Each time we receive a sacrament, we respond in a fresh way to Jesus’ call to discipleship. Therefore, the decision to receive a sacrament belongs to the individual. However, in the case of children, readiness to receive the sacrament is discerned by the child in concert with his/her parents and the clergy of the parish. Careful preparation, catechesis, and prayerful attention to growth in faith must precede the decision to receive a sacrament for the first time. Accordingly, the parish provides programs for preparation for the Sacraments of Baptism, First Reconciliation, First Eucharist, Confirmation and Matrimony. Policies and programs which meet diocesan and parish requirements for the reception of individual sacraments are summarized in this section.
Baptism
Baptism is the foundation for all sacramental life. It is the first of the three sacraments of initiation, with First Eucharist and Confirmation to follow. Through baptism we are freed from sin and initiated into the Christian community of believers.
Parents seeking Baptism are encouraged to contact the parish office soon after the birth of their child. Baptisms must be scheduled in advance so that parents and godparents may prepare for the sacrament.
Baptisms are celebrated throughout the year. As the first educators of their children in the faith, parents will be asked to attend one session to become familiar with the Rite of Baptism. They will be invited to reflect on their own Christian faith. Parents will be asked consider their role in the Rite and the responsibilities of their decision to baptize their child.
Reconciliation & Eucharist
Parents seeking First Reconciliation and First Eucharist for their child are encouraged to contact the Parish Office for more information about registering. Children must at least be entering the second grade to begin preparation. The role of parents as the first and best educators of their children is emphasized.
Children preparing for the sacraments are to be enrolled in the parish’s Faith Formation process. Children prepare for the Sacrament of Reconciliation prior to preparation for First Eucharist. Children may prepare for both sacraments within the same calendar year.
Children who are 7 years or older and have not been baptized in the Roman Catholic Church are invited to participate in the R.C.I.A. Process.
Confirmation
The Sacrament of Confirmation is available to those who seek it. Our parish takes pride in our two year Confirmation program that includes a dynamic curriculum, service to our parish and community, retreats, and youth ministry. Be part of our Faith Formation program at any time to start your journey to Confirmation.
Adult Confirmation
Are you an active practicing Catholic who missed the Sacrament of Confirmation? We have ongoing formation programs through which adults can prepare and celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation. This process is for Catholic baptized adults who celebrated their First Eucharist.
R.C.I.A.
The R.C.I.A. process is for those interested in learning more about the Catholic Faith. For those who choose, the process leads to full initiation in the Catholic Church through the celebration of the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist. The journey varies according to individual needs and sacraments are celebrated throughout the year. This process is intended for: Unbaptized persons, those Baptized in another faith tradition, or Catholics who have not been fully catechized in their faith and wish to complete the Sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation. To learn more, visit our Being Catholic page.
Marriage Preparation
Please contact the rectory at least six months in advance of your planned marriage. You will be invited to meet with a priest or deacon to discuss the steps you must take for your wedding. In addition to interviews, each couple must complete Marriage Preparation as required by the Diocese of Syracuse. That includes Pre-Cana, a program that you will attend with your future spouse. Pre-Cana is offered several times a year either as a one-day weekend session or a multi-evening course. The course is widely available at parishes in the Binghamton area, although you are welcome to attend any Pre-Cana offered in the Syracuse Diocese.
Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick
A person does not need to be near death to receive anointing. This sacrament is for anyone who is ill, suffering or of advanced age. Please contact the rectory to arrange the sacrament. If death is imminent, please call as soon as possible to have a priest available.
By the sacred anointing and the prayer of the priest, the whole Church commends those who are sick to Christ. The sick person receives the Holy Spirit’s gifts of strength, faith, peace, and courage, and his or her suffering is united with the suffering of Christ for the building up of the Church.