Sacramental Life

Sacraments are profound and sacred moments through which God graciously reaches out to us and bestows his abundant blessings. These extraordinary acts of divine communication serve as tangible reminders of his eternal love and presence in our lives, allowing us to experience his grace in a tangible and transformative way. By utilizing visible signs, such as water in baptism or bread and wine in the Eucharist, the sacraments beautifully bridge the gap between the physical and the spiritual, unveiling the hidden depths of God's truth and mercy. Together, they form an interwoven tapestry of divine revelation, inviting us to participate in the sacred mysteries and drawing us ever closer to the heart of our Creator.

Baptisms are scheduled the third Sunday of each month after the 11 a.m. Mass. If you have a child you would like to have baptized, baptism classes are scheduled once per month on the first Thursday from 7-8 p.m. in the Parish Center. The class requirement only pertains to your first child. To register for the baptism class or to schedule a baptism, please call the parish office at 616-451-3043.

Children usually celebrate the Sacraments of First Communion and Reconciliation in the second grade. Sacrament preparation classes meet the first three Sundays of each month and are essential to receive these sacraments. There are three parent/child meetings throughout the year. Contact the Faith Formation Office at 616-451-3043 Ext. 444 for more information and to register for classes.

Confirmation is the Sacrament that completes the grace of Baptism by a special outpouring of gifts by the Holy Spirit, which seal the baptized in union with Christ, and equips them for active participation in worship and apostolic life of the Church. Confirmation preparation classes for children start in the 7th grade. Contact the Faith Formation Office at 616-451-3043 Ext. 444 for more information and to register for classes.

Contact the Parish Office at least six months prior to your intended wedding date. Our priest and staff at St. Alphonsus are here to assist you and to make certain that your wedding day is as perfect as you wish it to be. Therefore, it is the policy of St. Alphonsus to be as least intrusive as possible. Please refer to the wedding preparation guidelines for additional information.

Wedding Guidelines

Please contact the parish office at 616-451-3043 to schedule a priest for anointing of the sick.

Please contact the parish office at 616-451-3043 to schedule funeral arrangements.

The sacrament of Reconciliation is scheduled each Tuesday from 5:30-6 p.m. & 6:45-8:15 p.m. and Saturdays 3-4 p.m., or by appointment with a priest.

The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) is the process for welcoming adults into full communion in the Catholic Faith. Our Inquiry Classes for those wishing to join the Catholic Church begin in September. These information and formation classes are for anyone thinking of joining the Church. This includes those who have never been baptized or those already baptized in another Christian tradition, or baptized Catholics wishing to complete their initiation into the Church by receiving the sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation. If you are interested or know of someone who might be interested in becoming Catholic, please call the parish office at 616-451-3043.