Sacraments of Initiation


BAPTISM

Parents who seek Baptism for their children need to attend a two-session series of meetings focusing on the purpose, rite and symbols of the sacrament. Introduction to the seven sacraments and raising your child Catholic are also on the agenda. Upcoming dates are listed below. Normal times for Baptism are during Sunday/Saturday evening Masses or after the 11:00 Mass and can be scheduled when attending the preparation meetings. Please call DRE, Sue Sherburne, to register for the classes.
Children in grade 2 through high school who seek Baptism will attend classes themselves usually held on Tuesday evenings. Call Sue Sherburne (484-6609) for further information. Adults who which to be baptized will learn about the Catholic faith through the RCIA program. Call Joyce Racine (484-6609) for further information.

Upcoming Baptism Prep classes for parents of young children:

2012


January 5 & 12

January 26 and February 2

March 13 & 27

April 12 & 19

May 10 & 17

EUCHARIST

Preparation for reception of First Eucharist takes place in second grade. The St. Jude School and the Religious Education Program thoroughly prepare the students through various activities over a period of months. A Rite of Enrollment is celebrated in January and two parent sessions are scheduled in February and April. All students must have at least 2 years of religious formation to be prepared for the reception of First Eucharist. All students attend Gathering Day, a retreat, formation and practice day, the week prior to First Communion which is generally the first Sunday in May. Older students seeking to receive their First Eucharist should contact the DRE.

CONFIRMATION

Preparation for the sacrament of Confirmation takes place during the eighth grade in Religious Education and St. Jude School. At least two years of religious education are required as preparation. The Bishop sets the date for Confirmation during the Easter Season. Two parent/sponsor meetings are held to share the preparation of the students and to have an opportunity to renew and grow in understanding of the depth of the sacrament. Older students or adults who wish to receive the sacrament of Confirmation should contact Joyce Racine with the RCIA program.

Sacraments of Healing


RECONCILIATION

Preparation for first Reconciliation takes place in the second grade in our parish school and the Religious Education Program. Parents are required to attend two classes to assist them with this preparation so the home and school/Religious Education program can work together. The family celebration of First Reconciliation is held at the beginning of December. See the Home page or bulletin for listing of Reconciliation times.

ANOINTING OF THE SICK

This sacrament is offered to Catholics who have a serious illness or are infirmed by age. Please call the parish office if you or someone you know is hospitalized, facing surgery, or otherwise in need of the sacrament. Communal anointing services are offered in the church four times a year. Watch the bulletin for dates.

Sacraments of Vocation


MARRIAGE

We ask for at least six months preparation time in planning a wedding. Marriage preparation includes meetings with a priest and with an assigned married couple, and a day-long diocesan workshop. The ceremony can be planned with the priest and with our parish music director.
Call Father Tom at 484-6609 with any questions or to start marriage preparation.
The wedding calendar is scheduled by Christine Hill, 484-7888.

HOLY ORDERS

If you, or someone you know, would like to discuss the steps to serve the church in the priesthood, please contact Father Tom.