Sacraments

Baptism

Baptisms are scheduled the third Sunday of each month after the 11:00 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 7:00-8:00 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. 

First Communion and First Reconciliation

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 616-459-5472 ext. 444 for more information and to register for classes.

Confirmation

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. Students participate in classes, retreats and service opportunities. Following completion of these sessions the Sacrament is conferred by the Bishop of the Diocese of Grand Rapids. The celebration date of the Sacrament of Confirmation is determined by the Diocese, but is typically scheduled during the fall at the Cathedral of St. Andrew. Contact the Faith Formation Office at 616-459-5472 ext. 444 for more information and to register for classes.

Reconciliation

The sacrament of Reconciliation is scheduled each Tuesday from 5:30-6 p.m., 6:45-8:15 p.m. and Saturdays from 3:00 p.m. -4:00 p.m., or by calling the parish office at 616-451-3043 to schedule a time with a priest.

Marriage

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.

RCIA

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.

Funerals

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

Anointing of the Sick

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