In the Sacrament of Baptism, the Church welcomes our newest and youngest members of the parish community. A special class is offered to parents who wish to have their child baptized. This class focuses on the Sacrament of Baptism, and the roles and responsibilities of the parents and community which welcomes the child. Parents must be registered members of the parish for at least 3 months prior to the child's Baptism. Adults wishing to join the Catholic Church are welcomed through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).
Baptisms are held on the third Sunday of the month at 1:00 p.m. Baptisms are arranged in advance by calling the rectory. There are requirements for godparents:1) They must be practicing Catholics in good standing in their perspective parishes; 2) They must have received the Sacraments of Initiation; 3) They must be at least 16 years of age; 4) They must present a sponsor letter from his/her pastor if he/she is a member of another parish.
FIRST EUCHARIST
Second graders who have completed at least one year of religious instruction will be prepared for First Eucharist and Reconciliation. Older children who have been in the religious education program for at least one year are enrolled in a Special Sacrament Class in preparation for First Eucharist and Reconciliation. A Sacramental Meeting is scheduled for all parents of children who will receive their First Reconciliation and Eucharist.
RECONCILIATION
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered on Saturday afternoons from 1:00-1:30 p.m and 4:30-4:55 p.m. Penance Services are offered during Lent and Advent with additional times for private confession.
CONFIRMATION
Special classes are held every year in preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation for those in their eighth year of religious education and beyond. The preparation consists of regular attendance of religious education classes, scheduled classes on Sunday afternoons, and special retreats. Adults interested in being confirmed may attend the RCIA classes on Sunday afternoons. Parents of Confirmation candidates are to attend a Sacramental Meeting prior to the student's reception of the Sacrament.
ANOINTING OF THE SICK
A communal celebration of the Anointing of the Sick takes place twice a year, during the Spring and Fall. In addition, this sacrament, which celebrates God's healing power and strength, is available at any time for those who need it.
This sacrament is administered for the living, not the deceased. This is the Sacrament of Healing: Lord, through this Holy Anointing grant him/her courage when he/she is afraid, hope when he/she is dejected, patience when he/she is afflicted.
MATRIMONY
The church teaches that the Sacrament of Marriage is a commitment for life and love which stretches through the lifetime of the couple and which must grow and develop every day. In order to prepare for this sacrament, anyone seeking to be married in the Church must contact the church office at least six months prior to the wedding. Interviews with the priest, special classes and other preparations are necessary before a couple can celebrate their marriage in the Church. You must be registered in the parish at least six months prior to the wedding.
Weddings may be scheduled on Saturdays. The latest time for a wedding on Saturday is 3:00 p.m. due to regularly scheduled church liturgy. Weddings may also be scheduled on other days. These days and times may be discussed with the pastor. Wedding rehearsal takes place the day before at 6:00 p.m. or 7:00 p.m. or at the convenient hour of the couple.
