Sacraments Explained

The whole liturgical life of the Church revolves around the Eucharistic sacrifice and the sacraments. There are seven sacraments in the Church: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony.

Sacraments are "powers that come forth" from the Body of Christ, which is ever-living and life-giving. They are actions of the Holy Spirit at work in his Body, the Church. They are "the masterworks of God" in the new and everlasting covenant.

Catechism of the Catholic Church 1113 & 1116

BAPTISM

Baptism is the first Sacrament of Initiation. If you wish to have your child Baptized please read the introduction below. If you are seeking to become Catholic or learn more about the Church please click here

Introduction to Child Baptism
For a child to be baptized in the Roman Catholic Church, there must be a basis for hope that the child will be raised in the Catholic faith. In practice, this generally means that at least one parent is a practicing Catholic. There is a pre-baptismal appointment with the pastor for the parents seeking baptism for their child. Parents wishing to have their children baptized at St. Bartholomew’s must be registered and active members of the parish.

If you are not a registered member but have been regularly attending at St. Bart’s, you are encouraged to register as a member. Call the parish office and request a meeting with the Pastor.

Age Consideration
The age range for baptism is infant through six years old. Children seven and older must participate in our faith formation program to prepare them for baptism.

Requirements for Godparents
Parents should choose a Godmother and Godfather who will take an active role in the faith formation of their child.

The church requires at least one Godparent who is a practicing, confirmed Catholic, age 16 or older. Two practicing Catholics are preferred. If necessary, a baptized non-Catholic Christian may be a Christian Witness for your child. People who are not baptized Christians cannot be sponsors for baptism, since they themselves are not baptized.

Baptism Liturgy
The child will be baptized by pouring water from the baptismal font over the baby's head.

Child’s Attire
A white garment is an ancient sign of the newly baptized Christian's new life in Christ. Your child's baptismal garment need not be a traditional baptismal or christening gown; it can be any clothing that is mainly white. The child wears the white garment throughout the service.

Stipend
A donation to the parish will suffice.

Schedule A Meeting
Once you’re ready to proceed with your child’s baptism, call the parish office to schedule a meeting with the Pastor.

THE SACRAMENT OF PENANCE AND RECONCILIATION

Those who approach the sacrament of Penance obtain pardon from God's mercy for the offense committed against him, and are, at the same time, reconciled with the Church which they have wounded by their sins and which by charity, by example, and by prayer labors for their conversion.
(Catechism of the Catholic Church 1422)

Confession Times
Saturday 4:00pm to 4:45 p.m.
Upon Request. Call Parish Office.

THE SACRAMENT OF THE EUCHARIST (FIRST COMMUNION)

The holy Eucharist completes Christian initiation. Those who have been raised to the dignity of the royal priesthood by Baptism and configured more deeply to Christ by Confirmation participate with the whole community in the Lord's own sacrifice by means of the Eucharist.

At the Last Supper, on the night he was betrayed, our Savior instituted the Eucharistic sacrifice of his Body and Blood. This he did in order to perpetuate the sacrifice of the cross throughout the ages until he should come again, and so to entrust to his beloved Spouse, the Church, a memorial of his death and resurrection: a sacrament of love, a sign of unity, a bond of charity, a Paschal banquet 'in which Christ is consumed, the mind is filled with grace, and a pledge of future glory is given to us.
(Catechism of the Catholic Church 1322 & 1323)

For information on Sacramental Preparation for Children or Adults click here http://adult-faith-formation.weebly.com/

THE SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION

Baptism, the Eucharist, and the Sacrament of Confirmation together constitute the "sacraments of Christian Initiation”, whose unity must be safeguarded. It must be explained to the faithful that the reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace.
(Catechism of the Catholic Church 1285)

For information on Sacramental Preparation for Children or Adults click here http://adult-faith-formation.weebly.com/

THE SACRAMENT OF MARRIAGE OR HOLY MATRIMONY

Marriage Preparation – Pre-Cana
In the Catholic Church, marriage preparation is known as Pre-Cana. This term is a Biblical reference to the Wedding Feast at Cana where Jesus performed his first miracle of turning water into wine.

Prenuptial Investigation:
This process asks for general and sacramental information of the couple's freedom to marry within the Catholic Church.

Affidavit Regarding the Free Status of Bride or Groom:
Parents of the couples could be required to complete a form, testifying of the couple's free status to marry.

Current Certificate of Baptism with Notations:
Catholics must present a current Baptism Certificate with Notations that must be requested from the church of Baptism within the Pre-Cana preparation time. The notations will document any additional sacraments obtained by the individual since their baptism. Original baptism certificates cannot be used. Baptized non-Catholics should provide an original certificate or letter acknowledging baptism if at all possible.

FOCCUS Inventory Completion:
This instrument is used to help couples assess important areas such as spiritual beliefs, finances, children, etc., in an effort to promote awareness and understanding.

Marriage Preparation takes time, especially when so many personal and work schedules must be considered. Couples are encouraged to begin this process no later than six months prior to the proposed wedding date. Call the parish office to make an appointment with the Pastor to begin the Pre-Cana process.

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY ORDERS

Holy Orders is the sacrament through 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, presbyterate, and diaconate.
(Catechism of the Catholic Church 1536)

For more information on becoming a priest or permanent deacon call the parish office to speak with a priest.

THE ANOINTING OF THE SICK

By the sacred anointing of the sick and the prayer of the priests the whole Church commends those who are ill to the suffering and glorified Lord, that he may raise them up and save them and indeed she exhorts them to contribute to the good of the People of God by freely uniting themselves to the Passion and death of Christ.
(Catechism of the Catholic Church 1499)

Please do not hesitate to call the priest for a sick family member or friend at any point or time. Often Catholics think that the sacrament is only for those who are at the point of death. This is wrong because the Sacrament is also a sacrament of healing.

To arrange for a priest visit for anointing of the sick, please call the Parish Office at: 914-965-0566

Healing Mass

We celebrate a Mass of Healing for our sick ones once every quarter. Call the parish office for the next Mass of healing. If your sick one cannot make it, still come and pray for them.

Attach a video from Busted Hallo on “Sacraments 101: Anointing of the Sick (who it’s for)
Catechism of the Catholic Church links:

The Sacraments