Sacraments & Catholic Faith

Sacraments and Catholic Faith

Sacrament of Baptism

The Sacrament of Baptism - Baptisms are scheduled through the church office at (256) 764-1885, and a meeting with the priest will be scheduled. Generally Baptisms can be scheduled as private or can be during any Mass. At least one godparent should be an active practicing Catholic.

Sacrament of Reconciliation

The Sacrament of Reconciliation can be received at the regularly scheduled times of 4:30 - 5:30 pm, prior to Wednesday evening Mass and on Saturday evenings, prior to 6pm Mass from 4:30 - 5:30 pm, and by appointments made by calling the parish office at (256) 764-1885 or speaking directly with the priest to set a personal time for confession. First Reconciliation for second graders is usually in the spring, prior to First Communion in early May, and the child is required to prepare by attending the parish school of religion or St. Joseph Regional Catholic School. If the child is home-schooled, an exception can be made by speaking to the priest.

Sacrament of Holy Eucharist

The Sacrament of Holy Eucharist - A Catholic may receive Holy Communion if he or she has received First Communion through classes by the Church and is not in a state of mortal sin.

Generally, First Communion has been received as a child in the second grade or through classes prepared by the Church.



Church law asks that a Catholic receive Communion at least once during the Easter Time.

Sacrament of Confirmation

The Sacrament of Confirmation is usually received following two years of preparation in parish religious education classes. High School freshmen and sophomores prepare on Sunday mornings at 9:00 am, meeting in the Church Library and are confirmed in the spring of the second year.

The sacrament is usually conferred by the Bishop at one of the three local parishes (St. Michael's, St. Joseph's, or Our Lady of the Shoals), determined by rotation. Other preparation and arrangements may be made after contacting the pastor.

Sacrament of Matrimony

The Sacrament of Matrimony. Marriage appointments are set through the church office at (256) 764-1885. Permission to be married at Saint Michael’s must be requested 6 months in advance, per diocesan regulations. After meeting with the priest, Engaged Encounter Classes will be arranged and necessary paper work. To be married at St. Michael’s, one of the couple must be Catholic.

While couples are encouraged to be married at their home parish, if permission is received to be married at St. Michael’s, the fee for using the facilities is $1,000 for non-parishioners.

Sacrament of Anointing

The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick. During church office hours please call (256) 764-1885 to schedule time with the parish priest regarding anointing, sick calls, prayers for the dead and funeral planning.

After office hours or during the weekend please call (256) 275-3466 to speak with the parish priest.

Quarterly anointings are held for anyone in need of the sacrament at the Wednesday evening 6pm Mass - check our bulletins and calendars for the dates.

RCIA / OCIA

RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) now OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) are classes designed to instruct and educate anyone interested in the Catholic faith.

Classes are offered here at Saint Michael on Sunday mornings at 9am in the Church Library. Classes start every fall and conclude on Easter Sunday.

 For more information on this class please contact Deacon Steve Kirkpatrick at 256-509-3005 or deaconsteve@stmichaelscatholic.org

Parish School of Religion

Parish School of Religion (PSR) are classes offered for K-10th grade children. Classes are taught at 9am (between the Sunday Masses) during the school calendar year and are in the school building across the street from the Church. Registration form may be found in the back of Church in the gray pamphlet stand or by clicking below.


PSR Registration Form


For additional information please contact our Director of 

Religious Education David Locker at 256-718-0138.

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