SACRAMENTS

I. Baptism:

In asking to have a child baptized, parents are accepting the responsibility to foster the child's faith through the formative years of their life, and beyond. Through their participation in the pre-Baptism program, parents explore the meaning of that responsibility and of the sacrament about to be celebrated. Pre-baptism sessions include the following: 1) Why Baptism; 2) Sacraments and the Symbols of Baptism; 3) Christian Parenting. Baptisms are normally celebrated on the First Sunday of the month during or after the 11:00 AM Mass. Parents are encouraged to participate in the program before their child is born. Baptisms are not preformed until the parents have attended the classes. It is necessary to pre-register by calling the Parish Office. Contact: Father Dennis or Sr. Marie.

II. First Reconciliation and Eucharist:

Children preparing for their first Reconciliation and Eucharist must be baptized Catholic. Sacramental preparation is a two year process, beginning in the 1^st grade. The celebrations occur in the 2^nd grade. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is celebrated in early January in a communal Penance Service. The Sacrament of Eucharist is celebrated in late spring in small clusters at the weekend liturgies. The preparation process is a collaborative effort between family and parish, uses approved texts, and requires parent(s) to attend special parent preparation sessions. Parents of First graders will meet individually with the Pastor or Pastoral Associate to discuss programs and responsibilities.

III. Confirmation:

Preparation for Confirmation should aim at leading the Christian toward a more intimate union with Christ and a more lively familiarity with the Holy Spirit -- his actions, his gifts, and his bidding - in order to be more capable of assuming the apostolic responsibilities of Christian life. To this end catechesis for Confirmation should strive to awaken a sense of belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ, the universal Church, as well as the parish community. The latter bears special responsibility for the preparation of the confirmation Candidates."

Catechism of the Catholic Church (#1309)

As stated above, this is the primary focus of the Confirmation program and the basis of all Confirmation preparation requirements. Therefore, emphasis is placed on building relationships and creating a sense of a common identity as followers of Christ. The two-year preparation program begins in the 7^th grade. As with First Eucharist, the pastor and pastoral associate meets with each family before the beginning of the first year of preparation.

IV. Anointing of the Sick:

This sacrament has been restored to a fuller use since Vatican II. This sacrament of healing is for those who face serious illness of any kind (physical, mental, psychological, etc.) It may be celebrated by anyone who anticipates mayor surgery, suffers chronic debilitations, or who has reached an advanced age. Those who receive this sacrament are granted spiritual healing and, on occasion and actual cure of the condition for which they seek healing. A communal celebration of this sacrament will take place on a Saturday in February. Those who seek this sacrament at other times should call the pastor to arrange a time, especially if one is to be hospitalized for a serious condition.

V. Reconciliation:

The Church is called to be a instrument of God's desire for healing and wholeness. In the Sacrament of Reconciliation, individuals and the community of faith are invited to celebrate God's endless desire to forgive our sins.

During the seasons of Advent and Lent, a communal celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation (also know as a Penance service) is scheduled. Individuals may also celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation on Saturday afternoon from 3:30 pm and 4:00 pm in the Reconciliation Room located in the front left of the church. The sacrament may also be celebrated at other times by calling the pastor at the Parish Office.

VI. Marriage: Common policy for the Catholic Church in the State of New Jersey

Marriage in the Roman Catholic Christian tradition is between a man and a woman. In the Sacrament of Marriage, the couple to be married are the ministers of the sacrament. This means that the couple confers the sacrament upon each other through the vows and the exchange of rings. The priest or deacon is a witness to this sacrament.

Marriage is a covenant, a bond that expresses a unity or oneness between the two. Therefore, care is to be taken in preparing oneself for marriage

Requirements

One year’s notice is to be given to the church for marriage. Once a call is made to the church, an appointment will be established with the couple contemplating marriage. At that time you will be informed of what is needed to enter into marriage and the process involved. At the initial meeting dates will be considered. Please understand that at times the date may not be available to you due to a parish function or the priest not being available. Other dates can be considered. Only the couple contemplating marriage is to make the arrangements.

Times for Weddings

Usually, weddings take place on Saturdays beginning at 10:00am and not later than 1:30pm because of the Saturday church schedule which begins at 3:30pm with confession. If you desire a time later than 1:30pm, the church will accommodate you for a late afternoon or early evening wedding on a Friday night. The exception to this is during the Lenten Season when Friday devotions are offered.

“A wedding is a day. A marriage is for a life time.”

Annulments and Remarriage in the Church:

Occasionally Catholics wish to celebrate the Sacrament of Matrimony but find themselves needing to resolve the question of a previous marriage, either their own or their intended spouse. The Church is very interested in helping someone in this situation. If you would like to learn about the process involved regarding remarriage in the Church, please contact the Pastor or the Pastoral Associate at the Parish Office. All conversations are considered confidential. Please know that you will be warmly received.