Baptism

Families who wish to have their child baptized at St. Mary’s must participate in a preparation program involving the parish community. On the first Sunday of the month the families are introduced to the parish and an initial rite of welcoming is performed at Mass. This is followed by a meeting with couples from the parish for three brief sessions to discuss the meaning of baptism, the signs and symbols associated with the sacrament and Christian parenting. On the fourth Sunday at Mass the child is received into the family of Christ through the waters of baptism. Please contact the parish office to register for baptism preparation classes.

Eucharist

The Sacrament of the Eucharist is available at all regularly scheduled masses. If you or a family member are ill, homebound or hospitalized but wish to receive the Holy Communion, contact the parish office to request a visit from one of our Ministers to the Homebound. Privacy regulations at the hospital may not allow the parish to be notified in case of your hospitalization.

Reconciliation

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered every Saturday in the Church in both Spanish and English. See the bulletin for specific times. If you are not available during regularly scheduled times, please call the parish office to make an appointment with a priest. Prior to major holidays, additional opportunities are available to make this Sacrament. Details will be published in the bulletin and are also available from the parish office.

Confirmation

Confirmation is the sacrament where the Holy Spirit more profoundly effects the life of the recipient and strengthens our relationship with Christ. Confirmation ceremonies for those in grade or high school are held once a year in the spring. Date and times are determined by the Bishop of the Joliet Diocese.  Children from Grades 7-12 can make their First Confirmation by either being enrolled St. Mary School or in the Religious Education program. Parental involvement is necessary in the program children follow to prepare for their reception of the sacrament regardless of where the child receives their Religious Education.

Marriage

Marriage Preparation
Formation Program

We believe very strongly in the importance of good preparation before a couple enters into marriage. Your commitment to marry has already been made, yet there are many things you can still learn about each other. We expect that you will participate in our Marriage Formation Program.

While you are participating in our Marriage Formation Program, you will have an opportunity to review your experiences and discuss your readiness to enter into marriage. This includes planning your wedding liturgy, selecting your music and setting the rehearsal time.

The Marriage Formation Program consists of 8 sessions, which take place on Saturday mornings, generally twice each month, or on weeknights during the summer. An individual session takes place with the couple, one to two months prior to the wedding date, to select readings, prayers and music for your liturgy.

The marriage preparation materials, A Marriage in the Lord, are supplied by St. Mary’s.

In order to be married at St. Mary's Parish, at least one of the engaged couple needs to be a registered, active member of St. Mary's Parish. Please contact the parish office at least 6 months prior to your wedding to make arrangements.

Holy Orders

Priesthood is a Holy Order, in which a man is ordained to serve God as part of the ministerial priesthood of Jesus Christ. It is an incredible life of dedication to serving God's people. It is an amazing privilege to preside at the Eucharist, and to celebrate the other Sacraments. Priests are involved in some of the most important moments of people's lives: marriages, funerals, baptisms, reconciliation, counseling, etc. It is a life full of surprises and joys.
If you have ever felt called by God to serve Him as a priest or a deacon, it is important that you talk to someone about that call. Many people are called, but few people answer that call of the Lord. There is a great need all over the world for more vocations to the priesthood and religious life. If you are looking for guidance, feel free to contact one of the priests here at St. Mary's. You can also contact Fr. John Regan, who is the Vocation Director for the Diocese of Joliet.

The Diaconate (order of deacons) is also a Holy Order, in which a man can serve God as a married or a single person. Deacons are ordained to serve at the altar of the Lord, to preach the Gospel and to serve God's people. It is a life dedicated to service. A deacon learns to how balance a life of work, family and faith in ways that are both exciting and challenging.

Although Religious Sisters are not included in Holy Orders, this is another  beautiful way to serve the Lord.  At St. Mary's we have the privilege of having three sisters of the Hermanas Josephinas (Josephine Sisters) Order. They are very involved in the religious education, marriage and baptismal preparation, and overall pastoral work of our parish. If you are interested and feel called to religious life, contact one of the sisters here or feel free to talk to a priest.
 

Anointing of the Sick

The anointing of the sick is administered to bring spiritual and even physical strength during an illness, especially near the time of death. It is most likely one of the last sacraments one will receive. A sacrament is an outward sign established by Jesus Christ to confer inward grace. In more basic terms, it is a rite that is performed to convey God’s grace to the recipient, through the power of the Holy Spirit. The parish is not automatically notified when a loved is ill, so please contact the parish office to schedule an appointment.