Sacraments At the heart of our Catholic identity is the celebration of the Eucharist and the Sacraments of the Church on a regular basis. Our faith calls us to continually renew our belief in the presence of the Lord in our lives and world, by gathering with the community frequently to celebrate Sunday Mass and the Sacraments. Sacramental preparation is part of the ministry of religious education and formation for members of the parish. Sacraments are celebrated in accord with Canon Law and diocesan policies. It is understood that all who request the reception and celebration of Sacraments are to be registered and active members of the parish. St. William Parish holds preparation sessions and activities for all the Sacraments.
Baptism Parents who wish to have their child baptized are to be active participating members of the parish and are required to attend a parent preparation session. This meeting includes an overview of the history and theology of Baptism, an explanation of the Rite itself and suggestions for creating a Catholic environment at home. The parent preparation session is held quarterly in September, November, March and June. Baptism is celebrated on the third Sunday of the month during the weekend liturgy or after the 11:00am Mass. For older children or adults seeking Baptism, the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults and the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults Adapted for Children is offered on a yearly basis beginning in September.
Eucharist The weekend celebrations of Eucharist (Mass) are of prime importance to the identity and life of the parish. All members should be attending Mass on a regular basis in support of the community and mission of the Church. Weekend Masses are at 5:00pm on Saturday, and 8:30am and 11:00am (Winter)/10:30am (Summer) on Sunday. Weekday Mass is celebrated Tuesday through Friday at 8:30am, and Holy Day Masses are at 8:30am and 7:00pm unless otherwise noted in the weekly bulletin.
Reconciliation As part of our ongoing conversion and desire to be in union with the community and Church, the Sacrament of Reconciliation is celebrated each Saturday at 4:00pm or by appointment. Communal Reconciliation Services are scheduled periodically and during the Lent and Advent season.
First Reconciliation and First Eucharist Traditionally children are prepared for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist during the second grade. Parents are required to participate in the Parent Preparation program and to continue this preparation at home with their child. The preparation program for parents is in accord with diocesan policy and consists of four (4) meetings between October and March. Students are prepared in their religious education classes throughout the year. First Reconciliation is usually celebrated in January and First Eucharist in May.
Confirmation Confirmation is celebrated biannually for 8th grade students or older with the Bishop. Those who are to celebrate the sacrament are required to participate in a preparation program in accord with diocesan policy. Confirmation is celebrated according to the schedule of the Bishop, usually in the Fall of the year. The preparation program is scheduled accordingly.
Marriage A comprehensive program for those preparing for Christian marriage begins with meetings between the couple and pastor. Couples are to attend a diocesan sponsored Marriage Preparation retreat day in accord with diocesan policy. To celebrate the Sacrament of Marriage, the parish priest must be notified at least six (6) months in advance of the planned wedding. It is presumed that those desiring marriage in the Church are registered active members of the parish.
Anointing of the Sick The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick can be celebrated at any time and is available upon request to those in need and is usually administered in the hospital when being visited by the priest. Anyone who is anticipating a hospital stay, surgery, or becomes ill should be anointed whenever possible. A yearly Rite of the Anointing of the Sick is also held at weekend masses.
Holy Orders Those who are considering religious life or priesthood can contact the Parish Office or the Diocesan Vocation Office for more details.
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Parish Prayer
Loving God,
Through the waters of baptism
you have called us by name,
and invited us to share
in the ministry of Jesus.
In our human weakness,
help us to respond
in prayer and thanksgiving,
to your call
to be a light to each other
and to the world.
Continue to form us in your body
centered in your Eucharist.
We ask you,
to give us the vision
to know your mission,
and to make it visible
in our parish of St. William,
and to the world.
~Amen~