Sacramental Life
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It is assumed that those seeking the sacraments at Our Lady of Lourdes are member of the parish who actively participate in the parish life of the church by offering their time, talent and treasure and are actively participating ini liturgical celebrations. |
Baptism:
Four months of active church membership in the Catholic Church - that is, regular worship attendance, supporting a parish community financially, and sharing your time/talent - is required prior to Baptism. (This does not necessarily mean Our Lady of Lourdes if you are a practicing active Catholic transferring in from another parish community.) During the Baptismal ceremony, you, as parents, take a sacred vow to raise your child in the Catholic faith. We, at Our Lady of Lourdes, also believe in the sacredness of this vow and the Baptismal ritual, thus the requirement of four months minimum of active church membership. In addition, a Baptismal preparation class is held on the first Wednesday of every other month in the Parish Center. This class is required for all first time parents. Call the Parish Office to find out the dates of classes and to pre-register. Dates and times for the baptism are arranged through the Parish Office. The ceremony is held during and after weekend masses. A signed commitment form from parents and godparents is required.
Adult Baptism:
Contact the pastor or deacon about admission to the Church. Participate in the R.C.I.A. process (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)
Eucharist:
Participation in Our Lady of Lourdes School or Religious Education classes in the first grade is required. First Communion is ordinarily received in the second grade. Parents are asked to participate in the program to help prepare their child for the sacrament. First Communion is usually celebrated as a group in spring. Contact the Religious Education Office for further information.
Sacrament of Reconciliation:
The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Penance) is celebrated on Saturday afternoon at 3:30-4:00; on the first Thursday following the 7:30AM Mass. Other times by appointment.
First Reconciliation for Children:
Preparation for the Sacrament of Reconciliation is an ongoing process which continues throughout the time the child is in the parish school or the religious education program. Each year an attempt is made to help the child grow in a deeper understanding and appreciation of this sacrament in accord with the child’s awareness and growth. Parents are very much a part of the preparation and parent meetings are held. Parents are urged to make the celebration of First Reconciliation a family affair. The formal reception of this sacrament takes place, usually in fall, when the child is in second grade. Contact the Religious Education Office for further information.
Communal Penance Service:
Check the bulletin for dates and times of services held here and in area parishes.
Confirmation:
Confirmation is usually celebrated during the junior year of high school. The persons to be confirmed are expected to:
- attend a pre-confirmation interview
- attend religious education classes; 10 consecutive, consistent years
- attend candidate/sponsor meetings
- perform church/community service
- make a day-long retreat
Adult Confirmation:
Confirmation for Catholic adults, 21 years old or older, is celebrated at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral twice a year. A short course of preparation is required prior to this. For more information, contact the Parish Office.
Marriage:
New parishioners contemplating marriage in our parish must be registered with the parish and show active participation for at least six months prior to setting a wedding date. Pre-approval of the date by the Pastor is required. A parish marriage program and participation in a diocesan pre-marriage workshop is required. Ceremonies can be scheduled anytime on Friday and Saturday no later than 1:30pm.
Anointing of the Sick:
This sacrament is for anyone who is suffering emotional, mental, or physical illness, or facing serious surgery. It is great support for the sick person to have his/her family and friends present for the sacrament. Contact the Parish Office if you would like someone anointed. In hospitals, a chaplain may be asked to administer the sacrament.
R.C.I.A.
Any adult who is not Catholic, but wishes to become Cathlolic, can participate in the R.C.I.A process (Rite of Christian Initation of Adults). Classes are held weekly October through Easter. Contact Deacon Michael VanderBloomen for further information.
R.C.I.C.
Any child, second through sixth grade, who has not been baptized can participate along with his/her parents. Classes begin in January and end at Easter. For more information, contact Deacon Michael VanderBloomen.