Baptism 

The Sacrament of Baptism is often called "The door of the Church," because it is the first of the seven sacraments not only in time (since most Catholics receive it as infants) but in priority, since the reception of the other sacraments depends on it. It is the first of the three Sacraments of Initiation, the other two being the Sacrament of Confirmation and the Sacrament of Holy Communion. Once baptized, a person becomes a member of the Church. Traditionally, the rite (or ceremony) of baptism was held outside the doors of the main part of the church, to signify this fact.

 

Baptisms are normally performed monthly during Mass, except during Advent and Lent. 

Prior sacramental preparation is required for parents.  New families are always welcome!!!

For information and to arrange for baptism please contact the Parish Office by calling or sending an email.

See Parish contact information at the bottom of this page. 

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Reconciliation, also known as Confession

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is also known as Confession or Penance.  The peace of mind and soul which this sacrament imparts to us is one for which there is no substitute.  It is a peace that flows from a certainty, rather than from an unsure hope, that our sins have been forgiven and that we are right with God.

• This sacrament is offered communally during Advent and Lent, and by appointment with Fr. Simon. 

• For information regarding receiving this sacrament for the first time please contact the Parish Office.

• For children preparing to receive for the first time, please refer to the Faith Formation page of our website.

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Holy Eucharist and First Holy Communion

The Body and Blood of Christ are truly present in the two Eucharistic elements, bread and wine.

• Please see our Mass Schedule found on our Home page for days and times.

• For information regarding receiving the sacrament for the first time please contact the Parish Office.

• For children preparing to receive for the first time, please refer to the Faith Formation page of our website.

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Confirmation

Along with Baptism and Holy Eucharist, Confirmation completes one's initiation into the Catholic Church,

and you become sealed with the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit.

• For information regarding receiving this sacrament for the first time please contact the Parish Office.

• This year 2023-2024 Confirmation will be conferred in 10th grade in our parish.

• All 10th graders (and any 11th or 12th graders not yet Confirmed) should register and attend regular Faith Formation sessions on Sunday evenings.

• Please refer to the Faith Formation page of our website for more information.

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Annointing of the Sick, also known as the Sacrament of the Sick

The Sacrament of the Annointing of the Sick is also known as the Sacrament of the Sick.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church’s section on the Anointing of the Sick defines the purpose of the sacrament as “the conferral of a special grace on the Christian experiencing the difficulties inherent in the condition of grave illness or old age.” (Catechism, 1527)

Please contact the Parish Office when seriously ill, homebound or prior to hospitalization.

 

Holy Matrimony, also known as the Sacrament of Marriage 

Catholics, the Sacrament of Marriage, or Holy Matrimony, is a public sign that one gives oneself totally to this other person.  It is also a public statement about God: the loving union of husband and wife speaks of family values and also God's values.

• Couples should contact the Parish Office six to nine months before their intended wedding date and prior to making reception arrangements.  

 

Ordination to the Priesthood

Ordination to the Priesthood is a Sacrament that makes one a priest, after being ordained a transitional deacon, which is also a Sacrament of Holy Order. One can only be ordained a priest by a Bishop. The Rite of Ordination to the Priesthood occurs within the context of Holy Mass. The candidate, who already has been ordained a deacon is called forward and presented to the assembly. Part of the ordination is the interrogation of the candidate, to willfully declare their intention before being ordained.

According to the code of Canon Law, the priesthood is a Sacrament and a call to perpetual vocation of celibacy, which is one of the vows the Priest will take as part of the process of the ordination. The training for the Priesthood occurs in the Seminary. It is a formation process that follows guideline from the Vatican, aimed at training the future priest to effectively serve his ministry. As a general rule, the education is extensive and will last up to five, six years, or more, depending on the educational level, the person has completed before entering the Seminary. 

• lf you feel called to the Priesthood please speak to Fr. Simon, or contact the Albany Diocese Office of Vicar for Vocations to reach the Diocesan Vocation Director Fr. Anthony Ligatoar at anthony.ligato@rcda.org. 

Click           for more information available on the Albany Diocese website in the Vocations section.

 

Ordination to the Deaconate

A deacon is an ordained minister of the Catholic Church. A deacon can be a married man. 

A deacon assists a priest in many services of the church.  Deacons can baptize, witness marriages, perform funeral and burial services outside of Mass, distribute Holy Communion, preach the homily (which is the sermon given after the Gospel at Mass), and are obligated to pray the Divine Office (Breviary) each day.

• If you feel called to the ordained ministry of the Diaconate, please speak to Fr. Simon, or contact the Albany Diocese Office of Vicar for Vocations to reach the Diocesan Vocation Director Fr. Anthony Ligatoar at anthony.ligato@rcda.org. 

If you are married, your wife should begin this journey with you. 

Click           for more information available on the Albany Diocese website Vocations section.

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Vocations of Religious Life

Throughout our diocese and our Church, throughout history, men and women have answered the call to live in community, to gather for prayer, and to love God’s people in a special way. They belong to any one of dozens of religious congregations, where they are drawn by the charism or spirit of the community.

Although this is not a sacrament, it is and always has been an important vocation to serve God.

Click           for more information available on the Albany Diocese website Vocations section.