Sacraments
Baptism
A Commitment to Grow in New Life With Christ
Congratulations on the birth of your child! We are honored that you have chosen St. Mary's for this important sacrament in your child's life.
First Reconciliation
Receiving Forgiveness for Our Sins
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is one of the most unique and beautiful aspects of Catholicism. Jesus Christ, in His abundant love and mercy, established the Sacrament of Confession, so that we as sinners can obtain forgiveness for our sins and reconcile with God and the Church. The sacrament “washes us clean,” and renews us in Christ.
Click here to view the confession schedule.
First Eucharist
Receiving the True Body and Blood of Jesus Christ
The Eucharist is the true Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, who is really and substantially present under the appearances of bread and wine, in order to offer himself in the sacrifice of the Mass and to be received as spiritual food in Holy Communion.
It is called Eucharist, or "thanksgiving," because at its institution at the Last Supper, Christ "gave thanks," and by this fact it is the supreme object and act of Christian gratitude to God.
Click here for details regarding First Eucharist preparation.
Confirmation
Deepening Our Baptismal Life
In the Sacrament of Confirmation, the baptized person is "sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit" and is strengthened for service to the Body of Christ.
Confirmation deepens our baptismal life that calls us to be missionary witnesses of Jesus Christ in our families, neighborhoods, society, and the world. . . . We receive the message of faith in a deeper and more intensive manner with great emphasis given to the person of Jesus Christ, who asked the Father to give the Holy Spirit to the Church for building up the community in loving service.
~from the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults
Click here for details regarding Confirmation preparation.
Matrimony
A Union Under God
The Sacrament of Marriage is a covenant, which is more than a contract. Covenant always expresses a relationship between persons. The marriage covenant refers to the relationship between the husband and wife, a permanent union of persons capable of knowing and loving each other and God. The celebration of marriage is also a liturgical act, appropriately held in a public liturgy at church. Catholics are urged to celebrate their marriage within the Eucharistic Liturgy.
~from the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults
Anointing of the Sick
Bringing Spiritual Strength During an Illness
Anointing of the sick is administered to bring spiritual and even physical strength during an illness, especially near the time of death. It is most likely one of the last sacraments one will receive. Anointing of the sick conveys several graces and imparts gifts of strengthening in the Holy Spirit against anxiety, discouragement, and temptation, and conveys peace and fortitude (CCC1520).
Does a person have to be dying to receive this sacrament?
No. The Catechism says, "The anointing of the sick is not a sacrament for those only who are at the point of death. Hence, as soon as anyone of the faithful begins to be in danger of death from sickness or old age, the fitting time for him to receive this sacrament has certainly already arrived" (CCC1514).
The residents of Syracuse Home at McHarrie Place are anointed twice a year.
If you would like to celebrate the Sacrament of Anointing, please call the Parish Office to set an appointment with the Pastor.
Funeral Planning
Support During the Loss of a Loved One
While no one can take away the pain of losing a loved one, our parish community is here to support you and yours through this difficult time. We are blessed to have a loving and supportive funeral ministry team who can help make this time just a little easier for those who are experiencing grief and loss.
Click here for details to plan a funeral for your loved one.
Click here for grief and loss resources, including our Bereavement Group.