Sacramental Preparation

Baptism

Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church andmade sharers in her mission: "Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word."
-Catechism of the Catholic Church

Parents who wish to have their child baptized should call the parish office.  At least one parent must be an active, participating Catholic who will nurture their child’s faith.  First-time parents must attend one Baptism preparation class.  Contact the parish office for information at 440-934-4212.

Adults who wish to be baptized must go through The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) program.

First Reconciliation & Holy Communion

Our second grade religion program focuses on preparing the students for the reception of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. Sacrament preparation is orchestrated by the St. Mary Parish Religious Education Staff with a united preparation of both day school and PSR parents and students.

Our parish's sacrament preparation program focuses on assisting parents in preparing their children in the reception of the sacraments. Attendance at evening parent meetings and Saturday workshops is required. Specific details regarding second grade sacrament preparation will be sent home to parents of second grade students in the early fall. If you have specific questions regarding the program, contact your child's teacher or Sister Thomas at 440-934-4212.

Reconciliation

When the perfect union with God and the Church has been ruptured by an act of sin, a Catholic Christian is to be reconciled with God and the community through the sacrament of reconciliation. The early Church referred to this sacrament as a mini-baptism because it returns a person to full union with the Church.

Confessions are on Saturday from 2:30 to 3:30 pm and Monday 7:00 to 7:25 pm.

Confirmation

"By the sacrament of confirmation, the baptized are more perfectly bound to the church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit. Hence they are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed."
-Catechism of the Catholic Church

Confirmation is a sacramental celebration of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and a deepening of baptismal gifts. Like Baptism and Eucharist, it is a Sacrament of Initiation for Catholics and a Sacrament of faith in God's fidelity to us. It is a sacrament for confirming and strengthening the recipient in the Christian faith.

Students typically receive the Sacrament of Confirmation in the 8th grade.

R.C.I.A

The RCIA program is used to welcome new adult members (18 years and older) into the Catholic Faith and provides an opportunity for faith-filled people to enter into a deeper relationship with God in the Roman Catholic tradition. As an active Catholic community, we welcome inquiries into our faith. The adult initiation team helps these catecumens (unbaptized) and candidates (baptized) on their spiritual journey.

  • Have you been away from the church and have now returned, but want to know more about the Faith?
  • Have you been worshiping with us, but never officially took the step to become Catholic?
  • Have you been a Catholic all your life, but never celebrated all of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist)?
  • Have you joined us from a different faith background and would now like to find out more about the Catholic Church?

If you answered YES to any of these questions, our RCIA program will help you find the answers you are looking for.
Or, if you have a friend or family member who you know would answer YES to any of the above questions, please extend an invitation to them to investigate our RCIA program.

You can begin by contacting Father Thomas Cleaton to sign up for the weekly RCIA classes that will begin on September 30, 2011.  The classes will be held each Thursday evening from 7:00-8:30 pm at the Church.