How to Participate in the Sacraments
Infant Baptism
The sacrament of Baptism for children under the age of 7 is celebrated on the first and third Sundays of the month after the 10:30 a.m. Mass. Preparation for the parents of children to be baptized is by the pastor or his delegate. Parents must register for the class and Baptism by calling or coming to the parish office.
Forms: Requirements for Infant Baptism
Forms: Certificate to Serve as Godparent or Sponsor
Forms: Delegation Letter to perform infant baptism for a non-parishioner
Adult Baptism Adults seeking to become Catholic are welcomed into our church through Baptism at the Easter Vigil liturgy. Preparation is through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).
Eucharist
The center of our community life is the celebration of the Eucharist.
"The Second Vatican Council rightly proclaimed that the Eucharistic sacrifice is “the source and summit of the Christian life”. “For the most holy Eucharist contains the Church's entire spiritual wealth: Christ himself, our passover and living bread. Through his own flesh, now made living and life-giving by the Holy Spirit, he offers life to men”. Consequently the gaze of the Church is constantly turned to her Lord, present in the Sacrament of the Altar, in which she discovers the full manifestation of his boundless love. "
(John Paul II, Ecclesia de Eucharistia, 1)
First Eucharist is celebrated the first Saturday in May, and at other times during the year. Preparation is typically carried out in our 2nd Grade religious education program. Parents who home-school, who have their children at Catholic schools, or have children who are older who have yet to receive first communion are invited to speak with the pastor about expectations for formation prior to setting a time for their child’s first communion.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion for the Homebound: Communion for the sick, homebound, and hospitalized is provided by our Eucharistic Ministers as an ongoing ministry. Communion is distributed weekly by our Eucharistic Ministers to the homebound of our parish. Contact the office if you have a loved-one who would like to receive the Blessed Sacrament at their home on a regular basis.
Reconciliation (Penance)
This sacrament offers a continuing process of conversion through which Christians are forgiven and reconciled with God and with the community of faith. The opportunity for individual Reconciliation is offered on Tuesdays from 8:00 - 9:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 - 4:45 p.m., as well as other times by appointment.
First Reconciliation: This sacrament is prepared for in conjunction with First Eucharist and is celebrated prior to First Eucharist. Call the office for more information.
Confirmation
Confirmation is a sacrament of initiation recognizing the power of the Spirit in the life of a Catholic. Confirmation is a two-year program and preparation starts in the 7th grade and students are typically then Confirmed in 9th grade. The Confirmation Coordinator, along with the clergy, prepare the program of formation of the candidates. Visit Confirmation page for more information.
Confirmation for Adults: This program is designed for adults who desire the Sacrament of Confirmation. Weekly meetings prepare adults for Confirmation (and First Communion if necessary). Contact Raffy Urgino or the main office for details.
Marriage
The Sacrament of Marriage celebrates a lifelong commitment of love and fidelity between a man and a woman. The model for this union is Christ’s love for the Church.
Couples planning marriage at St. Mary's must contact the parish office at least 9 months prior to their anticipated wedding date. This date is not set until meeting with the priest or deacon. Guidelines for the Diocese of Lansing will be followed in preparing for Marriage, as in all sacraments.
Holy Orders
Please contact Fr. Steve at the parish office at St. Mary's or the vocational director for the Diocese of Lansing, Fr. Jerry Vincke at 517-342-2507 or http://www.dioceseoflansing.org/vocations/wanttobepriest.html
Anointing of the Sick
The Anointing of the Sick is the sacrament which continues Jesus’ healing ministry in our day. It expresses the whole Church’s concern for the sick and our belief In the healing love of Jesus. This sacrament is no longer limited to the dangerously ill but is available on request to anyone facing serious illness or the limitations of advanced age. The sacrament is celebrated upon request before and after all the Masses
For More Information
Contact the Parish Office at (810) 635-3240 or email info@smqa.net