Baptism is an invitation to have the grace of God poured forth upon a child.  This grace claims a child as God's child and will be available to assist this child in making good choices throughout their life.  Baptism helps us to be reassured that a child will have the presence of God to help them face the evil present within our world as well as the moment of death.  In all things, God promises to raise a child to new life.  Baptism celebrates this promise made by our God to all who accept this offer of grace in faith.  For the baptism of a child under the age of five (5), parents are invited to complete the following steps:

1. Parents are invited to assess their own connection to the church.  The opportunity exists for parents to validate their marriage if they have married outside the church.  Parents may need annulments to resolve a prior marriage.  Parents may not be attending regularly church.  The church invites that as we celebrate the entrance of a child into a community of faith, parents should have an active faith life and be in union with the church.
2. Parents who are presenting a child or children for the first time are required to attend a Baptismal Preparation Class.  These classes are scheduled as needed.
3. Baptisms are scheduled with the assistance of the Parish Secretary.  The second weekend of each month (excluding December and April) is set aside for baptism.  Two children may be baptized at each of the weekend Masses.  Four children may be baptized at 11:45 a.m. on Sunday in a communal celebration of Baptism apart from Mass.
4. Sponsors are chosen for a child who is to be baptized.  One sponsor must be a baptized, confirmed, practicing Catholic.  If they are not a member of St. Florian, a form is completed by the sponsor to attest to their ability to meet these requirements as set by the laws of the Catholic Church.  Parents are encouraged to choose sponsors that are living a faith life and will continue to support a child in faith development.
5. Offering to the Church:  $10.00.  Monies given to assist the work with the poor.

The sacrament of Reconciliation is regularly available for those who desire to experience God's mercy.  A variety of ways to receive the sacrament are offered throughout the year.

On Saturday afternoons, a confessor is available in the Reconciliation Room at 3:15 p.m.  The confessor will remain available until no one is waiting in line to receive the sacrament.  The sacrament is celebrated individually and offers the opportunity to remain anonymous through the use of a screen or receive the sacrament face-to-face.  In the event of a funeral or during certain seasons of the church, Reconciliation may not be available.  Please call the Parish Office to verify the availability of Reconciliation on Saturdays.

For those desiring an extended period of time, greater opportunity to discuss the matters shared within the context of the sacrament or not having received the sacrament for a number of years, an appointment with a confessor for Reconciliation is recommended.  An appointment for Reconciliation is made by contacting the Parish Office, 446-3085.

During the seasons of Advent and Lent, Communal celebrations of Reconciliation are scheduled.    When attending a communal celebration, the participants are invited to receive the sacrament through shared prayer with a community while still having the opportunity for individual confession of sins.  The shared prayer allows opportunity to hear the Word of God, invites an Examination of Conscience through a homily on the Word, prays the Act of Contrition and often a common penance is assigned to all gathered.  Individually, a participant approaches one of the confessors, confesses his/her sins and receives absolution.  This form of Reconciliation is offered when seeking to provide the Sacrament of Reconciliation to large numbers of people.  This form of Reconciliation should not be used if a person has committed a mortal sin.