Sacraments

The Holy Eucharist

The Celebration of the Holy Eucharist is the central act of worship of the Church. At the Eucharist we gather to remember and to give thanks for God's saving acts in history and to receive the Body and blood of Our Savior. The service schedule, printed elsewhere, gives the times of the regularly scheduled Eucharists.

Baptism and Confirmation

Baptisms ordinarily occur six times during the year: at the Bishop's visitation, on Easter Eve or Day, on the Day of Pentecost, on the Sunday nearest Holy Cross Day, on the Sunday after All Saints' Day, and on the First Sunday after the Epiphany. Instruction for parents and godparents is arranged either as a class, if there are several candidates, or individually. There is a Saturday morning rehearsal the day before the baptism. For more information, speak to Father Casey.

As the Church's understanding of the sacrament of Confirmation has evolved, so has our practice. Confirmation is now seen as the sacrament, which manifests a mature commitment to Christ and his Church. Consequently, we do not automatically confirm junior high students. Instead, we confirm those candidates--ordinarily 15-years-old or older--who have decided to make that commitment and who are prepared to undertake catechetical instruction. Confirmation occurs, of course, at the visitation of the Bishop. For more information, speak to Father Casey.

Marriage

Through the sacrament of Holy Matrimony the Church extends God's blessing for the strengthening of those persons who intend their life together as man and wife to be a sacramental reflection of God's faithful love for his people and who seek to live out their marriage within the fellowship of the Body of Christ. As such, marriages that take place at Our Saviour are more than a wedding ceremony; they are acts of worship to which the community of faith is invited to share in the blessing and joy of those being married. Persons who would like more details about marriage guidelines and preparation are encouraged to speak to Father Casey.

Reconciliation of a Penitent

Reconciliation--confession and absolution--is the appropriate way in which every Christian prepares himself both for Holy Communion and for continued growth in Christian life. Special times are set aside for confession during Advent and Lent, but sacramental confession is available at any time by appointment with one of the priests of the parish.

Burial

When a death occurs in the family, parishioners are encouraged to inform the clergy and the parish office immediately so that preparation for the Burial Office may be begun. The appropriate place for the Burial Office and Eucharist for a Christian who has died is the church. A brochure designed to help you prepare the Burial Office and Eucharist together with a priest, either for yourself or for a family member, is available in the parish office. Through these services we gather as the Church to commend the departed to God and to share with the departed in the victory over death he or she has received in Jesus Christ.