The presentation of children is not a sacrament, but a custom that it is very ancient. In the Gospel of Luke 2:22-40, we hear the story of the Virgin Mary and Joseph presenting baby Jesus to God in the temple. After the 40 days of ritual purification has passed, Mary and Joseph went up to Jerusalem and presented Jesus to the Lord. They offered a pair of turtle doves or two young pigeons as it is the law.

Similarly, Catholic parents present their non-baptized child (children) to God in the temple after 40 days of their birth and if the child (children) have been baptized, they are presented to the Lord when they reach up to 3 years of age in thanksgiving for their life. A priest or a deacon will bless them and dedicate them to the Lord.

At our parish, presentations are done Saturday mornings along baptisms. Please call the parish office if you would like to present your child to God.

Also, it is customary that children up to 12 years old are presented in the temple on February 2nd, the day of "the Presentation of the Lord". It is recommended that the baptism godparents are the same ones who present the child (children).