Sacraments

The Sacrament of Baptism is the first of the Sacraments of Initiation into the Church. Ordinarily the sacrament is celebrated throughout the year either during one of the weekend Masses or as a family celebration after the noon Mass on Sunday. Parents are required to attend a preparation class before scheduling a child's Baptism. In collaboration with our cluster parish, St. Anselm, Baptism classes are offered throughout the year. Classes at St. Francis of Assisi are held on Sunday after the 10:00am Mass in September, January and May.

 

Older children who have not been Baptized are prepared either in a small group or as individuals depending on age and prior religious formation experiences.

 

RECONCILIATION

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered in the Church on Monday at 7:15 pm, Tuesday at 11:30 am, and Saturday at 3:30 pm. If necessary, the sacrament can also be arranged by contacting one of the priests. A Parish Communal Penance Service is offered during Advent and Lent alternately at St. Francis of Assisi or St. Anselm.

First Reconciliation is usually celebrated in the second grade during December or January. An extensive preparation program for the children includes classroom instruction, homeschool lessons, an orientation meeting for parents, an education meeting for parents, a retreat for the children, and a communal penance celebration of the sacrament.

For more information, please contact Meg Zetzer 440-449-7880 or 440-461-0066 ext 164

First Reconciliation and First Communion Registration

FIRST COMMUNION

The Sacrament of the Eucharist is a Sacrament of Initiation. Baptized adults who have not celebrated their First Holy Communion can contact Meg Zetzer at 440-449-7880 ext 164, to discuss your situation and to enroll in the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA).

Ordinarily, children are prepared to celebrate the Sacrament of the Eucharist in second grade. An extensive preparation program for the children includes classroom instruction, home-school lessons, an orientation meeting for parents, an education meeting for parents, a parent-child supper meeting, and a retreat for the children. The sacrament may be celebrated in a large group on a Saturday morning or in a small group during one of the weekend parish liturgies after Easter.

Older children who have not celebrated First Eucharist are prepared in a small group or as individuals depending on age and prior faith formation experiences.

First Reconciliation and First Communion Registration

Dynamic Catholic Blessed Videos

For more information, please contact Meg Zetzer at  440-449-7880

CONFIRMATION

Confirmation is a Sacrament of Initiation that completes the grace we received in Baptism. It seals, or confirms, this grace through the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. This sacrament also makes us better able to participate in the worship and apostolic life of the Church.

Preparation involves catechesis and instruction faith preparation which is led by the confirmation preparation team. It is augmented by speakers and an annual retreat. Monthly sacramental preparation sessions are also held for our young people and their parents and sponsors.

The two year preparation process is for young people in the grades seven and eight or older, and who have received the sacraments of Baptism and Eucharist, are invited to participate in the process. For more information, please contact Meg Zetzer, (440) 449-7880 ext 164.

Confirmation Preparation Registration

Decision Point Confirmation Program by Matthew Kelly

MARRIAGE

In order to adequately prepare for the Sacrament of Marriage, engaged couples should contact the Parish Office at least six months in advance to schedule their ceremony with one of the priests or deacons. The priest or deacon will meet a number of times with the engaged couple to get to know them and to help them prepare paperwork, plan their ceremony and guide them through their preparation for marriage.

Engaged couples participate in a one-day program called Pre-Cana in the spring at St. Francis of Assisi or in the fall at St. Anselm. A team of married couples share personal experiences and offer encouragement for couples planning to celebrate the Sacrament of Matrimony.

Contact the Parish Office to schedule your wedding, to arrange for pre-marriage preparation and to participate in Pre-Cana.

ANOINTING OF THE SICK

The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is offered as a communal experience twice a year in church after all of the Masses. Announcements will be made from the pulpit and in the bulletin. In addition, if you or a member of your family are in need of the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick on an individual basis, please call the Parish Office to arrange for a parish priest to visit.