Sacraments
Sacraments: A sacrament is an outward sign instituted by Christ to give us grace. This definition which many of us learned is still a good working definition for what Sacraments are all about. More recently this definition has been expanded upon from the Catechism of the Catholic Church: Sacraments are efficacious signs of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, by which divine life is dispensed to us. (CCC#1131)
Baptism Children Age 6 and younger
One parent must be a registered parishioner of St. Mary Parish for four months prior to the Baptism. Both parents must attend a Baptismal class at least two months prior to the Baptism. This class is normally held on the second Saturday of the month. You must register for this class by calling the parish office. Baptisms take place at 1:00 PM on the first and third Sundays of the month.
Baptism Children Age 7 and older
The process for the Initiation of Adults into the Church is also the prescribed norm for the unbaptized children of catechetical age. The process of initiation is to adapted to their growth in faith and catechetical understanding. Thus, as with adults, this initiation may be extended over several years if need be before such readiness of/or initiation. (RCIA #253)
First Reconciliation for Children
Traditionally, this Sacrament is received for the first time when a child has reached the age of reason (usually 7) and is in the second grade. Through regular attendance of religious education classes the child learns about sin, penance, and the power of forgiveness one can receive from our Lord Jesus.
The children in the parish program of Religious Education, Catholic schools, and home schooling come together for Sacramental preparation for a month to six weeks prior to reception of this sacrament.
First Eucharist for Children
Traditionally, this Sacrament is received at the end of the 2nd grade. In ordinary circumstances, children are admitted to the sacramental preparation for first Holy Communion after a period of at least a year of remote catechetical preparation through parish religious education program, Catholic School, or by a properly monitored and directed home schooling program.
Through the process of preparation, a baptized child is to receive First Communion based on the following criteria or readiness:
A willingness to receive Communion.
Ability, according to age and circumstances, to participate in the liturgy.
Awareness of the love of God in Jesus.
Awareness of membership in the Catholic community.
Ability to distinguish between ordinary bread and the Eucharist.
Confirmation
Baptized Catholic youth who have reached the 9th grade are invited at the beginning of the year to enter into preparation for Confirmation. The period of sacramental preparation is the time for specific focus on Confirmation. It begins in September and concludes with the celebration of Confirmation. Included in this period is a time for retreat and opportunities for service.
RCIA Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
If an adult comes to our church seeking baptism, we shall spend a period of time preparing that person for this great sacrament. The adult will receive instructions about the teaching of Christ and the Life of the Church. Finally, the one to be baptized would be asked to make a faith filled commitment to all he or she has learned. This process is called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).
In the process of adult initiation, the new Christian is baptized, confirmed and receives first Holy Communion at the Easter Vigil liturgy.
Marriage
When planning a wedding, the couple should consult the parish priest concerning the date, time, and place of the marriage before any other plans are made. This should be done at least six (6) months prior to choosing a wedding date. For the couple to be married in our parish, one of the partners must be a practicing catholic registered in the parish. Pre-marital instruction is required for all persons getting married.
Anointing of the Sick
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is a continuation of the healing ministry of Jesus. Jesus not only healed the sick, but also shared his healing power with his followers. The Gospel says of the disciples, They anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them. (Mark 6:13)
Just as Jesus healed people in gospel times by the earthly actions of his physical body, so Jesus continues to heal people today through the sacramental actions of his mystical body, the Church.
Ordinarily, recipients of the sacrament are as follows:
those who suffer from a serious illness,
those who suffer from serious weakness caused by old age,
those who have already been anointed, but suffer from a different illness, or if the same illness grows worse,
those who are to undergo surgery because of a serious illness,
small children who are seriously ill and have sufficient use of reason to understand and respond to the sacrament of faith.
(This sacrament is available by calling the parish office and talking with one of the priests.)
