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Become a Catholic Adults The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults or the RCIA as it is commonly known, is the formal process for people to be received into the Church. Although it usually takes the better part of a year, there are no time limits or a set amount of time in which you will complete the process. It is largely dependent on your readiness. Your personal circumstances also play a part in how long the process takes. People with a strong background in another Christian faith tradition and in Scripture may take less time than others. If you have a prior marriage to be annulled, it may take a bit longer. This process is for both people who have not been baptized, as well as people who were baptized in another Christian faith. The Catholic Church recognizes baptism from most other Christian denominations. If you have already been baptized, you may be received into full communion with the Catholic Church through the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist. Generally, adults coming into the church through Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist will do so during the season of Easter. Adults celebrating baptism do so at the Easter Vigil. The RCIA is not a program. It is the church’s way of ministering to those who seek membership. It is a process of coming to know Jesus. It is a call to choose a relationship with Jesus through the Catholic Church, especially through the celebration of the Eucharist. The RCIA is an opportunity to join in the sacramental life of the church. It is a choice to bear witness to the gospel by living a life of faith and service. The RCIA has four stages. The beginning stage is called a time of inquiry or the Pre-Catechumenate. During this period the RCIA team seeks to assist the inquirer with answers to their questions about God, faith, and the church. The second stage is the Catechumenate, or the period of learning. During this period, the church encourages an ongoing conversion to Jesus Christ and the reign of God he proclaimed. The Catechumenate provides a structure for the studying scripture, especially the gospels, catechesis (passing on the teachings of the church), public and private prayer, direct contact with the members of the parish community, and participation in the work of the church for justice and peace. The third stage is called the Period of Purification and Enlightenment and generally takes place during Lent. It is a period of intense prayer and reflection prior to celebrating the Easter Sacraments. Mystagogia, the fourth period, is one of “unpacking” and integration of the experience of celebrating the Sacraments. These periods of the process are all preceded by formal Rites that take place during a Sunday Mass. These Rites are your public affirmation to the community, as well as yourself, that you are ready to move on in your journey towards the Easter Vigil, your initiation into the Catholic Christian community. To learn more, contact the Parish Office at 315-635-5762. Children How Do Children or Youth Become Catholic? The Catholic Church is delighted to welcome children into the community, no matter how old or young they are, and no matter how much previous faith formation they may or may not have had. We are simply glad they want to get to know Jesus better! Children Younger than 7 Years Old If a child is younger than 7 years old and has not yet been baptized, the process is a very simple one. Parents are asked to attend a baptismal preparation class. This class is usually scheduled for the first Tuesday evening of the month, at 7 PM. Please contact the parish office to register for this class, (315) 635-5762 or stmarysbville@syrdio.org . In addition, the child will become part of the usual faith formation process, and celebrate the other Sacraments of Initiation as scheduled for all baptized Catholic children. If a child has been baptized, the Catholic Church recognizes baptism from most other Christian denominations. To become Catholic, he or she becomes part of the usual faith formation process and celebrates the sacraments of initiation as scheduled for children who were baptized Catholic. For more information, please visit sasmyouth.org . Children 7-8 Years Old or Older Children age 7-8 years old or older (or who are in the second grade or higher) have their very own process of becoming Catholic. This process is an adaptation of the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults, or RCIA as it commonly known. Typically, students and parents enter into a two-year commitment of weekly classes that culminate in the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist) during the Easter season. This process is for both students who have not been baptized as well as young people who were baptized in another Christian faith. The Catholic Church recognizes baptism from most other Christian denominations. If a child has already been baptized, but received no formal faith formation, he or she may be received into full communion with the Catholic Church through the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist. The RCIA has four stages. The beginning stage is called a time of inquiry or the Pre-Catechumenate. The second stage is the Catechumenate, or the period of learning. The third stage is called the Period of Purification and Enlightenment and generally takes place during Lent. It is a period of intense prayer and reflection prior to celebrating the Easter Sacraments. Mystagogia, the fourth period, is one of “unpacking” and integration of the experience of celebrating the Sacraments. These periods of the process are all preceded by formal Rites that take place during a Sunday Mass. These Rites are your public affirmation to the community, as well as yourself, that you are ready to move on in your journey towards the Easter Vigil, your initiation into the Catholic Christian community. To learn more, contact the Parish Office 315-635-5762.

Liturgical Ministries Children's Liturgy of the Word The children’s liturgy takes place on Sundays at the 9:00 AM Mass. (Children's liturgy does not take place on select Sundays throughout the year; please check the parish calendar for dates.) Children in grades kindergarten to sixth are welcome to attend. Younger children may attend with the accompaniment of an older sibling if the younger child is well behaved. The purpose of the children’s liturgy is to help bring the Word of God into the hearts of children so that they may come to know, love, and serve God. The children’s liturgy is not a playtime or a time for arts and crafts. It is the Mass. The children listen to the same scriptures that are read in the church, however they are written at a level comprehensible to a child. After the scripture readings, there is an interactive homily where children may ask questions about the readings. Following the homily, the children profess their faith through the Apostles’ Creed, followed by Intercessory Prayers where the children may request prayers for family, friends, and pets in need. The children then return to church to complete the Liturgy of the Eucharist with their families. There are many ways children may participate in the children’s liturgy. Some children may help as lectors, some may hold up our Responsorial Psalm signs, or the crucifix during our prayer petitions. Some may hand out/collect copies of the Apostles’ Creed, and some may participate in skits when we act out the story of the Gospel. A child participating as a lector must be at least in fifth grade or able to read at a fifth grade reading level. If your child would like to participate, he or she may come forward when the children are called at the beginning of Mass. No sign-up or registration is necessary. Adult participation is welcomed. All participating adults must have completed Safe Environment training.

Sacraments Matrimony Diocesan policy states that arrangements for your wedding should be made at least six (6) months prior to the wedding date and that one of the parties being married must contact the church (bride or groom). Arrangements will not be scheduled with a third party (i.e. parent, wedding planner, etc.) Diocesan regulations do not allow the celebration of weddings on Sundays and certain Saturdays according to the Liturgical Calendar. To be married at St. Mary’s, one party should be a registered member of the parish. If not registered, permission from the bride or groom’s pastor will need to be obtained. There are prescribed marriage preparations required of all couples which consist of the following: Marriage Investigation: It is a requirement for all couples who seek Catholic marriage to complete this form. As a canonical (legal) form, the questions asked ascertain the freedom of the parties to marry and their understanding of the duties and obligations of marriage as taught by the Catholic Church. Pre-Marriage Inventory: This “inventory” is a standardized questionnaire which evaluates the couple’s knowledge of one another and their readiness to marry. Each couple is required to meet with their sponsor couple for at least three meetings to discuss the findings of the inventory. Preparing Your Wedding Ceremony: After confirmation of the ceremony date, the couple will be mailed a packet containing a confirmation letter, our Sacrament of Matrimony Handbook and a copy of Together for Life. These will all be used to assist in planning the wedding mass, including the readings. These selections should be reviewed with the wedding coordinator at least 1 month prior to the wedding ceremony. If you are considering having your wedding ceremony at St. Mary's, the first step is to contact our Parish Office at 315-635-5762. Our Ministry Team will be able to answer any questions you may have, review available dates, and go over the criteria necessary for a Church wedding. Times for Weddings: Friday: Afternoons or evenings available Saturday: 1:00pm Other dates and times may be arranged on a case by case basis with the Parish Office. Stipend for Church: Parishioners*: $400 (Deposit: $200) Non-Parishioners: $700 (Deposit: $350) Organist Fee: $300 Deposits must be paid for ceremony date to be held. * Parishioners must be registered and active for at least 1 year prior to date of wedding.

Pastoral Council Nominations

Outreach Ministries

Outreach Ministries Homebound Eucharistic Ministers Homebound Eucharistic ministers are people of prayer called to share in Christ's healing mission by visiting the sick, elderly or homebound of the parish. By listening to, talking with, praying with, and bringing Communion to our sick and homebound, ministers remind them of the parish's concern and become a visible sign of God's presence in their lives. Ministry Requirements Eucharistic ministers must attend 1 half hour training session and must be commissioned.

Bishop Lucia Letter August 6, 2025 Click Here to Download the Letter

Pastoral Council Nominations ST MARY’S PASTORAL COUNCIL OPENINGS! We have several openings for terms that will begin in March 2025. WHAT IS PASTORAL COUNCIL? The purpose of the Pastoral Council is to identify the spiritual and temporal needs of the parish community, and to encourage members of the parish community to participate in the life of the parish. As a Council, the members are responsible to assess the needs of our parish. The members, in consultation with the Pastor and staff, shall research and discuss and through consensus, recommend ways to meet those needs. HOW OFTEN DOES PASTORAL COUNCIL MEET? Several times a year, from September through June. HOW LONG IS THE TERM? Council members serve for three-year terms, with the opportunity to continue for another three years. WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TO APPLY FOR PASTORAL COUNCIL? Registered member of St. Mary’s Parish. 21 years or older. Confirmed and practicing Catholic who attends Mass regularly. Have current Safe Environment Certification or be willing to attend training. Active participation in both the sacramental and ministerial life of the parish. A commitment to share your gifts and talents for the benefit of the parish. A commitment to further the parish mission through discipleship. HOW DO I APPLY? Applications are available at the Parish Office, the bulletin racks in the church or on our website: Click here to download the application or click here to complete the application online . Completed applications can be dropped office or mailed to the Parish Office or put in the lockbox at the front of the church. Deadline: February 15, 2025. WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR SELECTING COUNCIL MEMBERS? Submitted applications will be reviewed by the Leadership Committee which consists of the Pastor, Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary and Trustees. Selected members will begin their term in March 2025. QUESTIONS: Contact Renée Romance, Trustee at (315) 382-7537 Thank you for prayerfully considering joining Parish Council to continue the important work of St. Mary’s Parish. PC Application

"The Son of God became man for our salvation but only in Mary and through Mary." Saint Louis Marie de Montfort Welcome to Our Church We're so glad you're here! We hope you find everything you need. To join our parish family, please click here or call the parish office at 315-635-5762. Founded in 1852, St. Mary's Church is the oldest parish in Baldwinsville. Our first church was located on Tappan Street, opposite Riverview Cemetery. The Church relocated to its present building in August of 1940, and our campus remains one of the most beautiful on Syracuse Street. We hope you'll join us in person for our daily and weekend Masses, our Tuesday Adoration, and for our many parish and community events! Learn More Upcoming Events We hope you can join us for these upcoming events! Saturday Morning Dharma Talk I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It’s easy. Just click “Edit Text” or double click me to add your own content and make changes to the font. I’m a great place for you to tell a story and let your users know a little mor e about you. The Zen Way I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It’s easy. Just click “Edit Text” or double click me to add your own content and make changes to the font. I’m a great place for you to tell a story and let your users know a little more about you. Church & Parish Hours Adoration Tuesdays 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM 9:00 AM Silent Adoration Begins 3:00 PM Divine Mercy Chaplet 3:15 PM - 6:30 PM Silent Adoration Continues 6:30 PM Recitation of Rosary 7:00 PM Mass Church Monday - Thursday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM for Private Prayer (Please enter through the North door across from the Rectory.) Mass Confession Monday: 10:00 AM Tuesday: 7:00 PM (Novena Mass) Saturday: 4:00 PM Sunday: 7:30 AM & 9:00 AM Wednesday, September 21 10:30 - 11:30 AM St. Augustine's Tuesday, September 27 5:30 - 6:30 PM St. Mary's (Click here to see full schedule.) Parish Office Monday - Thursday 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Parish Life

Outreach Ministries Men's Shelter Sandwich-Making Team Each month on the Tuesday before the 4th Saturday, volunteers meet in our Academy Cafeteria at 1:00pm to make sandwiches, pack cookies, and prepare drink mixes for the Catholic Charities Men's Shelter. New volunteers are always welcome to join! Please park in the back parking lot and enter through the double doors of the Academy. The cafeteria is downstairs to the left.