Sacraments

Sacraments

The information below about dates and times may be impacted by COVID. Please call our parish office for up to date information - (781) 598-4907.

The Sacraments are defined as outward signs of inward grace, instituted by Christ to help individuals in their spiritual life and to grow in holiness. Sacraments are mysteries; they are signs of the sacred presence of our God in our midst today. They are more than mere signs, however, for the Sacraments impart grace. The Sacraments help to make people holy and build-up the body of Christ. They are a way to relate to God throughout life’s transitions and help us to give praise and worship to God. They help us nourish, strengthen, and express our faith. Through the Sacraments, Jesus remains with His people, strengthening, healing, feeding, and forgiving them as they face life’s challenges.

The Catholic Church celebrates seven Sacraments, which were instituted by Christ during his earthly ministry and which continue to define the liturgical life of the Church today. The Sacraments nourish, strengthen, and express faith. Here is a list of the Sacraments and how/when we celebrate them in our Collaborative:

Baptism

For Children - Congratulations on your new child! Parents and Godparents are asked to attend the preparation class one time. We offer this class on the second Saturday of each month (not in December) at 10:00am. The class can be completed before or after the child is born.   A child may have one or two godparents (also called sponsors); if two are chosen, they must be male and female.  In order for someone to be eligible as a godparent they must be chosen by the parents, have the ability and the intention to fulfill the role, be at least 16 years of age, and be a confirmed Roman Catholic, already received the Most Holy Eucharist, is leading a life in harmony with the Catholic Faith and will be a good role model for the child being baptized, and be neither the father nor the mother of the child. 

Baptisms at Saint Mary of the Sacred Heart Parish are held at Sunday Masses to welcome your child to our Parish Community.  Please call the Collaborative Office to sign up for the Baptism Preparation Session 781-598-4907 or email Lisa Foley, Family Evangelization Coordinator for English Baptisms or for more information. For more information or to schedule a Baptism in Spanish please call Carlos at 781-801-4007 or Raul at 781-584-5460.   Schedule subject to change due to Parish activities. 

For Adults - We have a wonderful RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) Program. This is specifically for adults who have questions about the Catholic faith and/or want to be Baptized. 

Who is RCIA for: 

1. Persons in need of Baptism.
2. Persons baptized in another Christian tradition who desire to become Catholic.
3. Persons baptized Catholic in need of First Communion and/or Confirmation.

Classes start in September and continue through Easter. The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a journey too — of conversion to God and what He intends for us. RCIA is the process by which persons who were never baptized or were baptized in another Christian tradition, become members of the Church, a people on pilgrimage to our Heavenly Father. To find out more or with questions please call the Collaborative Office at (781) 598-4907 or email  [email protected].

Confession

Maybe you go often or haven't been for a while - not a problem! Confessions are available by appointment.

First Confession - We offer first Confession classes each fall for elementary school children. If you are an adult and interested in going to Confession for the first time, we can help with that too. Please call the office so that we can set a time to meet with you. 

Communion

We celebrate the Sacrament of Communion at each and every Mass. Please join us any Sunday. We know that it can be intimidating to come to Mass when you don't know the prayers, the music, or when to sit and stand, but please know that we are here to help and are excited that you are taking the time to learn and be a part of our community.

First Communion - We offer first Communion classes each spring for elementary school children. If you are an adult and interested in receiving the Eucharist for the first time, we can help with that too. Please call the office so that we can set a time to meet with you. 

Confirmation

For Grades 9-12 - Our Confirmation program is a two-year program and runs twice a month throughout the school year. This usually happens during your freshman and sophomore years, with you being Confirmed in the fall of your junior year. However, we can adjust the timeline if you are already older than ninth grade. 

For Adults - Many people were Baptized and received their first Communion when they were young but were not Confirmed. It's not too late! We want to help you receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, no matter what your age is. Please call the office so that we can set a time to meet with you.

Marriage

Congratulations on your engagement! Weddings are done throughout the year, with meetings being set between the priest/deacon and the engaged couple. This is done 6-12 months before the date of your wedding. Remember to check with the church before finalizing your date and time! Please call the office to get more information. 

Holy Orders

The Sacrament of Holy Orders is when a man is ordained a deacon, priest or bishop. Is God calling you to be one of His deacons or priests? Have you been thinking about being a priest and have questions? That's wonderful! Our priests would love to talk more with you. Please give us a call so that we can set up a time to get together.

Anointing of the Sick

This Sacrament is reserved for someone who is sick, soon to be having a major operation, or is close to death. If that is you or a loved one, please call us at our Collaborative Office so that we can have one of our priests come to visit you in your home or at the hospital - (781) 598-4907.