Sacramental Preparation

Baptism:
Preparation for parents (required) and godparents (required) is offered on the first Monday of odd numbered months at 7:00 p.m. Childcare is not provided. Baptisms are celebrated at scheduled masses or on the first and third Sunday at noon. Are you seeking Baptism for a child over the age of 7? Contact the parish office for information and direction.

Reconciliation and Eucharist:
Preparation for First Reconciliation (Confession) and First Communion is part of the 2nd Grade Religious Formation curriculum. Workshops for parents and children are scheduled throughout the year. First Communion is celebrated individually or at communal First Communion Masses. Contact the parish office. For preparation of children in third grade and above, teens and adults, please contact the parish office.

Confirmation:
Preparation for Confirmation is provided in the 10th grade. In addition to RE classes, young people are encouraged to do community service and to participate in the confirmation retreat. Contact the parish office.

Anointing of the Sick:
Through the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, the Church prays with and for those who are ill and suffering. Parishioners who are ill or facing surgery or other medical procedure are asked to call the parish office to arrange for the sacrament. It may be celebrated either at the Church or home or in the hospital or nursing home. Additionally a communal celebration of the Sacrament is offered twice a year. For more information or to request this Sacrament, please call the parish office.

Holy Orders:
Within our Catholic tradition, there are three degrees of the Sacrament of Holy Orders: Deacon, Priest and Bishop. Anyone interested in a vocation to the Diaconate or Priesthood or religious life is invited to call Fr. Samuel at the parish office.

Adult Sacramental Preparation:
Baptized Catholic adults seeking the sacraments of Eucharist or Reconciliation for the first time or Confirmation are prepared in conjunction with our RCIA process as well as separate preparation sessions. Candidates generally receive Eucharist and Reconciliation for the first time upon completion of their preparation. Confirmations are generally celebrated on the Feasts of Christ the King and Pentecost. Contact parish office.

R.C.I.A. (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults):
Through this process, nonbaptized adults (over the age of 7) are prepared for membership in the Catholic Church through Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. Adults baptized in other Christian traditions also participate in the R.C.I.A. and make a Profession of Faith and receive Confirmation and Eucharist. Ongoing Inquiry Sessions are offered at various times throughout the year. Contact the parish office.

Matrimony:
Couples desiring to be married should contact the parish office 6 to 12 months prior to the anticipated wedding date. At least on of the parties must be a practicing Catholic and a member of St. Francis parish. Various diocesan and parish programs are required aspects of marriage preparation. An introductory session is offered on the 2nd Monday of January, March, May, July September and November @ 7:00 p.m. to review the process and guidelines for preparation. A music and liturgy class is offered quarterly to assist couples in selecting appropriate music for their weddings. Call the church office for more information and to register for these sessions.

Catholics married in civil ceremonies or in non-Catholic churches, who seek to have their marriage recognized by the Catholic Church, are invited to call the Betsy Milligan at the parish office.

Couples who have entered a new marriage following a divorce (without an annulment) are encouraged to call the parish to discuss the process for having their present marriage bond recognized. Contact the parish office.

What is an annulment? An annulment is a declaration the Catholic Church that after careful investigation, flaws were discovered in the relationship that prevented it from becoming a sacramental marriage. An annulment is concerned mainly with the personal and spiritual aspects of marriage.

Does an annulment have any civil effects on my divorce? No. It does not erase the civil contract. It merely states that after thorough investigation, the Church has decided that a marriage, as the Church understands marriage, was not valid. The Church annulment has no effect on child support, property rights, alimony, or any other civil matter.

Does an annulment affect the legitimacy of children? No. The Church considers children to be a gift from God; therefore, the law of the Church states that children born of a marriage that is later declared to be invalid are legitimate.