SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION
Written by carrie.haines on Jul 08, 2008What is a sacrament?
Sacraments are outward signs of inward grace, instituted by Christ for our sanctification. Almighty God can and does give grace to men in answer to their internal aspirations and prayers without the use of any external sign or ceremony.
Taking the word “sacrament” in its broadest sense, as the sign of something sacred and hidden (the Greek word is “mystery”), we can say that the whole world is a vast sacramental system, in that material things are unto men the signs of things spiritual and sacred, even of the Divinity.
There are seven sacraments celebrated by the Catholic Church. Each has a very special place in the life of an individual and their life as shared with their community.
BAPTISM
INFANT BAPTISM
Baptism preparation is held a couple times a year or as needed. Catechists are needed to help teach the classes which are scheduled between the masses a couple Sunday’s in a row. Volunteers are also needed to provide hospitality and assistance to the families on the day of their child’s baptism. Contact Person: Debby@holyinn.org or 788-1400
The celebration of the Sacrament of Baptism for infants is scheduled after the baptismal preparation for the parents are completed. Baptisms are normally celebrated at a Sunday Mass in the parish where the parents live. Adults (7-years or older) seeking baptism or confirmation are invited to inquire at the parish office for information about adult preparation.
RECONCILIATION
Private confession is available on the 1st Sunday of each month after the 8 am and 10:30 am Masses. Confession is available on Saturdays at St. Jude’s in Redmond from 4:00 – 4:30 pm. During Advent and Lent, confession is available after each Sunday Mass and after the Wednesday Masses. Fr. Heric is also available by appointment.
FIRST RECONCILIATION/FIRST EUCHARIST PREP
Sacramental Preparation for First Penance and First Eucharist is available for children and their families. All children of our parish, at least 7 years of age, who have been baptized Roman Catholics as infants and nurtured in their faith as young people, continue their journey by preparing for and celebrating the Sacraments of Penance and Eucharist. The process is designed to be experiential, fun and reflective. Preparation sessions are once a month and gather on Sunday afternoons from 12:30 to 2:30pm. The program will include a variety of activities, prayer, Scripture, texts, videos and discussions that encourage and nurture children and parents’ understanding and experience of these Sacraments. Children must prepare for the Sacrament of Penance before they can prepare for the Sacrament of Eucharist. This program begins in September. There are a number of ways to be involved in this wonderful process; Small group leaders, hospitality, assist with lesson planning, tech help (tvs, dvd and video players, cd players) and set up/take down. It is more fun than it sounds so join the team and give a couple of hours a month to our children and their families as they take the next step on their faith journey. For more information or to join the team, contact Jennie Caldwell. jennie@holyinn.org
How is First Reconciliation Celebrated here?
Preparation for First Reconciliation is a partnership between the family and the Faith Formation Ministry. It consists of preparation done by the parents at home and four once a month large group parent/child gatherings held here at the parish. Registration and preparation begins this year on September 18 in the church hall. The sacrament of Reconciliation will be celebrated beginning in December. For more information Contact Jennie Caldwell at 788-1400 or Jennie@holyinn.org.
MARRIAGE PREP
Currently when a couple comes to the Church to be married, we send them to local Catholic counselors or Engaged Encounter for marriage preparation in addition to meeting with a marriage planner or coordinator and a meeting with Father. We are considering whether we can offer marriage preparation here in the parish.
There is also a position available as wedding coordinator. This person would meet with the couple to plan the wedding and help with the rehearsal and on the day of the wedding. Contact the office (425)788-1400 to volunteer for this position
CONFIRMATION
What is Confirmation?
In the Western Church the sacrament is usually administered by the bishop. At the beginning of the ceremony there is a general imposition of hands, the bishop meantime praying that the Holy Ghost may come down upon those who have already been regenerated: “send forth upon them thy sevenfold Spirit the Holy Paraclete.” He then anoints the forehead of each with chrism saying: “I sign thee with the sign of the cross and confirm thee with the chrism of salvation, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.” Finally. he gives each a slight blow on the cheek saying: “peace be with thee”. A prayer is added that the Holy Spirit may dwell in the hearts of those who have been confirmed, and the rite closes with the bishop’s blessing.
If you would like to have more information about your own confirmation, please contact Gail Dimock, pastoral associate.
Youth Confirmation Preparation
Confirmation for the 2010 year will began in January for any 10th grader or 11th grader. The celebration for this class will not be until Jan 2011 . Registration forms and information for the next Confirmation Preparation for Young Adults will be available December 2010. Please contact Jennie Caldwell in the office of Faith Formation at 788-1400 or Jennie@Holyinn.Org for more information or to be put on a list of those people who would like to receive the registration packet in the mail in December.
Confirmation preparation for youth who are at least 16 years old begins each January and meets monthly for one year. Volunteers are needed as Catechists, small group leaders, and administrative support. The classes are usually held Sunday afternoon or evenings depending on the parish schedule. Contact Person Jennie@holyinn.org or 788-1400 or Debby@holyinn.org
Adult Confirmation
Adults who are practicing Catholics but have not yet received the Sacrament of Confirmation or encouraged to be confirmed in order to be fully initiated members of the Church. In the fall we offer a programs for Adults so they can join the teens when the Bishop comes to the parish for Confirmation. If you are interested in being one of the leaders of the program or in receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation, please call the office, 425-788-1400.
RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION FOR ADULTS
Members of the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) team help adults who are considering becoming members of the Catholic Church through Baptism or Profession of Faith (for those already baptized in another Christian tradition). They provide encouragement, instruction, and discernment for inquirers. We need volunteers for leading sessions, planning retreats, dismissal during Mass, organization and hospitality. Call the office if you are interested.
ADAPTED FOR CHILDREN
The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults adapted for children is an ongoing process for completing a child’s initiation or becoming Catholic. Through reflection on the Scriptures, exploring our beliefs, traditions and practices, preparation for the Sacraments of Initiation and Reconciliation, and the celebration of several Rites throughout the year, children become full members of our faith community and the Roman Catholic Church. Children must be 7 years of age or older to participate in this process. Members of this team will be involved in ongoing faith sharing, hospitality and welcoming, inviting the children and their families to parish functions, catechesis, small group work, dismissal for reflection on the Gospel, sponsors and helpers for liturgical rites and days of reflection. Contact Jennie Caldwell if you would like more information or to join this awesome team! jennie@holyinn.org
