Access to the Sacraments

People have a right to the assistance of pastors from the spiritual riches of the Church and to the sacraments. Individual parishes may elect to offer a variety of activities to enrich the formation of their parishioners, especially those preparing for sacraments. However we ultimately acknowledge that sacraments are gifts from God and are to be made readily available if individuals are not prohibited from receiving them by canon law.

The Christian faithful have the right to receive assistance from the sacred pastors out of the spiritual goods of the Church, especially the word of God and the sacraments (c. 213).

Sacred ministers cannot deny the sacraments to those who seek them at the appropriate times, are properly disposed, and are not prohibited by law from receiving them (c.843).

Every person not yet baptized and only such a person is capable of baptism.

For an adult to be baptized, the person must have manifested the intention to receive baptism, have been instructed sufficiently about the truths of the faith and Christian obligations, and have been tested in the Christian life through the catechumenate. The adult is also to be urged to have sorrow for personal sins.