Baptism

The sacrament of Baptism is the first of the seven sacraments. It is the primary sacrament for the forgiveness of sins and new life as the believer is washed clean of original and personal sin and begins new life in Christ and His Church.

Parents who want to share their spiritual life in Christ with their child are invited to contact the Parish Office to make arrangements for Baptism.

Baptismal Preparation classes are held at 7:00 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month. The class helps parents prepare for the gift and responsibility of raising children in the Catholic Faith. Contact the Parish Office to register.

Reconciliation

Reconciliation is the sacrament that brings the grace of God's forgiveness and mercy. Through the acts of contrition, confession of sins, reparation, and the prayer of absolution by the priest the penitent is reconciled with God and also with the Church. This sacrament is also known as confession or penance.

Preparation for First Eucharist and Reconciliation requires a two-year Religious Education preparation. Traditionally, this begins in the first grade. To register for youth faith formation please contact the religious education office.

Adults who wish to make their First Reconciliation would participate in the Rite of Christian Initation of Adult (RCIA) program. This is a one year process.

Those who have made their first reconciliation are encouraged to participate in this sacrament of healing on a regular basis. "Anyone who is aware of having committed a mortal sin must not receive Holy Communion, even if he experiences deep contrition, without having first received sacramental absolution, unless he has a grave reason for receiving Communion and there is no possibility of going to confession." The faithful are bound by obligation to confess serious sins at least once a year.

Confession is available weekly and by appointment.

First Eucharist

Eucharist is an action of thanksgiving to God which constitutes the celebration of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and communion in the pascal mystery of Christ. It is one of the three sacarments of Christian initiation.

Preparation for First Eucharist and Reconciliation requires a two-year Religious Education preparation. Traditionally, this begins in the first grade. To register for youth faith formation please contact the religious education office.

Adults who wish to make their First Eucharist would participate in the Rite of Christian Initation of Adult (RCIA) program. This is a one year process.

The Eucharist is the "source and summit of the Christian life." The celebration of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is the core of our ministry. We invite all to participate in the mass on a weekly basis. "Those who are in a state of grace" and who have received their First Eucharist "are warmly recommended to partake of the sacrament." The church "obliges Catholics to receive Holy Communion at least once a year."

Confirmation

This is the third and final Sacrament of Initiation. The sacrament completes the grace of Baptism as the confirmandi receives the gifts of the Holy Spirit which seals their union with Christ. The sacrament prepares candidates for an active participation in the Church.

Preparation for Confirmation for young people involves a two-year process, which traditionally begins in the seventh grade. Previous enrollment in a Faith Formation program is required. Please contact the Religous Education Office for registration information.

Adults who wish to be confirmed would participate in the Rite of Christian Initation of Adult (RCIA) program.This is a one year process.

Matrimony

Matrimony is the covenant and lifelong partnership of man and a woman. A marriage is a sacrament when validly contracted between two baptized people. Engaged parishioners are requested to make arrangements with Father Chester at least one year in advance. Marriage preparation meetings will help to prepare engaged couples for a strong Catholic marriage.

Annointing of the Sick

This sacrament is for all who are ill and in need of healing grace and blessing from God. Through prayer and the anointing of the body with the oil of the sick this sacrament comforts the Christian who is suffering the infirmities of illness or old age.

If you or a loved one is in need of this sacrament, please call the Parish Office.

Visits for the Sick

If you or a loved one is hospitalized or homebound, please notify the Parish Office.

Prayer Intentions

If you'd like to include a prayer intention in the bulletin, Parish Prayer Book and/or weekly intentions, please call the Parish Office.

Rite of Christian Initiation Of Adults - RCIA

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is the process used to become a member of the Catholic Church. The Rite was published in 1973 in Rome in response to the Second Vatican Council. Candidates learn to believe, to pray and to serve the Catholic community over a period of time.

The four stages of the Rite are:

• The Period of Inquiry or the Pre-Catechumenate
• The Period of the Catechumenate
• The Period of Enlightenment or Purification
• The Period of Post Baptismal Catechesis, the Mystagogia

This process begins in September and runs weekly, culminating in the Easter Vigil. Team members help those wishing to become Catholic to grow in knowledge and experience of the Catholic faith through teaching and sharing their journey of faith.

For additional information or to register please contact Deacon Tony Russo.