Sacraments & Services
Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Marriage, Funerals, RCIA — the visible signs of God’s grace.
Baptism
Baptism is the first of the three sacraments of initiation, followed by the Eucharist and Confirmation. Through Baptism we receive forgiveness of original and personal sin and incorporation into the body of Christ.
Baptism of infants
Offered to registered parishioners after weekend Masses. There is no cost. Before the baptism, parents must contact the parish office to complete paperwork and attend a Baptism seminar (held the first Monday of each month in the parish center).
Baptism of adults
Performed at the Easter Vigil as part of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). See RCIA below.
Baptismal certificates
The parish holds the records of all baptisms performed at our church and at St. Vincent de Paul Church. A $7 donation is appreciated for a baptismal certificate.
For records from Annunciation Church, St. Cecilia, St. Gerard Parish for the Hearing Impaired, or Sts. Peter and Paul, please contact the Archdiocese of New Orleans Archives & Records Office at (504) 861-6241.
Confirmation
Confirmation completes the grace of Baptism, sealing us with the Holy Spirit and binding us more perfectly to the Church. Adults seeking Confirmation are welcomed through the RCIA process; school-aged children prepare through the Parish School of Religion (PSR).
Contact the parish office to begin preparation: (504) 943-5566.
Holy Eucharist
The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life. We celebrate Mass every day except certain feast days, and we keep the Lord present in the tabernacle for prayer and adoration.
For First Holy Communion preparation, register your child through the Parish School of Religion. Adult preparation is part of the RCIA process.
Marriage
“They are no longer two but one flesh; therefore what God has joined together, human beings must not divide.” — Mark 10:8–9
It is our privilege at Blessed Seelos to welcome many couples each year. We have a Wedding Coordinator who will walk you through the process — please review the wedding guidelines below before contacting our coordinator.
Timing
Contact the parish as early as two years in advance, but no later than six months before the wedding. Speak with the priest before booking a reception hall.
Required preparation
- Engaged Encounter, Day for the Engaged, or another approved retreat
- Natural Family Planning class
- Compatibility assessment
- Liturgy preparation
- A recent copy of each party’s baptismal certificate
Music
Couples are responsible for organist and soloist fees. Our parish music staff and recommendations:
- Soloists / Cantors: Mrs. Artine Powers ([email protected]) · Mr. Alex Castillo ([email protected])
- Organ / Piano: Mrs. Claudia D’Aquimn ([email protected])
You may also bring your own musicians; the music list must be approved by the celebrant.
Fees
- $900 reservation fee for parishioners
- $1,400 reservation fee for non-parishioners
- A non-refundable $300 deposit reserves the church; the balance is due one month before the wedding.
Funerals
The Catholic funeral rite commends the deceased to God’s mercy and offers consolation to those who grieve. Please contact the parish office as soon as possible after a death; we will help coordinate the funeral Mass, vigil, and committal with the funeral home.
RCIA — Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
If you are seeking to better understand your faith, are an adult who has not yet received Confirmation, or are considering becoming a member of the Catholic Church — this is for you.
Thursdays, 7:30–9:00 PM — St. Gerard Majella Center, on Dauphine Street beside the church.
The four periods
- Evangelization & Pre-catechumenate — coming to know Jesus.
- Catechumenate — growing in faith through study, prayer, and the Scriptures.
- Purification & Enlightenment — the season of Lent, leading to the Easter Vigil.
- Mystagogy — living out the new life received in the sacraments.