Safe Environment All children, young people, and vulnerable adults have the right to be safe and protected from harm in all environments. St. Mary's Church follows all policies set forth by the Diocese of Syracuse that embraces this right and promotes that protection by taking steps to create safe environments to prevent the sexual abuse of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. We will continue to take steps to create safe environments through continued education, building awareness, and maintaining a commitment to keeping all children, young people, and vulnerable adults safe. To learn more about the Diocese of Syracuse Safe Environment program, please visit their website. Safe Environment Training All diocesan, parish, and school employees and volunteers working with children, young people, or vulnerable adults must attend initial safe environment training, and subsequent re-certification every 5 years. On regular occasion, St. Mary's hosts sessions of each training for convenience of staff and parishioners. Check the registration schedule to find a time and location that is convenient for you. If you have any questions, contact Amy Casper , Safe Environment Coordinator for St. Mary's. Initial Training "Protecting God's Children (PGC)" Pre-registration is required. A schedule of classes may be found here. Who must train? All clergy All members of religious orders All parish and diocesan employees, including those who have no contact with children All volunteers whose ministry or role places them in regular contact with children, young people, or vulnerable adults Completion of a first-time Safe Environment PGC training session is required within 60 days of assumption of duties, employment, or volunteering per diocesan policy. To complete the screening, participants must pass a criminal background check. Re-certification Training "Entrusted to Protect, Dedicated to Restore" Pre-registration is required. A schedule of classes may be found here. The diocesan Child and Youth Protection Policy requires Safe Environment re-certification training (1.5 hour session) every five (5) years for: All clergy All members of religious orders All parish and diocesan employees, including those who have no contact with children All volunteers whose ministry or role places them in regular contact with children, young people, or vulnerable adults In addition to the re-certification session, all participants must pass a new criminal background check in order to complete their Safe Environment re-certification screening. Training for Children & Youth Circles of Care is a new educational program tailored to our parish catechetical programs. This curriculum originally developed by the Diocese of Manchester has been adapted by the Diocese of Syracuse to address age-appropriate personal safety issues for children and youth in the context of Catholic moral teaching. The training replaces the awareness training that the diocese had been using since 2004. Click here to review . See more information about the Circle of Care program from the Office of Faith Formation .

Grief & Loss Resources 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. No one can really feel or remove another's pain, but everyone can walk beside and support another who is sorrowful. Please find resources here that may aid in your grieving and the support of others who have experienced loss. Counseling & Education Hospice Grief Center 990 7th North St. Liverpool, NY 13088 (315) 634-1100 You do not have to be connected to Hospice in order to receive bereavement support. Virtual appointments can be made at this time. Hope for Bereaved 4500 Onondaga Blvd Syracuse, NY 13219 (315) 475-4673 In person appointments are offered on a limited basis at this time. See website for support group opportunities. Grief Support Group-6 weeks (beginning October 20, 2020) Cindi Besio, LMSW 15 East Genesee St. Suite 203 Baldwinsville NY 13027 Call Cindi to register at (315) 529-3937. (Limited space available) Sister Marcia’s Bereavement Group at St. Mary’s Church Baldwinsville, NY (315) 635- 5762 Websites Grief Loss Recovery recover-from-grief.com Hospice Foundation of America hospicefoundation.org Help Guide: helpguide.org Grief.com Books for Adults On Grief & Grieving: Finding Meaning of Grief through the Five Stages of Loss by Elisabeth Kubler Ross & David Kessler Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief by David Kessler Books for Children When Someone Very Special Dies: Children Can Learn to Cope with Grief by Marge Eaton Heegaard, Marge Heegaard Tear Soup: A Recipe for Healing After Loss by Pat Schwiebert, Chuck DeKlyen, Taylor Bills Where is Grandpa? by T.A. Barron I Know I Made It Happen: Children and Guilt by Lynn Blackburn Timothy Duck: The Story of the Death of a Friend by Lynn Blackburn What is Death? by Etan Boritzer Videos & Podcasts St. Mary's & St. Augustine's Public Service Announcement about Grief and Loss Unlocking Us with Brené Brown; David Kessler and Brené on Grief and Finding Meaning Downloads Grief & Loss Resources For Children: Books about Death and Dying, a List Compiled by Laura Harting, Clinical Specialist, The Center for Living with Loss, Hospice and Palliative Care Associates of CNY Kübler-Ross Grief Cycle , Original image with no changes made, licensed by US3173699, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons. David Kessler Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief "Each person's grief is as unique as their fingerprint. But what everyone has in common is that no matter how they grieve, they share a need for their grief to be witnessed. That doesn't mean needing someone to try to lessen it or reframe it for them. The need is for someone to be fully present to the magnitude of their loss without trying to point out the silver lining."

Our Mission Our Team As the Roman Catholic Faith Community of Saint Mary's, led by the Holy Spirit, we dedicate ourselves to proclaiming the Word of God, providing meaningful liturgy, serving God's people, and fostering devotion to the Blessed Sacraments and to our Blessed Mother. We are committed to Catholic education and faith formation for all ages, while also calling all to live a full sacramental life following the teaching authority of the Church. Through team ministry we strive to be present to the call of the Holy Spirit and serve to be the presence of Jesus for the wider Baldwinsville community. We hope that what you find here will enrich your faith and strengthen you on your personal faith journey. If we can answer any questions, don't hesitate to reach out! Our Team Bishop Douglas J. Lucia Pastor Read More Dc. Joseph Casper Deacon Read More Ryan Schaffer Director of Music Read More Teresa Nipper Parish Office Coordinator Read More Rev. Benjamin Schrantz Parochial Vicar Read More Sr. Marcia Barry Parish Outreach Read More Kristin Jankowski Parish Communications Read More Todd Bryant Building & Grounds Supervisor Read More Our Governance St. Mary's has three consultative bodies that serve to advise the pastor about pastoral issues. Their main purposes are to investigate, reflect, and research conclusions about pastoral matters to recommend to the pastor as appropriate. Members of these committees/councils are appointed by the pastor. Learn more about our governance. Contact Us Form Contact Us Monday - Thursday: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Address: 47 Syracuse Street | Baldwinsville, NY 13027 Phone: 315-635-5762 Fax: 315-635-8137 Email: stmarysbville@syrdio.org Or Complete the Form Below Thank You for Contacting Us

Outreach Ministries Lenten Fish Fry Looking for some delicious fish fry during the Lenten season? Look no further than our Lenten Fish Fry! For over 35 years, the St. Mary's Fish Dinners have been a community-wide annual event! Our kitchen and dining room is staffed completely by volunteers, and we serve up some of the best fried fish and clam dinners around!! Delicious desserts baked by our wonderfully talented parishioners are available for sale with proceeds benefitting the youth ministry programs of St. Mary's, St. Augustine's, and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. 2026 Fish Fry dates are February 20, 27, March 6, 13, 20, and 27. Please note there is no Fish Fry on Good Friday, April 3rd. Please click here to sign up to bake a dessert for the fish fry. Lenten Fish Fry Menu

"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! Button 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 more about you. Button 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. Button 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

Current Bulletin Click below to view this week's bulletin to keep up to date on the latest in our ministries and events! View this week's bulletin Would you rather have the bulletin emailed to you each week? Register to receive our weekly email update, which includes a link to the following Sunday's bulletin, so you'll be the first to know! Register for our weekly email Request a Bulletin Article Would you like to submit an article for the bulletin? Click here for guidelines & deadlines. 2023 Bulletin Archive 2023 Bulletin Archive 01/1/2023 01/08/2023 01/15/2023 01/22/2023 01/29/2023 02/5/2023 02/12/2023 03/26/2023 05/07/2023 06/18/2023 02/19/2023 02/26/2023 03/5/2023 04/02/2023 04/9/2023 04/16/2023 05/14/2023 05/21/2023 05/28/2023 06/25/2023 07/02/2023 07/09/2023 03/12/2023 04/23/2023 06/04/2023 07/16/2023 03/19/2023 04/30/2023 06/11/2022 07/23/2023 07/30/2023 08/06/2023 08/13/2023 08/20/2023 08/27/2023 09/03/2023 09/10/2023 09/17/2023 09/24/2023 10/01/2023 10/08/2023 10/15/2023 10/22/2023 10/29/2023 11/05/2023 11/12/2023 11/19/2023 11/26/2023 12/03/2023 12/10/2023 12/17/2023 12/24/2023 12/31/2023 2022 Bulletin Arhive 2022 Bulletin Archive 01/02/2022 01/09/2022 01/16/2022 01/23/2022 01/30/2022 02/06/2022 02/13/2022 03/27/2022 05/08/2022 06/19/2022 02/20/2022 02/27/2022 04/03/2022 04/10/2022 05/15/2022 05/22/2022 06/26/2022 07/03/2022 03/06/2022 04/17/2022 05/29/2022 07/10/2022 03/13/2022 04/24/2022 06/05/2022 07/17/2022 03/20/2022 05/01/2022 06/12/2022 07/24/2022 07/31/2022 08/07/2022 08/14/2022 08/21/2022 08/28/2022 09/04/2022 09/11/2022 09/18/2022 09/25/2022 10/02/2022 10/09/2022 10/16/2022 10/23/2022 10/30/2022 11/06/2022 11/13/2022 11/20/2022 11/27/2022 12/04/2022 12/11/2022 12/18/2022 12/25/2022 2021 Bulletin Archive 2021 Bulletin Archive 01/03/2021 01/10/2021 01/17/2021 01/24/2021 01/31/2021 02/07/2021 02/14/2021 02/21/2021 02/28/2021 03/07/2021 03/14/2021 03/21/2021 03/28/2021 05/09/2021 06/20/2021 04/04/2021 05/16/2021 06/27/2021 04/11/2021 04/18/2021 04/25/2021 05/23/2021 05/30/2021 06/06/2021 07/11/2021 07/18/2021 07/25/2021 05/02/2021 06/13/2021 08/01/2021 08/08/2021 08/15/2021 08/22/2021 08/29/2021 09/05/2021 09/12/2021 09/19/2021 09/26/2021 10/03/2021 10/10/2021 10/17/2021 10/24/2021 10/31/2021 11/07/2021 11/14/2021 11/21/2021 11/28/2021 12/05/2021 12/12/2021 12/19/2021 12/26/2021 2020 Bulletin Archive 2020 Bulletin Archive 01/05/2020 02/16/2020 04/05/2020 05/17/2020 06/28/2020 01/12/2020 02/23/2020 04/12/2020 05/24/2020 07/05/2020 01/19/2020 03/01/2020 01/26/2020 03/15/2020 02/02/2020 03/22/2020 04/19/2020 04/26/2020 05/03/2020 05/31/2020 06/07/2020 06/14/2020 07/12/2020 07/19/2020 07/26/2020 02/09/2020 03/29/2020 05/10/2020 06/21/2020 08/02/2020 08/09/2020 08/16/2020 08/23/2020 08/30/2020 09/06/2020 09/13/2020 09/20/2020 09/27/2020 10/04/2020 10/11/2020 10/18/2020 10/25/2020 11/01/2020 11/08/2020 11/15/2020 11/22/2020 11/29/2020 12/06/2020 12/13/2020 12/20/2020 12/27/2020 2019 Bulletin Anchor 2019 Bulletin Archive 01/06/2019 02/17/2019 03/31/2019 05/12/2019 06/23/2019 01/13/2019 02/24/2019 04/07/2019 05/19/2019 06/30/2019 01/20/2019 03/03/2019 01/27/2019 03/10/2019 02/03/2019 03/17/2019 04/14/2019 04/21/2019 04/28/2019 05/26/2019 06/02/2019 06/09/2019 07/07/2019 07/14/2019 07/21/2019 02/10/2019 03/24/2019 05/05/2019 06/16/2019 07/28/2019 08/04/2019 08/11/2019 08/18/2019 08/25/2019 09/01/2019 09/08/2019 09/15/2019 09/22/2019 09/29/2019 10/06/2019 10/13/2019 10/20/2019 10/27/2019 11/03/2019 11/10/2019 11/17/2019 11/24/2019 12/01/2019 12/08/2019 12/15/2019 12/22/2019 12/29/2019

Parish Support Ministries Altar Care Altar Care Our Altar Care ministry is responsible for keeping the church ready for Masses and parish functions through a weekly cleaning schedule. Teams of 2-3 people are scheduled on a rotating basis for the entire year (roughly 5-6 weeks each year). New schedules are sent out to team members in November of each year. Cleaning guidelines are posted in the work sacristy in the back hallway of the Church, and cleaning should take the team about 30 minutes. Altar Linens Altar Linens Our Altar Linen Ministry is responsible for keeping the altar linens that are used at weekend liturgies washed and pressed through a monthly schedule. Volunteers are scheduled 1-2 months out of the year to participate in this ministry, and training is provided on how to properly launder and press the linens. Finance Comittee Finance Committee Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (Eucharistic Ministers) serve our parish community by distributing Holy Communion at weekend and special liturgies. A training session is required for first-time ministers of the parish. Re-training sessions are also available for ministers who would like a refresher. Ministers are scheduled approximately once every four weeks (or more often if they choose) at the Mass of their choice. Eucharistic Ministers must be fully initiated (c onfirmed) in the Catholic faith. Eucharistic Ministers must also dress appropriately. (No flip flops, jeans, or shorts. Women may wear sandals, but they must be make sure they can go up and down the Sanctuary steps safely. Gentlemen should wear a dress shirt with dress pants or dress Dockers. Women should wear a blouse and skirt or slacks, or a dress. The length of the skirt or dress should be appropriate for church. Grounds Care Grounds Care Grounds Care is a ministry dedicated to maintaining and beautifying our church, rectory, school, and chapel house grounds. It requires one large spring clean up scheduled for one morning in May of each year. In addition, there are 10 garden spots within the grounds that volunteers may "adopt" and weed at least 4 times during the summer months (June, July, August, and September - one time per month). Notification of the annual spring clean up is communicated during the first week of May through parish communications. Money Counters Money Counters Money (collection) counters count and deposit the weekend collections. There are 6 teams of 3 people who meet on Sunday morning, immediately following the 9:00am Mass. Teams are scheduled monthly on a rotating basis, serving 2 times per year. Volunteers for this ministry should have basic math skills, the ability to use a calculator (adding machine), and money handling skills, while not required, would be a plus. All members of this ministry are required to maintain confidentiality. Photo Video Photographer / Videographer Are you an amateur photographer or videographer? Would you be willing to put your gifts and talents to use for the parish? St. Mary's is trying to develop a more visual presence in the bulletin as well as on our website and on social media. To do this we need people who would be willing to take photographs and video at our many events as the year unfolds. The frequency of the commitment would be based on availability. Ministry Requirements All photographers/videographers must be current with their Safe Environment training through the Diocese of Syracuse. If you would like to volunteer and have not been certified through Safe Environment, you must take the initial training course and complete the required background check before you will be allowed to volunteer in this capacity. All photos taken at parish events that include children must be turned over to the parish and removed from personal devices, per the Safe Environment policy.

Ministries Adult Faith Formation Adult Faith Formation Inspiring Adults to Have a Close Personal Relationship with God Adult Faith Formation at St. Mary's is dedicated to assisting adults in having a close personal relationship with God by offering programs that will increase knowledge of our Catholic faith and inspire spiritual growth. Adult Faith also offers adults the opportunity to share their baptismal gifts with the parish and community. Finally, we strive to inspire adults to be apostolic disciples who proclaim the mission of Jesus Christ. For information on events check the bulletin, parish weekly update email, and website calendar for current faith opportunities or contact Renée Romance at reneerministry@gmail.com or call the parish office at 315-635-5762. Click here to learn more about our Adult Faith Formation opportunities, including the Men's Group, Women of Faith Group and Scripture Study . Youth Faith Formation Youth Faith Formation Teaching Our Youth to Learn, Love, & Live Their Catholic Faith St. Mary's and St. Augustine's Faith Formation programs come together for classes and meet at both parishes. For complete details regarding program registration, sacrament preparation, and upcoming events, please visit our St. Augustine's & St. Mary's youth website. Click here to visit our youth website, sasmyouth.org. Youth Ministry Youth Ministry Growing in Faith Together Our goal for Youth Group is for our St. Mary's & St. Augustine's teens in grades 6 - 12 to learn and grow in their faith, as well as to have a lot of fun—playing games, eating great food, and enjoying our time together! Not only do the teens have a great time, in many cases, Youth Group meetings count towards the credit hours they need for Faith Formation, too. To learn more about Youth Ministry and to discover our upcoming events, please visit our St. Augustine's & St. Mary's youth website. Click here to visit our youth website, sasmyouth.org. St. Mary's Academy St. Mary's Academy St. Mary's Academy Where Faith and Knowledge Meet We are proud of our Catholic school and proud to be able to share Jesus's teachings with our young children. For over 63 years, St. Mary's Academy has continued the tradition of providing academic excellence in a Catholic, faith-filled community. Click here to visit the St. Mary's Academy website . Liturgical Ministries Liturgical Ministries Opportunities to Deepen Your Faith Liturgical Ministries ensure that parishioners are provided with opportunities to deepen their faith through a variety of experiences and liturgical celebrations. Click a link below to learn more about each of the liturgical ministries: Altar Servers Children's Liturgy of the Word Greeters, Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, Ushers, & Sacristans Music Ministry Outreach Ministries Outreach Ministries Assisting With The Needs of Others Our Parish Outreach Ministries work to assist with the needs of those in our parish and wider community, especially the poor and under-served, and identify resources to meet these needs, enlisting the active cooperation of parishioners. We often partner with other agencies in our community to provide assistance, and are always looking for new opportunities to make a difference. Click a link below to learn more about each of the liturgical ministries: Homebound Eucharistic Ministers Bereavement Support & Funeral Ministries Monthly Food & Seasonal Collections Men's Shelter Sandwich Making Team Parish Community Luncheon Turkey Day Race Food Drive Lenten Fish Fry Parish Support Ministries Parish Support Ministries Rooted in Stewardship Our Parish Support Ministries are those that concern all aspects of parish finance and budget, personnel, church and fundraising coordination, and upkeep of physical facilities and properties of the parish. The activities of these ministries are firmly rooted in the Biblical concept of stewardship. Click a link below to learn more about each of the parish support ministries: Altar Care Altar Linens Finance Committee Fundraising Committee Grounds Care Money (Collection) Counters Parish Office Volunteer Photographer/Videographer Respect Life Respect Life Rooted in the Love of Christ The Respect Life Ministry seeks to inspire a community that celebrates life by fostering respect for the dignity of the person as a unique and unrepeatable child of God. Rooted in the love of Christ, we seek to serve those in the parish and wider community by affirming the value of all from conception until natural death. This is accomplished through opportunities for prayer, service, education and advocacy on life issues. Click a link below to learn more: Bishop Cunningham's letter regarding the Abortion Expansion Bill The tragedy of abortion absolutism and how the pro-life movement can respond NY bishops decry new abortion law signed on Roe anniversary Explainer: What New York's abortion law does and does not do Syracuse Diocese Office of Respect Life United States Conference of Catholic Bishops - Human Life and Dignity

Landscaping Locations

Our Faith Formation / Youth Ministry Team Our Team Contact Us Form

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.