BAPTISM -
Since parents who desire baptism for their child assume the responsibility for his or her spiritual formation, they are to participate in a Baptism Preparation Program which is offered on a quarterly basis. Parents are encouraged to attend these sessions prior to the birth of their child. Since sacraments are celebrations of the whole Church, Baptism is normally during one of the Sunday liturgies. Classes are required for parents. Please watch the Bulletin for the dates and times.
RECONCILIATION -
God calls us to live a life of peace and love in our community. However, we often fail in this call. We become alienated from God and one another. Reconciliation is available every Saturday (see Mass and Reconciliation Schedule) or by Appointment.
EUCHARIST-
The Sunday Liturgy is the source and summit of the spiritual life of the Church. There are preparation sessions held for both children and parents on Wednesday evenings in the spring. Parent sessions serve two purpose: 1) to deepen one's own understanding of the Eucharist; and 2) to participate in the child's preparation by providing home experiences that will assist the child at this age level to come to know Jesus through faith shared by others. Toward the end of the preparation program each child will meet with the Pastor for an interview. At least one year of faithful participation in Catholic School, or our own religious education program is required prior to receiving this sacrament.
CONFIRMATION-
Students here usually celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation in ninth or tenth grade. Sessions will be provided for our youth to deepen their personal relationship with God, to enable them to more fully realize the responsibility of full membership in the Church, and to come to understand the need for and participate in serving others.
Parish Mentors are spiritual companions chosen by the candidate. Any fully initiated, practicing Catholic is eligible
.MARRIAGE -
One of the major problems in society is the failure of many marriages. Every family has members who are struggling with difficult marriages or who have divorced or become victims of divorce. We offer our support and prayers to them. At the same time, however, our parish has the obligation to better prepare people for the Sacrament of Marriage. The family is central to all of us and marriage is a gift that is meant to bring new life and continued growth in love.We ask couples to make arrangements at least six months in advance to begin the paperwork and pre-marital counseling. Couples are required to participate in an Engaged Encounter weekend held in Charleston. Since the bride and groom are the ministers of this sacrament, they will plan both the ceremony and the music according to parish guidelines. Notice to the Pastor must be given at least six months in advance.
ANOINTING OF THE SICK -
Whenever anyone is seriously sick, preparing for or recovering from surgery, chronically ill or weakened by age he or she ought to be anointed. In this celebration the Lord and his Church show their care, concern and love as well as pray for healing in body, mind and spirit. A Communal Anointing of the Sick takes place twice a year. The Pastor will anoint anyone on request.
HOLY ORDERS
Every member of the Church has a responsibility to pray for, foster, encourage and support vocations to the priesthood and religious life. The Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston is always looking for qualified candidates for the priesthood. Religious orders welcome men and women interested in living the consecrated life of a Brother or Sister. For more information, please contact the Pastor or Pastoral Associate.
CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS -
"Christians," wrote Tertuilian in the second century, "are made, not bom." Becoming a Christian, following in the footsteps of Jesus, is a life-long process. In the early Church the sacraments of Initiation -- Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist -- were administered all at once, usually at the Easter Vigil. The Process of Christian Initiation of Adults seeks to form adult Christians. A new group of Inquirers is formed in mid-August and includes both those who are not yet baptized (catechumens) as well as other Christians seeking to learn more about or become Catholic (candidates). The group meets almost every Monday night through Pentecost Sunday in early June. There are several ministries involved. Please call the office for more information.
