St. Mary Basilica Home Welcome Mass Schedule Weekly Bulletin Staff Info
Espiritual Thought
History
Choir
Youth
Faith Families
KofC
Nursery
Parish Socials
Parish Commisions
RCIA
Rosary
Sacramental Preparation
Religious Education
Membership in Parish
Liturgical Roles
Events Calendar
Links
Order Forms

SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION

 

MARRIAGE

Marriage is a sacred covenant between a man and woman who are ready and willing to make a life commitment and who are free to do so according to civil and church law.

In order to insure adequate time for planning and preparation, wedding dates are set at least six months before the wedding. Engaged couples are required to participate in a Diocesan Preparation Program – scheduled on weekends. Because marriage is a sacrament, couples are expected and encouraged to live faith-filled lives in preparation for their marriage. Active membership in St. Mary Basilica parish is a pre-requisite for marriage at St. Mary. Active membership is understood as follows:

  1. Be formally registered as a member of the parish for at least one year.
  2. Be a regular weekend mass participant.
  3. Contribute formally in a regular identifiable and meaningful way.
  4. Assist/serve the parish (programs/activities) in accordance with one's abilities and interests.

 A Catholic who grew up in the parish and who now lives in another city/state who requests marriage at St. Mary will be required to present documentary evidence of being a registered parish member in the city/state where he/she resides now.

Arrangements are made at St. Mary Basilica to "bless marriages" that had taken place earlier without the church's blessing.  Contact the parish office for more information.

Eucharist

The privilege of receiving First Communion is offered in May to children in the second grade and above. Preparation programs for students include religious study at Cathedral School or in a St. Mary religious education program.  Preparation programs for parents begin in September. Parents are seen as the "principle teachers of their childrenin faith matters." St. Mary parish offers support and guidance for parents in this important role. All Catholics are obligated by church law to attend weekend Mass every weekend. Parents are expected to be good role models and good examples for their children. This includes regular weekend Mass attendance. Without an established pattern of weekend Mass attendance, at least during the year of preparation, a child will not be eligible to celebrate First Communion in the month of May.

 

Confirmation

The sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated in May for 11th and 12th graders, older youth, and adults who have not yet received this sacrament. In keeping with diocesan guidelines, a preparation program for parents, sponsors, and candidates begins in October. The preparation program for 11th and 12th grades includes a monthly focus session, a Rite of Commitment, a weekend retreat, involvement by parents, serving in liturgical roles, and a service project.

A pattern of weekend Mass attendance is required by church law of all Catholics. Without this commitment, candidates will not be able to receive Confirmation. Older youth, college students, and adults will undergo their preparation by weekly attendance in the RCIA classes on Thursday evenings.

 

Reconciliation

The sacrament of reconciliation is offered to children in second grade. A preparation program for parents is offered from September through May to help them prepare their children. This preparation program is linked to the preparation for First Communion. St. Mary Parish offers assistance and guidance to parents in their role as "principle teachers of their children in faith matters." Parents are expected to be good role models as described under Membership in Parish."

 

Anointing of the Sick

This sacrament is celebrated after weekend Masses at least twice a year. It is offered to individuals who request it before surgery, during illness, etc. Up until the 1960's, the sacrament was called Extreme Unction.  The name change is intended to say to Catholics, "You do not have to be at the moment of death" to receive this sacrament.  Most Catholics are very comfortable with receiving the sacrament of the sick.  This is not a sacrament for a person who is perfectly healthy.

The following Catholics are eligible to receive the sacrament:  If one

*       Is on blood pressure, arthritis, or diabetes medicines.

*       Is suffering from heart or bronchial or diabetic condition.

*       Has any nervous condition.

*       Is preparing for serious surgery.

*       Is suffering from chronic pain.

*       Is no longer able to move about, take care of oneself because of old age or illness of any form.

*       Is unconscious due to accident, heart attack, diabetic coma, or old age.

The benefits of the sacrament are:

*       Peace of mind or spiritual healing

*       Sometimes physical healing

*       The Prayer of the Church for the sick

*       Forgiveness of sin and remission of all punishment due to sin.

The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is a great grace and blessing.  Always pray for the sick.

 

RCIA

This is the study program for individuals who are interested in studying Catholicism with a view to becoming Catholic, and for those who are Catholic already who wish to update their knowledge. The RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) begins in September continues until May. The program, offered on Thursday evenings, is divided into the following segments:

Overview of Catholicism:

 

September

Inquiry Period:

 

October-November

Sacraments:

 

December-February

Morality:

 

February-Easter

Spirituality:

 

Easter-Pentecost

  For more information, contact the church office.