The 7 Sacraments 

Baptism: 

Through Baptism we celebrate a new birth - a birth into the life of God and His Church. Through immersion into the symbolic waters of Baptism we are cleansed of the stain of original sin, and become a Christian and part of God’s family.

Reconciliation: 

Although we have been redeemed through the sacrifice of Our Lord and cleansed of original sin though baptism, we still remain imperfect and inclined to sin. Through Reconciliation, Jesus forgives our sins, heals us and restores our relationship with him. The priest, who acts in the person of Christ, was given the authority to forgiven sins in Jesus’ name (Matthew 18:18). 

 The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available to all parishioners every Saturday from 3:30-4:30 PM and anytime by appointment.  

Eucharist:

As instructed by Jesus to, “Do this in memory of me”, through the Eucharist (the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass) we recall and give thanks to Christ for the great and loving sacrifice He made for us. Through the words of Christ and the action of the Holy Spirit, the bread and wine we offer becomes the true body and blood of Christ.

The Sacrament of First Eucharist is celebrated in the second grade with a special Mass and celebration.  Preparation in the St. Francis Religious Education Program is required, as well as regular attendance and participation in our Sunday liturgy. Questions can be answered by contacting our Director of Religious Education, Brenda DeMattio, at 203-227-8353.

Confirmation:

Confirmation reaffirms the gifts God gave us through Baptism. It confers on us an increase and deepening of baptismal grace and strengthens our bond to Christ and His Church. 

The Sacrament of Confirmation is administered at St. Francis in the freshman year of high school after completing the preparation program. Questions can be answered through our Youth Ministry Office at 203-227-8353.  

Sponsor Certificates for Confirmation: As stated in Church law, a sponsor for the Sacrament of Confirmation must be a practicing Catholic, at least 16 years of age, fully initiated (received all his/her Sacraments), and is registered and practicing their faith in their local parish. Anyone wishing a sponsor certificate from St. Francis parish must also meet these requirements. 

 The Sacrament of Reconciliation is celebrated for the first time in the second grade following preparation in the St. Francis Religious Education Program.

Adults wishing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation may contact our Rectory Office at 203-227-1341 to learn about our RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) program.* 

Marriage:

Marriage is not merely a human institution but was instituted by God. God created man and woman to be a partner and helpmate for each other, and told them to, “be fruitful and multiply”. Christ then raised marriage to the dignity of a Sacrament as he tells us, “They are no longer two, but one. Therefore, what God has united, man must not divide.”

Arrangements for the Sacrament of Marriage should be made at least six months, but preferably a year, prior to the marriage date. This should be done in person by the couple at our Rectory Office.

Anointing of the Sick:

This Sacrament gives strength, peace, courage and healing to the sick or afflicted person. This Sacrament can be celebrated individually or communally, in a home, hospital or church. It stresses the healing of the whole person- physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.

The Sacrament of Anointing is given to not only to those who are near the point of death but to those who are seriously ill or about to undergo surgery. Communal anointing masses are celebrated yearly. To inquire about individual anointing, please contact the Rectory Office at 203-227-1341.

Holy Orders: 

As He did with His first Apostles, our Lord calls some men to His holy priesthood- after years of prayer, study and training, these men are then ordained through the Sacrament of Holy Orders. Such men are called to a life of love and service to God and others in imitation of Christ.

God also calls married men to assist the clergy as ordained ministers called Deacons.  Deacons go through a similar discernment, educational and training process.

For more information of Holy Orders, please contact the Diocesan Office of Vocations at 203-416-1513.

 

*RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) is a program for adults who are considering becoming Catholic and for adult Catholics who wish to receive all their Sacraments should call the Rectory Office at 203-227-1341 for additional information.