SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION

Sacraments are fundamental experiences of God's love, which shape the community of believers even as they are being celebrated in the ritual actions of worship.  The sacramental life of the Catholic Church distinguishes it from the many other Church denominations.  An understanding of the sacraments of the Church is basic, then, to our very identity as Catholics.

Here at Our Lady's, we take preparation for each of the sacraments very seriously.  We require that those requesting a sacrament be an active member of the Parish Family for at least two months prior to beginning any preparation for a sacrament.  You are encouraged to contact the rectory for details.

BAPTISM  In preparation for baptism of infants and children, we require that the parents be registered and active members of the Parish Family for at least two months before requesting Baptism for their child.  Both parents must participate in a Baptism preparation class.

When choosing godparents, remember that you are to choose Catholics who are actively practicing their Faith.  Godparents must be Catholic, at least 16 years of age, one male and one female, who have received all of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist).  You may choose to have only one godparent, male or female, but you may not have two of the same sex.  A non-Catholic Christian who is actively practicing their Faith may be a Christian witness to the Baptism along with a Catholic godparent.  To register for Baptism class, please contact the rectory prior to the class time.  Baptism classes are held on the second Sunday of the month following the 11:00 AM Mass in the "cry room" at church.

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RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (RCIA)  The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is for adults who are interested in becoming Catholic through Baptism or by Profession of Faith if they are already a baptized Christian.  Those taking part have the opportunity to journey with us through an entire Church Liturgical Year before making their final decision to become Catholic.

During this time, they are nourished by the Word of God.  They share their faith journey with each other, their parish sponsor, the RCIA team and catechists, and they learn of important doctrines and traditions of the Catholic Church.  After a period of approximately 18 months, those who choose to embrace the Catholic Faith, are baptized or received into full communion with the Church, and receive the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil (the Saturday night before Easter). Those interested or anyone knowing someone who might be interested, are encouraged to contact the rectory to be put in touch with an RCIA team member.

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1ST RECONCILIATION & 1ST EUCHARIST  Preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist is obtained through our full time school and our Parish School of Religion or through adult education.  Preparation for these sacraments for students in Our Lady School and PSR or children transferring from another full-time Catholic School, PSR program, or an approved home-schooling religion program, takes place at the second grade level.  In order for a child to be accepted into the 1st Reconciliation or 1st Eucharist programs, he/she must have completed some formal religious education (Catholic School, PSR, or Archdiocesan approved Home Schooled Religious Ed) of at least one year prior to the 2nd grade or the year in which the sacrament is received.  In the home schooling in religious education situation, the student is required to attend PSR class for the year they are preparing for the reception of any specific sacrament.  Furthermore, we expect the Catholic parents and all students to continue participation in the Church and attendance in their various religious education classes after the reception of the sacrament.  Please note:  Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation will take place in the 8th grade and requires the student to have participated in a continuous program of Archdiocesan approved formal religious education up to the year of Confirmation.  (Confirmation preparation must also take place through one of our parish programs.)

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CONFIRMATION  Preparation classes for the Sacrament of Confirmation are offered for students during their eighth grade year at Our Lady School and PSR.  Students must have had uninterrupted religious education (Catholic School, PSR, or Archdiocesan approved Home Schooled Religious Ed.) for all the school years prior to Confirmation preparation.  Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation must be obtained through active participation in one of our parish programs.  The date of Confirmation is determined by the Bishops of the Archdiocese and is usually held during the Easter season.

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MARRIAGE  To begin preparation for the Sacrament of Marriage, one of the parties requesting to be married at Our Lady's must be a registered member of our Parish Family for at least two months.  If neither is a member you must obtain a letter from the pastor of your parish stating that you are an active member of that parish and have permission to be married at Our Lady's.  The couple begins sacramental preparation at least six months prior to the desired wedding date.  After an initial meeting with the priest (or deacon), who will be presiding at the wedding ceremony, the couple takes a test called FOCCUS (Facilitating Open Couple Communication Understanding and Study).  Once the results are available the couple meets with the priest (or deacon) again to discuss them.  The wedding date is then set and the couple chooses one of the Options for Marriage Preparation Classes:

For assistance in planning their wedding liturgy, the couple must meet with our liturgy coordinator or organist to plan their particular wedding liturgy at least two months prior to the wedding date.

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ANOINTING OF THE SICK  The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick offers strength and healing of body, mind and spirit.  For those who are seriously or chronically ill, or those 60 years of age or older, Anointing of the Sick is held annually during a Sunday Eucharist at church.  When one of our parishioners is in the hospital and in need of this sacrament, the staff at the hospital contacts a priest to anoint the patient.  For those who are homebound, especially those who are unable to get out due to age or a chronic or terminal illness, we offer the sacrament annually as part of our Communion Call visits.  If there is a need for this sacrament at any other time, please call the rectory.

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HOLY ORDERS  If you are interested in the Priesthood or the Diaconate, we encourage you to discuss this with our parish priest, deacon or pastoral associate for direction.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON RELIGIOUS VOCATIONS PLEASE CONTACT ONE OF THE FOLLOWING ARCHDIOCESAN OFFICES:

 

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