BAPTISM
“I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
Infant Baptism: Baptism is seen as the starting point in the journey of faith for infants. It is also an opportunity for the parents, godparents, family members and the entire parish community to reflect upon the practice of one’s faith being lived out. There is requirement of a baptismal class (one-hour session) to parents and god-parents with the first child to be baptized.
Typically, the celebration takes place in the context of weekend liturgy and few weeks after the birth of the child. While Church law dictates that only one godparent needs to be an active, practicing Catholic, selection of individuals who value the gift of faith should always be given extreme significance. To schedule baptisms for your child please contact the parish office.
Adult Baptism: Unbaptized adults who wish to receive the Sacrament of Baptism usually participate in the “Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults” (RCIA) that is offered here at the parish throughout the year. To learn or join RCIA program, please contact the parish office.
HOLY ORDERS (VOCATION TO PRIESTHOOD)
Holy order is the sacrament though which the mission entrusted by Christ to his apostles continues to be exercised in the Church until the end of time: thus it is the sacrament of apostolic ministry. It includes three degrees: episcopate (bishops), presbyterate (priests) and diaconate (deacons). (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1536) “This sacrament configures the recipient to Christ by a special grace of the Holy Spirit, so that he may serve as Christ's instrument for his Church. By ordination one is enabled to act as a representative of Christ, Head of the Church, in his triple office of priest, prophet and king.” (CCC 1581)
If you feel that God is calling you to serve His Church as a priest, a permanent deacon, or a religious, please contact Diocese of Syracuse Office of Vocation Promotion 315-470-1468 or visit https://vocations-syracuse.org/
EUCHARIST
“Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who takes away the sins of the world. Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb.”
The celebration of the Eucharist is the source and summit of our Catholic faith. By the words of the priest and the faith of the community gathered, the simple elements of bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ. This is especially true when we gather to hear God’s Word and share the Eucharist each weekend.
Since the Second Vatican Council, greater emphasis has been placed on the significance of the liturgy principle sections: the Introductory Rites, the Liturgy of the Word, the Liturgy of the Eucharist, and the Concluding Rites.
Navigate into our website to know the schedules for the weekday and weekend liturgies. Navigate in our Faith Formation section of our website to see how our parish prepares our children for the First Eucharist. If you have any questions, please contact the parish office.
RECONCILIATION/PENANCE
“Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.’ And when he had said this, he breathed on them,
“Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained,” (John 20:21-23)
The Sacrament of Reconciliation (also known as Sacrament of Penance) is one of the most unique and beautiful aspects of Catholicism. Jesus Christ in His abundant love and mercy establish the Sacrament of Confessions, so that we as sinners can obtain forgiveness of our sins and reconcile with God and the Church. The Sacrament “washes us and clean,” and renews us in Christ. The Sacrament of healing is offered on Saturdays before the anticipated holy masses, and by appointment with the parish priest. Our parish and all the parishes in the diocese participate in “The Light Is On For You” campaign during the seasons of Lent and Advent to celebrate this Sacrament of healing. During those particular two days, all/many parishes in diocese the churches are open and the priests are at confessionals from 4:00PM to 7:00PM.
Navigate in our Faith Formation section of our website to see how our parish prepares our children for the First Reconciliation. If you have any question on this Sacrament, please contact the parish office.
CONFIRMATION
“Give them the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of right judgment and courage, the spirit of knowledge and reverence. Fill them with the spirit of wonder and awe in your presence.”
The celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation is at one time both a public affirmation of one’s faith and a humble, honest request for the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in one’s life.
Here at Blessed Sacrament Church, the Sacrament is ordinarily celebrated by one of the bishops of our diocese each spring. The candidates have gone through a two-year preparation process during their freshman and sophomore years of high school that involves study, scripture, sharing, service, and prayer. It is assumed by the parish community that the candidate has participated in the Faith Formation Program regularly to this point. At the outset, each candidate is asked to select a sponsor who will journey with them through the process. For more information
navigate in our Faith Formation section of our website to see how our parish prepares our high school youth to receive this Sacrament. If you have any question on this Sacrament, please contact the parish office.
ANOINTING OF THE SICK
“Through this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up. Amen”
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For too many years many Catholics believed that this sacrament was reserved only for those approaching death. Since the Second Vatican Council the elderly and infirm, those who are critically or chronically ill, and those about to undergo surgery or serious medical procedures, are also encouraged to receive this sacrament. In our parish the Anointing of the Sick is offered on a regular basis. We encourage our parishioners that when they are in the hospital or nursing homes, request this Sacrament through the hospital/nursing home chaplain or through your primary nurse who would contact the spiritual/pastoral care office for the Sacrament. If you have any question on this Sacrament or you would like to arrange receiving it from our parish priests, please contact the parish office.
MARRIAGE
“Heavenly Father, keep this couple always true to your commandments. Keep them faithful in marriage and let them be living examples of Christian life. Give them the strength that comes from the gospel so that they may be witnesses of Christ to others.”
“The sacrament of Matrimony signifies the union of Christ and the Church. It gives spouses the grace to love each other with the love with which Christ has loved his Church; the grace of the sacrament thus perfects the human love of the spouses, strengthens their indissoluble unity, and sanctifies them on the way to eternal life” — CCC 1161
Our parish requires a minimum six months’ notification of your intention to receive this Sacrament. During these six months, the couple will undergo pre-nuptial interview with the parish priest or deacon. Also the couples will undergo Marriage Preparation Seminar (Pre-Cana) which will address basic components of marriage such as the role of family and friends, future children, finances, communication skills, the practice of faith, and the ceremony itself. To learn more about our marriage preparation program in our parish and to schedule the wedding, please contact the parish office.
RCIA - Adult
Each year on Holy Saturday during the Easter Vigil, thousands are baptized into the Catholic Church in the United States. Parishes welcome these new Catholics through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). Listed below are some questions and answers about RCIA.
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The following roles are basic to an effective RCIA in a parish:
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RCIA Coordinator
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Spiritual Director
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Sponsor
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Godparent
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Liturgy Planner
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Hospitality Planner
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Prayer Partners
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Record Keeper
Many of the roles are currently vacant. Interested parties should contact Dc. Dan. The faith enrichment experiences of prospective Catholics are always enhanced when many participate in the formation and welcoming process.