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Anointing of the Sick Anointing of the Sick (back to top) The Anointing of the Sick, can be celebrated individually (at home, in the hospital, in a nursing home), or during a special mass of healing. The priest anoints the person’s forehead and hands with the blessed oil and prays that Jesus will bring healing and consolation to the sick person. The sacrament is offered to anyone with a serious illness, chronic condition, or who is elderly.Baptism Preparation (back to top) This sacrament signifies the beginning of our life in the church, frees us from original sin, takes away any personal sins, and gives grace for us to live as Christians. We are reborn of the water and the Spirit and share in the life of the risen Jesus. Parents wishing to have their infant children (less than 6 years old) baptizes at St. Juan Diego are required to attend a series of three classes prior to baptism. The classes are “Why Baptism: a Theological Background”, “Raising your Children Catholic”, and “Baptism, the Rite”. The classes are held about 3 times a year, usually offered on consecutive Tuesday evenings, from 7 to 9 pm. You must be a registered parishioner for your child to be baptized.Confirmation Preparation (back to top) In Confirmation, our youth (high school freshman through seniors) affirm their baptism promises, renew their commitment to the Catholic faith, and accept their responsibility as followers of Jesus. During the celebration the Bishop or Priest lays his hands on the head of the ones to be confirmed and anoints the forehead with chrism (holy oil). By these actions they are sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit. Confirmation classes will begin in September. Confirmation candidates will also participate in service projects and are required to make a retreat during the year they are to be Confirmed. Confirmation will be in the Spring after Easter. Saint Juan Diego Parish confirms every other year.Marriage Preparation (back to top) The Sacrament of Marriage, celebrates the lifelong love of a man and woman for each other. Their vows express the covenant, or special bond of love, between the husband and wife. Through their married love, spouses may become co-creators with God by bringing new life into the world. Marriage preparation provides support and assistance in discernment to couples wanting to be married. Participation in this program is a requirement for couples wishing to be married in the Catholic Church. Couples must contact the priest or coordinators at least six months prior to their wedding date.R. C. I. A. (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)(back to top) R.C.I.A., is an ongoing process designed to welcome, catechize and accept new members into the Catholic Church. The Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) are celebrated at the Easter Vigil (the night before Easter Sunday). “I was a stranger and you welcomed Me.” Mt. 25:36Reconciliation (Confession) (back to top) When we sin, we make a conscious choice to turn away from God and one another. Through the sacrament of Reconciliation, we can experience a conversion, a turning back, to God and the Church community. We talk to the Priest about what we have done wrong, expressing our sorrow and our willingness to change. The Priest blesses us and says the words of absolution, forgiving our sins in the name of Jesus and the Church. Weekly Reconciliation is on Saturday at 4:00pm at the Church before the 5:00pm Mass.Sacramental Preparation for Reconciliation and Eucharist (back to top) The Sacramental Preparation, for our young people who will be receiving their First Reconciliation and First Eucharist, (usually children in the second or third grade) is a community centered program. The preparation is integrated into the year long Faith Formation classes. There are also family sessions for both First Eucharist and First Reconciliation so the parents can be fully involved in their child’s preparation for First Reconciliation in December and First Eucharist after Easter. The weekend before First Eucharist is traditionally our First Eucharist retreat weekend. This retreat is usually held on Sunday afternoon at a neighboring parish (only for another year hopefully) and includes a practice of the First Eucharist Mass, interviews with Fr. John, making bread and other fun activities. We strive to have all the children involved in this liturgy including singing, reading, taking up the gifts, etc. First Reconciliation is to be completed before First Eucharist.Form more information please call the office at 503-644-1617. |