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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
In
The Diaconate
(order of deacons) 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 how to 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 two sisters of the Hermanas Josephinas (Josephine Sisters)
Order. They are very involved in religious education, marriage, and
baptismal preparation, and in the 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.
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Marriage
 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.
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