Sacraments

Our community celebration of this sacrament is at various times during the year. It affords an opportunity for our faith community to gather with those suffering from any serious physical or mental illness, chronic illness, those about to undergo surgery, and the elderly, to show their concern and to pray with the sick and suffering. Those who are blessed with good health can share this blessing by reaching out to the sick in our community, inviting them to attend, and, if needed, provide transportation and support.

Individual or family celebration of this sacrament can take place at any time; please contact the rectory office.

Baptism is usually celebrated during a regularly scheduled mass on the second and fourth Sundays of the month by appointment. For reason, Baptism may be celebrated on Sunday afternoon.

Couples are required to attend the baptismal preparation program before baptism of their child. Parents are responsible for selecting the godparents. Since the essential role of the godparents is their example of living the faith, all godparents should be Catholic and should be someone with whom the child will have frequent contact. However, it is permissible for one person to be of another faith in which case he or she is called a Christian witness.

Classes are held four times a year, ordinarily the second Sunday of the month at Our Lady of Mercy Church for parents and godparents.

Those who are not registered in the parish may have their children baptized here if they wish. However, permission must be received in writing from the parish in which they are registered members.

Since Lent is a time of baptismal preparation, no baptisms are performed during this season.

Formal Confirmation preparation is a two-and-a-half year process. Individuals may enter the program in grade nine or later. Those attending a Catholic high school are not required to participate in the first year of this process. Those celebrating the sacrament of Confirmation, according to Diocesan policy, must be in grade 11 or older, have been baptized, and have completed all requirements.

Any adults wishing to be confirmed should contact the rectory office.

First Eucharist preparation is the curriculum for the third grade program. Individuals must have celebrated the sacraments of Baptism and Reconciliation prior to the celebration of their first Eucharist. A full year of formal religious instruction is mandatory before a child may begin the year of eucharistic preparation. Students are required to participate in a retreat day as part of the preparation program. Parental involvement and support is essential during periods of sacramental preparation.

Any adults wishing to participate in first Eucharist are invited to participate in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) program. Contact the pastoral minister for details.

The Common Policy of Marriage of the Diocese of Erie requires that couples intending to be married in the Church contact the priest of the parish at least six months prior to the date of the wedding. Pre-Cana Conferences or Engagement Encounters are required of all couples entering marriage.

A brochure on the Common Policy of Marriage is available upon request.

Parish Celebrations during Advent and Lent
Weekly Celebrations
Saturday 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
After 7:00 p.m. Mass

First Reconciliation preparation is provided on the second grade level. A full year of formal religious instruction is required before a child may begin preparation for this sacrament. Older children will receive a specialized program.

Any adults wishing to participate in first Reconciliation are invited to participate in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). Contact the pastoral minister for details.