Our Lord tied the forgiveness of sins to faith and Baptism: "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation. He who believes and is baptized will be saved." Baptism is the first and chief sacrament of forgiveness of sins because it unites us with Christ, who died for our sins and rose for our justification, so that "we too might walk in newness of life."
- Catechism of the Catholic Church (977)
Baptisms are usually celebrated on the first and third Sunday of each month following the 11:00 AM Mass. Baptismal classes are usually held on the first Tuesday of each month at 7:00PM in the Parish Center. Registered Parishioners wishing to have their child baptized should call the Parish Office, and, at that time, basic information will be asked and the dates will be given for the Baptismal class. First-time parents MUST attend this preparation class before the Baptism of the child. It is recommended that this class be taken after the birth of the child.
The forgiveness of sins committed after baptism is conferred by a particular sacrament called the sacrament of conversion, confession, penance, or reconciliation.
- Catechism of the Catholic Church 1486
All Confessions are on Saturday 11am - 12pm and following the 5pm Mass.
The Mass is at the same time, and inseparably, the sacrificial memorial in which the sacrifice of the cross is perpetuated and the sacred banquet of communion with the Lord's body and blood. But the celebration of the Eucharistic sacrifice is wholly directed toward the intimate union of the faithful with Christ through communion. To receive communion is to receive Christ himself who has offered himself for us.
- Catechism of the Catholic Church (1382)
The Sacrament of Communion takes place in 2nd grade. Please call the parish center for more information.
For by the sacrament of Confirmation, [the baptized] are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit. Hence, they are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed.
- Catechism of the Catholic Church 1285
The Sacrament of Confirmation takes place in the fall of 8th grade year. Please call the parish center for more information.
"The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life, is by its nature ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring; this covenant between baptized persons has been raised by Christ the lord to the dignity of a sacrament."
- Catechism of the Catholic Church (1601)
Please call the parish office at least one year in advance to begin the process.
Since the beginning, the ordained ministry has been conferred and exercised in three degrees: that of bishops, that of presbyters, and that of deacons. The ministries conferred by ordination are irreplaceable for the organic structure of the Church: without the bishop, presbyters, and deacons, one cannot speak of the Church.
- Catechism of the Catholic Church 1593
Any young man discerning a call to the priesthood may contact the Office of Vocations for the Diocese of Metuchen.
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick has as its purpose the conferral of a special grace on the Christian experiencing the difficulties inherent in the condition of grave illness or old age. Each time a Christian falls seriously ill, he may receive the Anointing of the Sick, and also when, after he has received it, the illness worsens.
- Catechism of the Catholic Church 1528-1529
Anyone in need of the Anointing of the Sick may call the rectory and ask for a priest at any time.