Baptism
According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, “Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit ... , and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission.”
Children from Catholic families are normally baptized within a few months of their birth. Parents should contact the office of the parish where they would like the baptism to take place to make the necessary arrangements, including the scheduling of a baptismal preparation class (for first-time parents). Baptisms are typically performed at 1:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, depending on the availability of the clergy.
Older children and adults who have never been baptized are also invited to receive the sacrament, although the details will depend on their specific situations. Again, contact the parish office for more information. Since we “confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins,” the Catholic Church recognizes baptisms conducted by other churches and ecclesial communities, as long as the correct words and actions were performed.
Reconciliation
Jesus offers baptized Christians his forgiveness through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, also known as Confession or Penance. The Catechism reminds us that we should prepare ourselves to receive this sacrament “by an examination of conscience made in the light of the Word of God.” Here is a brief outline of how the sacrament is conducted.
Reconciliation is available on Fridays from 9:30 to 10:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart; on Saturdays from 3:00 to 3:30 p.m. at St. Mary, Mother of the Redeemer; and on Sundays from 4:00 to 4:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes. If necessary, you can also contact the parish office to make an appointment.
Eucharist
The Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life. The other sacraments, and other ministries and works of Catholic people, are bound together and oriented toward the Holy Eucharist. At Mass, the bread and wine is transformed into the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ. Holy Communion unites us intimately with Jesus Christ, separates us from sin, and unites us with other members of the Catholic Church.
Please refer to these guidelines for the reception of Holy Communion. Catholics who are “conscious of grave sin” should not receive the Eucharist without first obtaining the Lord’s forgiveness through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Non-Catholic Christians – except for members of the Orthodox Churches, the Assyrian Church of the East, and the Polish National Catholic Church – are not permitted to receive Holy Communion, although everyone is welcome to join us in prayerful worship. Any individual, baptized or not, may come forward to receive a blessing from the priest or the deacon when others are receiving Holy Communion. Anyone who is unable to receive the Eucharist is encouraged to make an Act of Spiritual Communion.
Confirmation
The Sacrament of Confirmation enables baptized persons to be enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit and unites them to the Catholic Church to become true witnesses of Jesus Christ.
Confirmation enables us to be more united to Jesus Christ, increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit within us, and deepens our involvement in the Catholic Church.
Adults who have not been confirmed may inquire about the process to be received in the Catholic Church through OCIA, the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (formerly known as RCIA).
Marriage
The Diocese of Norwich requires engaged couples to contact the parish at least six months prior to their planned wedding date.
The Sacrament of Marriage is a covenant which God establishes between a man and a woman for a partnership of their whole lives.
Through their marriage, they provide what is good for their relationship and open themselves to the procreation and education of children. This marriage bond is to help one another to attain holiness in their married life and forming their children in the Christian life.
Holy Orders
Holy Orders is the sacrament through which men receive from God the grace to perform the sacred duties Christ entrusted to his Church. The Twelve Apostles were the first bishops of the Church. Through the ages, men have been ordained as bishops, priests, and deacons by the laying on of hands to continue the mission of Christ and his Church.
In the early Church, the order of deacon was established to assist the Apostles in the mission and service to the Christian community (see Acts 6:1-7). Today, deacons assist at the celebration of Mass, the baptism of children, the witnessing of marriage, and the celebration of funerals. They are ordained to serve and care for the needs of the Church’s faithful as well as the poor, the sick, and the marginalized of the world. The permanent diaconate is largely composed of married men.
In the Latin Rite, a man who becomes a priest must be unmarried. He is to promise a life of celibacy and obedience to the Church and his local bishop. His call comes from God and is affirmed through his bishop. By the laying on of hands, the man becomes a priest who acts in the Person of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, the anointing of the sick, and the celebration of the Holy Eucharist.
Anointing of the Sick
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick extends the healing of Jesus Christ for those who are ill and are suffering.
This ministry of healing is extended to priests who share in the healing mission of Jesus Christ. This sacrament is given to those who are seriously ill, who may be undergoing serious surgery, or are in great need of God’s healing in their lives. If possible, this sacrament is preceded by the Sacrament of Reconciliation and is followed by the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist.
If you or a family member wish to be anointed, please contact the parish office. In case of emergencies, call
(877) 437-8123.
