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Sacraments
The Seven Sacraments of the Roman Catholic Church are gathered into three categories:
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The Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation,and Eucharist) |
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The Sacraments of Healing (Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick) |
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The Sacraments of Vocation (Marriage and Holy Orders) |
Sacraments of Initiation for adults are all celebrated at the Easter Vigil. The preparation and celebration of these sacraments is known as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).
Baptism: We celebrate the sacrament of baptism
during or following our
Confirmation: Confirmation is celebrated once a year, usually during the Easter Season. Formation is open to all youth who are 16 years of age or older and are usually sophomores in high school as well as any unconfirmed Catholic. The preparation for celebrating this sacrament is a two-year process for high school students. Those Catholics who are beyond high school are prepared for this with those preparing in the RCIA program described below. Click here for more information on Confirmation at Our Lady of Good Help Church.
Eucharist (Communion): This sacrament is celebrated every weekend by the community as well as on most weekdays. Children who are in the second grade spend the year from September to May preparing for their First Communion. Usually First Communion is celebrated on the first Sunday in May, the Sunday before Mother’s Day.
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults: This rite, known as RCIA is a process whereby adults who are either not baptized or who have been baptized into another Christian faith tradition are initiated into the Roman Catholic tradition. After a period of Inquiry, a person may decide to formally enter into the process and begins the period of Catechumenate, during which they become familiar with the Catholic Christian tradition. After this period of preparation, they enter into the period of Purification and Enlightenment, a six-week period of intense preparation for receiving the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday night. After being received into the community, there is a fourth period of Mystagogy, during which the newly-received member experiences the joy of being part of the faith community. For information on the process of RCIA, Click here to go to our web page or contact Pat Ducharme, our Director of Religious Education at the rectory 568-5272.
Sacraments of Healing
Reconciliation: This sacrament of healing is offered on Saturday afternoon from 4:00 to 4:35, by appointment, and in services offered throughout the year.
Anointing of the Sick: The sacrament may be celebrated at any time for someone who is seriously ill or entering the hospital for surgery. Call the rectory at 568-5272. For those who are experiencing serious illness and are looking for help and support on the web:
http://www.catholic.com/library/Anointing_of_the_Sick.asp http://www.cptryon.org/prayer/heal/abt.html
Sacraments of Vocation
Marriage: The sacrament of marriage is celebrated throughout the year. In order to properly prepare for this sacrament, a couple must contact the parish nine to twelve months prior to the anticipated date. Required preparations include a “Pre-Cana” conference and interviews with the pastor or deacon.
Holy Orders: The sacrament of holy orders includes three levels: deacon, priest and bishop. Any young man interested in the priesthood should contact the Diocesan Office of Vocations at 831-8011 www.catholicpriest.com.
Religious Life: The religious life as a religious brother or sister is an important vocation. Although the vows taken by religious men and women are not sacraments in themselves, a person who takes these vows is consecrated to a life of prayer and service and participates fully in the sacramental life of the Church and the life and work of their chosen community. Any young man or woman interested in the religious life may explore the many opportunities at http://www.religiouslife.com/. The site explores vocations, answers questions about religious life and provides links to many religious community sites.
