucharist, pray, go to Confession, and try to set a Catholic/Christian example. This does not mean perfection, but rather an effort on your part to be a better person. And that begins with Baptism.

If you are from another parish, or this is your first Baptism or you have not baptized a child in 7 or more years at Visitation, you are required to take the instruction classes. The class will consist of one session 3 ½ hours long. We will cover the history of Baptism up to the present and will explore the reasons why Baptism is an important part of our faith based traditions and truths. A video will be presented and other informative information will be offered. We will also do a practice Baptism. Baptisms are scheduled for the first Sunday of the month, generally at the 10:30 mass. Classes are scheduled once a month. Please contact me for the schedule.

Some of the basic requirements for this preparation.

• Must be a registered Parishioner of either St. Ann's, Visitation, St John of the Woods or Sacred Heart Church. We Prefer Baptisms occur within each parish where you are registered. NOTE: You can obtain registration forms at the class, church or rectory of each church.
• Must be a practicing Catholic and are willing to share that faith with your child.
• One parent must be a baptized Catholic or in the process of becoming a baptized Catholic.
• We discourage private baptisms to encourage you to celebrate your child's baptism with the faith community.

I look forward to meeting you and your family and welcome your new baby to the sacrament of Baptism. Please feel free to e-mail me at baptism@visitationchurch.org or call 253-473-3425 to sign up.