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Baptism    Confirmation    Holy Eucharist   Reconciliation    Anointing of the Sick    Matrimony  Registration

Baptism

The Sacrament ..."is birth into the new life in Christ.
In accordance with the Lord's will, it
is necessary for salvation, as is the
Church herself, which we enter by
Baptism."    (Catechism) #1277

When is the Sacrament Administered?

            For infants and very young children there is a preparatory session required of parents and sponsors.  Sessions are scheduled each quarter of the year.   Parents are asked to call the Office to make arrangements.  It is presumed that the parent(s) are practicing Catholics registered in the parish.  If the parents do not practice their faith, the baptism of the child is delayed until the parents become aware of the responsibility they owe themselves and their children in the ways of faith.   If the Catholic party is a member of another parish, a letter from the pastor of that parish will be necessary for the sacrament to take place at St. Michael.

For children of school age, parents are involved in the process of formation along with attendance at the School or REP (religious education classes for children not in attendance at the parish school).

Adults and non-Catholic children beyond the age of reason seeking entrance into the Church enter the formation process known as the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation).  Formation begins in the summer and culminates with final reception into the Church at Easter.

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Confirmation

  The Sacrament  "is the second of the Initiation Sacraments.  It perfects
Baptismal grace; it is the sacrament which gives the
Holy Spirit... to incorporate us more firmly into Christ,
strengthen our bond with the Church, associate us more
closely with her mission, and help us bear witness to the
Christian faith in words accompanied by deeds."    (Catechism) #1316

When is the Sacrament Administered?

Confirmation is a one-year formal program (every other year) for young people of junior high school age.

The Pastor also confirms baptized Catholic adults and those participating in the RCIA process (adults or children of age, being baptized or professed) at the Easter Vigil Service on Holy Sunday.

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Holy Eucharist

The sacrament  "completes Christian initiation.  Those who have been raised
to the dignity of the royal priesthood by Baptism and
configured more deeply to Christ by Confirmation participate
with the whole community in the Lord's own sacrifice."    (Catechism) #1322

When is the Sacrament Administered?

Children need to be enrolled in formal religious education one year prior to the receiving of this Sacrament.  Parents and teachers prepare children when they enter the second grade.  Older children by special arrangements.

Participants in the RCIA process make their First Eucharist at the Easter Vigil Service on Holy Saturday.

Catholics returning to the full practice of the faith are urged to receive Holy Eucharist after the reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

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Reconciliation

"The forgiveness of sins committed after
Baptism is conferred by a particular sacrament
called the sacrament of conversion, confession,
penance, or reconciliation."    (Catechism) #1486

When is the Sacrament Administered?

Children need to be enrolled in religious education classes.  The Sacrament can be received, depending on the decision of the parents regarding the child's readiness, before the First Eucharist in Second Grade.  Special emphasis will be given in the Fourth Grade curriculum regarding conscience formation, and the reality of sin. Reconciliation services are a very important part of this year's formation.

Reconciliation is offered every Saturday from 4:00 p.m. until finished.  Any other time by appointment.

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Anointing of the Sick

"The sacrament has as its purpose the conferral
of a special grace on the Christian experiencing
the difficulties inherent in the condition of grave
illness or old age."    (Catechism)    #1527

When is the Sacrament Administered?

The Sacrament of the Anointing is offered in the parish on a communal basis at least once a year.  Individual anointing is always available by calling the parish office.   If you are aware of anyone seriously ill, at home or in the hospital, you are urged to call the office as soon as possible!!

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Matrimony

"The Sacrament of Matrimony signifies the union of
Christ and the Church.  It gives spouses the grace to
love each other with the love with which Christ has
loved the Church.  The grace of the sacrament thus
perfects the human love of the spouses, strengthens
their indissoluble unity, and sanctifies them on the
way to eternal life."    (Catechism) #1661

When is the Sacrament Administered?

Arrangements for the Sacrament of Matrimony must be made six months in advance by calling the Parish Office.  All engaged couples are expected to attend a four week "Marriage Prep" program unless they have made previous arrangements with either Fr. Charlie or Deacon Bob.  If a previous marriage is involved, NO DATE CAN BE SET for the marriage until and if the previous marital bond can be and is declared null and void in the Church Marriage Court.

In the case of a Catholic who wishes to be married in the Church, he/she must be a practicing Catholic registered in the parish.  If he/she is a member of another parish, a letter of delegation is to be received from the pastor of the parish of registration.

For information on our Marriage Preparation Program
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