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Sacramental Rites at St. Charles Borromeo In the Catholic faith, the Church celebrates and acknowledges that the center of every sacrament is the presence of Jesus Christ. Sharing in the sacraments gives each of us the unique opportunity to deepen our relationship with Jesus and the Christian community. Our preparation for all the sacraments includes prayer and shared faith, as well as study and reflection on their meaning. Anointing of the Sick “Is there anyone sick among you? You should ask for the presbyters of the church. They in turn are to pray over them anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. This prayer uttered in faith will reclaim those who are ill, and the Lord will restore them to health. If they have committed any sins, forgiveness will be theirs.” This sacrament is intended to strengthen and heal those who are ill, elderly or about to undergo an operation. It is a normal part of Catholic life for anyone who is seriously ill, not just for the dying. Anointing by a priest may be received by request, in the rectory, church or chapel, at home or in the hospital. A communal anointing of the sick, in the context of Mass, is celebrated on the first Saturday of each month at 9:00 AM in the chapel. Contact the rectory to request a private anointing: 447-4549 ext 105. Baptism “I solemnly assure you, no one can enter into God’s kingdom without being begotten of water and spirit.” Baptism for infants and children up to the age of 7 are scheduled through the Faith Formation Office. Arrangements should be made well in advance, so that parents will have adequate time to prepare for the celebration of Baptism. This preparation includes pre-baptism classes, which parents and Godparents are required to attend prior to the baptism. Baptisms are celebrated at Masses on the last weekend of each month (except during Lent and Advent) and must be scheduled in advance. Baptisms may also be celebrated privately in the chapel when necessary, by appointment. Contact the Parish Office: 447-4549 ext 101. Children age 7 through teens to age 18 Confirmation “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes down on you; then you are to be my witnesses.” Preparation for Confirmation is an integral part of our Youth Ministry Program and is a two-year process beginning in the fall for youth reaching high school. Students will investigate their faith, learn more about their church, and prepare to celebrate the sacrament in the Easter season of the second year. The process involves study and discussion, service projects and a retreat. Participants are supported in their faith journey by a sponsor. Contact Youth Ministry: 447-4549 ext 117 First Eucharist “I myself am the living Bread come down from Heaven. If you eat this Bread, you shall live forever. The Bread I will give you is my flesh for the life of the world.” Preparation for First Eucharist usually takes place during 2nd grade and is a family-centered process. Preparation for and reception of First Eucharist is an important step in the faith formation of children and requires a serious family commitment. The process is from October until May. Children will attend weekly 2nd grade faith formation classes to prepare for First Eucharist. Parents will be required to attend some sessions with their child. Also, families are expected to attend Mass on a regular and consistent basis so that children can learn from their parents the importance of Sunday Mass and a respectful attention to the liturgy. Children receive First Eucharist during the Easter Season. Children must have been baptized and a copy of your child’s baptismal certificate is required, unless they were baptized at St. Charles. Contact the Faith Formation Office: 447-4549 ext 116. First Reconciliation “Forgive us the wrong we have done as we forgive those who wrong us.” Like First Eucharist, this is a family-centered process. Parents participate in preparing their children to celebrate Reconciliation during Lent. Attendance is required at faith formation classes weekly with parents participating in some sessions. Contact the Faith Formation Office: 447-4549 ext 116. Funerals “Blessed are they who mourn, they shall be consoled.” The family of the deceased should notify one of the staff as soon as possible. The usual Christian Burial consists of some type of viewing (Vigil Service), Mass and interment at a Catholic cemetery (in Livermore, St. Michael’s Cemetery on East Avenue) or cremation. Our staff will assist the family in planning the funeral liturgies. Families are encouraged to select the readings and music and are invited to participate in the liturgy as lectors, presenters of the gifts and extraordinary ministers of Communion. Amazing Graces, the Women’s Group, is available to assist families with food and with a reception in the Keeley Center following the funeral. The staff will coordinate this service with the women’s group, if desired. Contact the Parish Office: 447-4549 ext 101. Marriage “At the beginning of creation, God made them male and female, for this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and the two shall become as one.” Couples interested in making arrangements to be married need to contact the parish at least six months in advance of the planned date of the wedding (Diocesan policy). This amount of time is required to complete the marriage preparation program, reserve the church and plan the ceremony. Participation in the marriage preparation program is a requirement for all couples who will be married in the church. A priest or deacon will meet with the couple to identify and discuss issues related to their future married life. The purpose of these sessions is to help the couple grow in their ability to communicate and to enable them to enter into a permanent, sacramental covenant relationship. The priest or deacon, along with the church wedding coordinator, will assist the couple in planning their wedding ceremony. Diocesan policy requires individuals under the age of 20 by the date of the marriage to be interviewed by the priest or deacon and a professional counselor, as well as receive approval by the bishop’s office before a wedding date can be reserved. Contact the Parish Office: 447-4549 ext 101. Click here for more information. Reconciliation (Confession) “If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Either face-to-face or behind a screen (anonymous) reconciliations are available in our reconciliation room in the church on Saturdays from 4:30 to 5:00 PM. In addition, communal reconciliation services are celebrated during Advent and Lent. Dates and times are announced each season. Individual reconciliations are also available by appointment through the rectory: 447-4549 ext 105. |