Sacraments

The Sacrament of Baptism

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. (Mt 28:19-20)

Baptism is the beginning of a child's journey of faith. Through the teaching example of parents and godparents, a child will grow to become a follower of Christ and an active member of the church. Arrangements should be made as soon as possible after birth of a child by contacting Fr. LaBaff. Parents will meet with a team member to assist them in preparation for their baby's baptism.

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is offered for adults who wish to become Catholic. Adults in the RCIA process usually receive the sacraments of Baptism (if not already Baptized), Reconciliation, Eucharist, and Confirmation. The RCIA program is a time of discernment and education in faith. If God may be calling you join the Catholic Church, speak to the pastor. In the fall an Inquiry Session is offered at St. Mary's. It is a no-obligation opportunity to ask questions and explore becoming Catholic.

Reconciliation/Confession

The Sacrament of Reconciliation/Confession is the great sacrament of mercy in which we encounter the Divine Physician, Jesus Christ, who not only desires to forgive us of our sins, but also to heal the wounds of sin and give us true peace.

Confessions are heard at St. Mary's on Saturdays from 3:00 to 3:30 p.m.

Penance services and additional opportunities for Confession are offered during the Advent and Lenten seasons. Consult the bulletin or call the parish office for times and locations.

For confession by appointment, call the pastor.

Children usually prepare for their First Reconciliation when they are in second grade and must be attending Sunday Religious Education classes. Classes for First Reconciliation and First Communion are held in the fall on Saturday mornings. For more information, speak to our Director of Religious Education.

The Sacrament of Eucharist

For children: After receiving First Reconciliation, children prepare for their First Communion. Children are usually in second grade and must be attending Sunday Religious Education classes. Classes are held on Saturday mornings and lead them to the celebration of First Communion held early in May. For more information, speak to our Director of Religious Education.

For those home-bound, hospitalized, or in nursing facilities: Contact the pastor or the parish office to arrange for a visit to receive the Eucharist.

Confirmation

First year students preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation meet regularly during the school year.

In their 2nd year, there a fewer classes and more service oriented projects. Students participate in parish life through their service projects.

In both years, students attend a day-long retreat which culminates with the celebration of Mass.

Confirmation is usually held in the spring. For more information, speak to our Director of Religious Education.

Matrimony

"But from the beginning of creation 'God made them male and female'. 'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'. So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate." (Mark 10:6-9)

Couples wishing to celebrate the Sacrament of Matrimony/Marriage at St. Mary's or St. John's should contact the pastor at least six months prior to their wedding. Preparation for your marriage is much more than preparing for the wedding day. In this beautiful sacrament, a man and a woman enter into a covenant relationship with God and each other. This relationship is the means through which the couple grows together in holiness.

Couples will meet with the priest or deacon preparing them for their marriage. Couples will also attend Pre-Cana to help them prepare for their life together. Pre-Cana enables the couple to have an opportunity to share about topics such as communication, finances, family living, Christian sexuality, parenting, Natural Family Planning, and the Sacrament of Marriage. Couples also use the Foccus program to facilitate open communication.

Contact the pastor or a deacon to begin preparation for the Sacrament of Matrimony.

Anointing of the Sick

In the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, those ill, injured, about to undergo a life-threatening medical procedure, or the elderly are anointed with the oil of the sick. This sacrament helps unite those who are suffering with Jesus' saving and healing power. Contact the pastor or the parish office. The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is also offered during St. Mary's Healing Mass held each June. More information about the Healing Mass can be found under the Worship tab on this website.

If having a surgical procedure, contact the pastor to receive the Sacrament of the Sick before entering the hospital.

Holy Orders and Vocations to Religious Life

"Holy Orders is the sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to his apostles continues to be exercised in the Church until the end of time: thus it is the sacrament of apostolic ministry. It includes three degrees: episcopate, presbyterate, and diaconate" (CCC #1536). A man who feels that he is being called by God to serve the Church as a priest or deacon, should seek to respond to this calling.

Consecrated Life for Men and Women: "The Religious state is thus one way of experiencing a 'more intimate' consecration, rooted in Baptism, and dedicated totally to God. In the consecrated life, Christ's faithful, moved by the Holy Spirit, propose to follow Christ more nearly, to give themselves to God who is loved above all and, pursuing the perfection of charity in the service of the Kingdom, to signify and proclaim in the Church the glory of the world to come" (CCC #916).

Are you or someone you know discerning a possible vocation? Someone who feels called to serve God through either Holy Orders of Religious Life should speak to their pastor or visit the Diocese of Ogdensburg/vocations website.