BAPTISM • RECONCILIATION • FIRST COMMUNION • CONFIRMATION
CAN I BE A GODPARENT/SPONSOR? • HOLY MATRIMONY
ANOINTING OF THE SICK • HOLY ORDERS
RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (RCIA)

Christ instituted seven sacraments. They are outward visible signs of God's grace given at special moments in a person's life. They help us live our lives more fully.
From time to time people inquire about the different requirements for receiving and participating in the reception of Sacraments. There exist certain regulations set forth by Canon Law and Diocesan Policy regarding the Sacraments. For clarity and information here is brief explanation and summary of these sacraments and regulations in addition to what can be found in the weekly bulletin.

Baptism (also called christening) is the first sacrament we receive and makes us members of the church. At St. Joseph's Baptisms are celebrated during the weekend Masses upon request or after if schedule permits (No Baptisms are held during Lent). Advanced registration is required. Parents requesting Baptism for their child must be registered, active and participating members of the parish. This means that the parents are presently registered in the parish, attend Sunday Mass regularly, and support and participate in the life of the parish through the sharing of their time, talent and treasure. Those who belong to a different parish but are requesting baptism at St. Joseph must furnish a letter of permission and verification of parish membership from their pastor. Parents are to also participate in a parish sponsored baptism preparation class.
Parent Baptism Preparation Sessions are held every other month or as needed (please contact the Parish Office or refer to bulletin for specific dates). Parents anticipating a Baptism, and have not attended classes within three years, should attend this session held on Sundays at 12:30 p.m. in the Parish Center (pre-registration should be made before attending class). If you believe raising your child as a Catholic-Christian is one of your most important duties as a parent, please call the Parish Office (330.274.2253).

Godparents for Baptism: Traditionally, two people (one male and one female) are chosen to be godparents for baptism. Godparents are either two practicing Catholics, or one practicing Catholic and one practicing Christian of another faith. The Catholic godparent(s) must be at least 16 years of age, baptized and confirmed.

As the first Initiation Sacrament we receive, Baptism is a key event in the lives of those receiving it, their families, and the community of St. Joseph's. Many people in the parish give of their time to make Baptism a memorable experience.

Baptismal Font Maintenance - The baptismal font itself often needs routine maintenance, as well as regular cleaning. This is handled by Kevin Kotkowski.
Baptismal Gowns - For infants particularly, the tradition of a white baptismal garment adds to the beauty and solemnity of the occasion as a sign of the new life of Christ. The tradition of hand crafting baptismal garments for babies and small children and RCIA continues (the late Leona Redhead lovingly provided for many years, then Carol Cox, now Kathy Singer).

This sacrament brings us God's forgiveness through the words of a priest, makes us holy and reconciles us with God and the Church (previously called "Penance" or "Confession"). It is customary for children in second grade to receive this sacrament. Diocesan policy states that children must be enrolled in two consecutive years of religious formation (PSR classes or attend Catholic School) to participate. Parents and children are to also participate in the parish sponsored sacrament preparation program.
Students in grade two (along with their parents) are invited to prepare for the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time. This Sacrament must be made prior to receiving First Eucharist. Instruction is received in both the St. Joseph School and PSR classrooms. First Reconciliation Parent Meetings are held each fall (Session I on Sunday, November 18, 2007, and Session II on Sunday, December 2, 2007, 9:40 a.m. in the Hall) and First Reconciliation is held in a group celebration (Saturday, January 12, 2008, 10:00 a.m.) or may be received individually by scheduling with the pastor personally.

The faithful may receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation on the first Saturday of each month following the 5:00 p.m. Mass or by appointment. Additional opportunities to receive the sacrament during Advent and Lent are also offered (including Bi-Parish Reconciliation Services with the neighboring parish of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Aurora). Please refer to the parish bulletin or Parish News page.

Communion is often called the greatest sacrament because Christ himself is present in the consecrated bread and wine.
It is customary for children in second grade to receive this sacrament. Diocesan policy states that children must be enrolled in two consecutive years of religious formation (PSR classes or attend Catholic School) to participate. Parents and children are to also participate in the parish sponsored sacrament preparation program. Preparation for the Sacrament of Eucharist takes place in second grade for both St. Joseph School and PSR students. Early in the year First Eucharist Parent Meetings are held (Session I on Sunday, February 3, 2008, and Session II Sunday, February 10, 2008, 9:40 a.m. in the Hall).
Jesus Day (9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. on April 26, 2008) is a special day for those making their First Communion with related activities and a "run through" for the group celebration.
A group celebration takes place in May (1:00 p.m. on May 4, 2008) or families may choose an individual celebration during weekend Mass (please schedule with Parish Office).

Confirmation bestows the special seal or mark of the Holy Spirit. It gives those receiving the special spiritual energy to make Jesus known in the world, and the courage to live the way Jesus would like them to live. It is customary for children in 8th grade to receive this sacrament. Diocesan policy states that children must be enrolled in two consecutive years of religious education (PSR classes or attend Catholic School) to participate. Parents and children are to also participate in the parish sponsored sacrament preparation program.
The Sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated every fall at St. Joseph's. Preparation meetings for parents and candidates, practice, and celebration are held throughout the fall.
Sponsors for Confirmation: Traditionally one person is chosen to be a sponsor for Confirmation. This person must be at least 16 years of age, baptized, confirmed and a practicing active Catholic. Please keep in mind a parent may not be a sponsor for their child.

Confirmation 2008 is scheduled for Sunday, November 23 at 2:00 p.m.

Confirmation Schedule 2008

• Sunday, September 28, Candidate/Parent Informational Mtg., 9:40-11:00 a.m., Hall (all registration information including baptismal & sponsor information is due by October 5)
• Sunday, October 5, Catechetical Session for Candidates/Parents/Sponsors - 9:40-11:00 a.m., Hall
  
• Sunday, October 18, Confirmation Retreat, 12 Noon at Our Lady of Perpetual Help , Aurora
• Sunday, October 26, Catechetical Session for Candidates/Parents/Sponsors - 9:40-11:00 a.m., Hall
• Sunday, November 2, Confirmation & Family Leaf Raking Service Project, 1:00 p.m. at various homes throughout area
• Sunday, November 16, Confirmation Practice, 12:15 p.m., Church
  

Confirmation 2008
Sunday, November 23, 2:30 p.m. in the Church
(Candidates and Sponsors arrive at 2:00 p.m.)
Reception follows in Hughes Hall

• Sunday, December 7 - Confirmandi Breakfast for Candidates/Parent or Sponsor, "Invitation to Serve", 9:40-11:00 a.m., Hall

CAN I BE A GODPARENT/SPONSOR?
Parents are asked to please remember that when choosing Catholic godparents for a child who is being baptized, the godparent must be a fully-initiated member of the Catholic Church and a practicing Catholic. "Fully-initiated" means that the person must have been baptized, confirmed and receives the Eucharist. "Practicing" means that the person must attend Mass regularly and support the mission of the parish. (Please keep in mind that Canon Law states that if a person has not celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation in the Catholic Church, he or she cannot be a godparent for baptism nor a sponsor for confirmation). A parent cannot be a sponsor for Confirmation. Sponsor certificates are not required here at St. Joseph's. However, if you will be needing a sponsor certificate (perhaps for another Diocese), we can provide that to registered St. Joseph parishioners.

This sacrament, received when a husband and wife pronounce their marriage vows, gives the grace for two people to join their lives together until death. The husband and wife perform this sacrament for each other. The priest is only the official church witness of this sacrament.
Is a wedding in your future? In recent years, the Catholic Church has increasingly recognized the importance of a thorough religious preparation for engaged couples before they enter into Christian marriage. Couples desiring to be married at St. Joseph Parish are to contact the priest at least 6 months before the intended wedding date. The pastor meets with prospective brides and grooms and by using interviews, questionnaires and retreats, the parish priest helps them understand the importance of the step they are taking as they enter into this lifelong covenant. The bride and/or groom must be a registered, active and participating member of the parish. This means that the Catholic party(ies) are presently registered in the parish; attend weekend Mass regularly; and supports and participates in the life of the parish through the sharing of their time, talent and treasure. Those who belong to a different parish but are requesting marriage here, must furnish a letter of permission and verification of parish membership from their pastor. In addition, the couple must participate in a parish sponsored marriage preparation program. Bernice Heritage helps coordinate wedding ceremonies. One of the first things to do when planning your wedding is to contact the Parish Office @ 330.274.2253.

Would you like to enrich your marriage? Rediscover each other and together focus on your relationship at a Marriage Encounter Weekend. For more information, visit the Worldwide Marriage Encounter web site.

Retrouvaille is for couples experiencing poor communication, conflict, hurt, anger, lack of intimacy and boredom in marriage. If you think your marriage is hurting, hope is just a click here.

Process of Annulment
An annulment is a declaration by the Church that a particular marriage is not valid. The Church grants annulments in specific cases after careful consideration of circumstances, always in light of fostering the most life-giving relationships. Should you want more information on the annulment process or to talk over your situation, please contact Fr. Garvey.

This sacrament is for the seriously ill, the infirm and the very old. The sacrament of the sick sanctifies sufferings, increases grace, forgives sins and makes us ready for heaven.
We pray for those that are sick or are in need of healing whether it be physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually. Please be sure to call the Parish Office with any special prayer requests or any concerns for which you would like prayers. Those anticipating surgery and/or a hospital stay should be anointed. This can be requested at any time and it is encouraged that those wishing to be anointed contact the parish well in advance of going to the hospital or having the surgery. St. Joseph Church wants to be with you at these times in your life.

Hospital/Nursing Home Visitation: Please be aware, due to patient privacy regulations and laws, hospital and health care facilities (i.e. Nursing homes, Rehab Centers) will no longer contact the parish unless the patient or an immediate family member (with the patient's permission) specifically requests notification be made.

Publication of Names of Parishioners who are ill and deceased members: Due to privacy regulations and laws, the names of parishioners who are ill can appear in the parish bulletin only if it is specifically requested by the person or by an immediate family member with the person's permission. The name of a deceased member will be included in the Sunday Prayers of the Faithful and the bulletin only after publication in the newspaper.

HOLY ORDERS
This sacrament gives priests the power to forgive sins, anoint the sick, change bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ, and to perpetuate Jesus' sacrifice, which is the Mass. Through Holy Orders, priests and bishops receive the Spirit's grace to guide the church and take care of the people of God. For information on religious life, please contact the Diocese of Youngstown's Director of Vocations, Fr. Leo Wehrlin, at 330.744.7451, ext. 368, visit the Diocese's vocations website, or check out our Links page.

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