Sacraments

The Latin word sacramentum means “a sign of the sacred.” The seven sacraments are opportunities that point to what is sacred, significant and important for Christians. They are sacred occasions for experiencing God’s saving presence. They are signs and instruments of God’s grace.

BAPTISM – For Catholics, the Sacrament of Baptism is the first step in a lifelong journey of commitment and discipleship. Whether we are baptized as infants or adults, Baptism is the Church’s way of celebrating and enacting the embrace of God.

Baptism for Infants – contact the Parish Secretary at 978-658-4665, X100. Baptisms are done on the 1st Sunday or the month at St. Thomas of Villanova Church and the 3rd Sunday of the month at St. Dorothy Church. Baptismal prep classes are held at St. Thomas of Villanova Church on the last Sunday of the month. All are held at 1:30pm.

Baptism for Adults – contact Deacon Joe Fagan, at 978-658-4665, X105

EUCHARIST – Catholics believe the Eucharist, or Communion, is both a sacrifice and a meal. We believe in the real presence of Jesus, who died for our sins. As we receive Christ’s Body and Blood, we also are nourished spiritually and brought closer to God.

First Eucharist for Children - contact Jeanie Pettengil, Director of Faith Formation at 978-658-4060

Eucharist for Adults (RCIA) – contact Deacon Joe Fagan, at 978-658-4665, X105

RECONCILIATION – The Sacrament of Reconciliation (also known as Penance, or Penance and Reconciliation) has three elements: conversion, confession and celebration. In it we find God’s unconditional forgiveness; as a result, we are called to forgive others.

First Reconciliation for Children - contact Jeanie Pettengil, Director of Faith Formation at 978-658-4060

Reconciliation for Adults - contact the Parish Secretary at 978-658-4665, x100 to make an appointment

CONFIRMATION – Confirmation is a Catholic Sacrament of mature Christian commitment and a deepening of baptismal gifts. It is one of the three Sacraments of Initiation for Catholics. It is most often associated with the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Confirmation for Youth – Jeanie Pettengil, Director of Faith Formation at 978-658-4060

Confirmation for Adults – Deacon Joe Fagan, at 978-658-4665, X105

MARRIAGE – For Catholics, the Sacrament of Marriage, or Holy Matrimony, is a public sign that one gives oneself totally to this other person. It is also a public statement about God: the loving union of husband and wife speaks of family values and also God’s values.

Marriage – Contact the Parish Secretary at 978-658-4665, X100

HOLY ORDERS – In the Sacrament of Holy Orders, or Ordination, the priest being ordained vows to lead other Catholics by bringing them the sacraments (especially the Eucharist), by proclaiming the Gospel, and by providing other means to holiness.

Holy Orders – Contact the Parish Secretary at 978-658-4665, X100

ANOINTING OF THE SICK – The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, formerly known as Last Rites or Extreme Unction, is a ritual of healing appropriate not only for physical but also for mental and spiritual sickness.

Anointing of the Sick – Contact the Parish Secretary at 978-658-4665, X100

For more information about the Sacraments, please visit the online version of the Catechism of the Catholic Church –http://ccc.usccb.org/flipbooks/catechism/index.html