Sacraments

Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults [RCIA]

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a process of on-going conversion for adults who are seeking full communion with the Catholic Church through the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.  A separate, child-oriented RCIA process prepares children ages 7 and older for full sacramental initiation.

The Rite of Christian Initiation is for adults who have not yet been baptized, an adult from another Christian tradition who wishes to become a fully initiated Catholic, or a baptized adult Catholic who has not celebrated the sacraments of Confirmation and/or Eucharist.

Interested persons are encouraged to contact Sister Kathleen Wayne.  The process involves sessions with other interested people from the Monroe Clinton Planning Group parishes, participation at Sunday liturgies, prayer and sharing.

Sponsors are fully initiated practicing Catholics who share the RCIA who share the RCIA journey with those seeking to become Catholic.  Their presence provides ongoing support and enriches the conversation at the sessions.

For more information please contact:

Sister Kathleen Wayne, Director of Faith Formation for the MonroeClintonPlanning Group.  Phone: 271-7240 or kawmercyroch@yahoo.com

“Go and make disciples of all the nations. Baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that  I have commanded you.”

Confirmation of Children and Adults

“Recognizing that each person’s spiritual development is unique, readiness of each candidate, not age or grade level, is the determining factor for admission to the process for preparation for confirmation.” ~Taken from Sacramental Life in the Diocese of Rochester
Preparation for this sacrament takes place within the parish faith community.  A candidate’s desire for the sacrament is an important factor.

Regular participation in the mission of the community in an age appropriate way and the intention to continue to be formed in the faith are all part of determining readiness.

Confirmation is celebrated during the Easter Season at Sacred Heart Cathedral. For more information or to begin the process, please contact Sister Kathleen Wayne, RSM at kawmercyroch@yahoo.com

First Eucharist of Children

“A child in the process of Christian initiation is led gradually according to personal capacity, to participate fully in the Eucharist.  This continuing formation takes place in the midst of the family and parish communities.” ~ Taken from Sacramental Life in the Diocese of Rochester
St. Mary’s provides preparation sessions for parents and children who are ready to celebrate this sacrament. Readiness for the sacrament involves a child desiring to receive communion, regular participation in the worship life of the parish and involvement in ongoing faith formation either in the parish program or a Diocesan Catholic School.

Materials and sessions are age appropriate and are one way to assist parents in working at home with a child preparing for the sacrament.

For more information please contact Sister Kathleen Wayne, RSM at kawmercyroch@yahoo.com

Penance

“And Jesus said: ‘Neither do I condemn you.  Go on your way, and from now on do not sin again.’” ~ John 8:11
The Sacrament of Penance (sometimes called “confession” or “the sacrament of reconciliation”) is the great gift through which we enter into the mercy, forgiveness and peace of Christ in a new and deeper way.

Christ, who offered himself on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins, invites us to turn our hearts away from sin and to be faithful to the gospel of love he proclaims.  No sin is too great that it cannot be forgiven the one who turns humbly and hopefully to God.

Individual celebrations of the Sacrament of Penance can be made every Saturday afternoon between 4:00-4:45PM in the reconciliation room. If this time is impossible for you, please call Father Donnelly to make an appointment.

Communal penance services are celebrated prior to Christmas and Easter.  Please check the calendar of events for exact dates and times.

How to make a good confession:
1) Examine Your Conscience: humbly and prayerfully examine what it is you have done wrong, what the quality of your relationships (with yourself, with those around you and with God) is, and name how it is you want to improve.
2) Celebrate the Sacrament of Penance:
~ begin with the sign of the cross and trust in God’s mercy
~ mention how long it has been since your last confession
~ confess your sins
~ allow the priest to encourage your faith with a word from scripture
~ accept a penance of prayer, fasting, or good works suggested by you or by the priest
~ make an act of contrition or prayer asking for God’s mercy (the priest will help you if you have forgotten this prayer)
~ listen as the priest proclaims God’s forgiveness over with the sign of the cross
~ go in peace
3) Carry Out Your Penance: then complete your reconciliation with God and the Church by carrying out your penance and by celebrating the Eucharist on the next nearest Sunday (and always)
4) Continue to Live in God’s Love: through daily prayer, Sunday Mass and good choices – always trusting in God’s loving presence with you.

“God, the Father of mercies, through the death and resurrection of his Son, has reconciled the world to himself and sent the Holy Spirit among us for the forgiveness of sins; through the ministry of the Church, may God give you pardon and peace, I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit”.