HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SACRAMENTS
BAPTISM
Infant Baptism
Baptisms at St. Mary’s are normally scheduled one weekend each month. Parents are given the option of scheduling their child’s baptism at any of the three Masses on that weekend (4:30pm Saturday vigil and the 8am & 11am Sunday Masses). Baptisms are separated into two parts: The “pre-baptismal anointing” and the actual “baptism.” These are celebrated about a month apart allowing for ample spiritual formation and preparation during this period between the two parts of the rite. As such, if, for example, the first part of the rite – the pre-baptismal anointing – occurs on the 3rd weekend of this month, the actual baptism will likely be held on the 3rd weekend of the following month. Two infant baptismal-prep classes are scheduled in preparation for each part of the rite. These classes are normally held on the first Saturday of the month. Contact the Parish Office to schedule a Baptism.
Baptisms at St. Mary’s are normally scheduled one weekend each month. Parents are given the option of scheduling their child’s baptism at any of the three Masses on that weekend (4:30pm Saturday vigil and the 8am & 11am Sunday Masses). Baptisms are separated into two parts: The “pre-baptismal anointing” and the actual “baptism.” These are celebrated about a month apart allowing for ample spiritual formation and preparation during this period between the two parts of the rite. As such, if, for example, the first part of the rite – the pre-baptismal anointing – occurs on the 3rd weekend of this month, the actual baptism will likely be held on the 3rd weekend of the following month. Two infant baptismal-prep classes are scheduled in preparation for each part of the rite. These classes are normally held on the first Saturday of the month. Contact the Parish Office to schedule a Baptism.
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).
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)
"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)
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 Molly Malone-Pavwoski (810) 252-8290 if you have a loved-one who would like to receive the Blessed Sacrament at their home on a regular basis.
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 Molly Malone-Pavwoski (810) 252-8290 if you have a loved-one who would like to receive the Blessed Sacrament at their home on a regular basis.
First Eucharist is celebrated the 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. Contact Val Standley for more information on receiving First Eucharist.
RECONCILATION
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 after 7:30 a.m. mass until all are heard, 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. Contact Val Standley for more information.
This sacrament is prepared for in conjunction with First Eucharist and is celebrated prior to First Eucharist. Contact Val Standley 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-stage program and preparation starts in the 9th grade and students are typically then Confirmed in 10th grade. The Confirmation Coordinator, along with the clergy, prepare the program of formation of the candidates. Visit the 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). For more information contact the Parish Office.
This program is designed for adults who desire the Sacrament of Confirmation. Weekly meetings prepare adults for Confirmation (and First Communion if necessary). For more information contact the Parish Office.
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. Contact the Parish Office for more information on preparing for marriage at St. Mary's.
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. Contact the Parish Office for more information on preparing for marriage at St. Mary's.
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 normally celebrated on the third Saturday of the month during a Eucharistic Healing Hour immediately after the vigil Mass or upon request via the parish office.
HOLY ORDERS
Please contact Fr. Ekka at the parish office at St. Mary's or the vocational director for the Diocese of Lansing, Fr. John Linden at 517-342-2507 or http://www.dioceseoflansing.org/vocations