Reading lists for the seven sacraments
Sacramental Resources
A reading list for the journey through each sacrament — for the parents, the candidates, the godparents, and the catechists. Begin with the section that matches what you're preparing for.
OCIA / RCIA
Becoming Catholic (OCIA)
For adults preparing for Baptism, Confirmation, and First Eucharist together — and for those who walk alongside them.
Symbolon (Augustine Institute)
The standard video curriculum for OCIA across the country. Each episode walks through one piece of the Catechism with art, history, and an interview with a top theologian.
El plan de estudios estándar en video para OICA en todo el país. Cada episodio recorre una parte del Catecismo con arte, historia y una entrevista con un teólogo destacado.
YOUCAT
A Q&A-style Catechism originally written for World Youth Day. Easier than the full Catechism, but doesn't cut corners on substance. The Spanish edition is excellent.
Un Catecismo en formato pregunta-respuesta escrito originalmente para la Jornada Mundial de la Juventud. Más fácil que el Catecismo completo, pero sin escatimar en sustancia. La edición en español es excelente.
Catechism of the Catholic Church (full text)
The full Catechism of the Catholic Church on the Vatican's own site, in many languages. Searchable. Cite it confidently — this is the official text.
El Catecismo completo de la Iglesia Católica en el sitio oficial del Vaticano, en muchos idiomas. Buscable. Cítelo con confianza — este es el texto oficial.
For new families
Infant Baptism Preparation
Resources for parents and godparents bringing a child to the font.
Diocese of Harrisburg Baptism guidelines
The diocesan policy on infant baptism — who can be a godparent, what paperwork is needed, scheduling. Read this once before calling the parish office.
La política diocesana sobre el bautismo infantil — quién puede ser padrino, qué papeles se necesitan, programación. Léalo una vez antes de llamar a la oficina parroquial.
Born of the Spirit (parent guide)
A short, practical preparation booklet that we use in our parish baptism class. Provided at the class — no need to buy ahead. Bilingual.
Un folleto corto y práctico de preparación que usamos en nuestra clase parroquial de bautismo. Se entrega en la clase — no necesita comprarlo antes. Bilingüe.
For young Catholics
First Reconciliation & First Communion
Children typically prepare across two years of religious education. These resources support what they learn in class at home.
Holy Heroes Glory Stories
Audio dramas of saints — perfect for car rides during First Communion year. Builds the imagination of who Jesus' friends actually are.
Audio dramas de santos — perfectos para los viajes en auto durante el año de Primera Comunión. Construye la imaginación de quiénes son realmente los amigos de Jesús.
A Walk Through the Mass
A children's missal that walks alongside the Mass step by step. Pages they can follow during the actual Mass on Sunday.
Un misalito infantil que acompaña la Misa paso a paso. Páginas que pueden seguir durante la Misa real del domingo.
For teens
Confirmation
For teens preparing to be sealed with the Holy Spirit, and for the sponsors who walk with them.
Chosen (Ascension Press)
The most popular Confirmation program in US parishes. Mix of video, workbook, and discussion designed for high school small groups.
El programa de Confirmación más popular en las parroquias de EE.UU. Mezcla de video, libro de trabajo y discusión diseñado para grupos pequeños de secundaria.
Made for More
Christopher West's gentle, beautiful introduction to St. John Paul II's Theology of the Body — the Catholic answer to "what is the body for?" Required watching for sponsors.
La introducción amable y hermosa de Christopher West a la Teología del Cuerpo de San Juan Pablo II — la respuesta católica a "¿para qué es el cuerpo?". Lectura obligatoria para padrinos.
For engaged couples
Marriage Preparation
Catholic marriage prep takes about six months. These are the programs the diocese accepts and the books that have helped many couples in our parish.
Pre-Cana · Diocese of Harrisburg
The diocesan Pre-Cana day-long retreat — one of two ways to fulfill the marriage prep requirement. Schedule and registration through the diocese.
El retiro de Pre-Caná de un día de la diócesis — una de dos maneras de cumplir el requisito de preparación matrimonial. Horarios y registro a través de la diócesis.
Witness to Love
The other accepted prep path — pairs you with a married couple from the parish who walks with you for six months. Many couples prefer this to a one-day retreat.
La otra opción aceptada — los empareja con una pareja casada de la parroquia que los acompaña durante seis meses. Muchas parejas prefieren esto a un retiro de un día.
Couple to Couple League (NFP)
NFP instruction is required for marriage in the diocese. CCL is the most common method taught locally — bilingual classes available.
La instrucción en PFN es requerida para casarse en la diócesis. CCL es el método más enseñado localmente — hay clases bilingües disponibles.
For the sick
Anointing of the Sick
Don't wait. The Anointing of the Sick is for anyone seriously ill, before surgery, or in advanced age — not only at the moment of death.
Call the parish office
In an emergency, call any time, day or night, and the answering service will reach a priest. For non-emergencies, call during office hours and we'll schedule a home or hospital visit.
En una emergencia, llame en cualquier momento, día o noche, y el servicio de mensajes encontrará a un sacerdote. Para no-emergencias, llame durante horas de oficina y programaremos una visita a domicilio u hospital.
A Catholic Guide to Health Care Decisions
Practical guidance on advance directives, hospice, and difficult medical decisions from a Catholic perspective. Print and share with your family before you need it.
Guía práctica sobre directivas anticipadas, cuidados paliativos y decisiones médicas difíciles desde una perspectiva católica. Imprímala y compártala con su familia antes de necesitarla.
From the parish bookshelf
Books we recommend
A Father Who Keeps His Promises
How Scripture is one long covenant story — sets up every sacrament that follows.
Three to Get Married
The classic on Catholic marriage. Shorter than you'd think and worth re-reading every five years.
The Imitation of Christ
The most-printed Christian book after the Bible. A pocket companion for any sacramental season.
For everyday faith — daily prayer apps, family resources, books — visit Grow in Faith. For help in a hard season, visit Help & Healing.