The purpose of the sacraments is to sanctify God's people, to build up the Body of Christ, and finally, to give worship to God. Because they are signs they also instruct. They not only presuppose faith, but by words and objects they also nourish, strengthen, and express it; that is why they are called ‘Sacraments of Faith.’ They do indeed impart grace, but, in addition, the very act of celebrating them disposes the faithful most effectively to receive this grace in a fruitful manner, to worship God duly, and to practice charity.

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.

Please make arrangements by calling the rectory after the birth of the child. Baptism is celebrated at a Mass, after a Mass, or at any other workable time. Arrangements for Baptism are coordinated with Deacon Roy Briggs.

The Catholic 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.

Saturdays: 3:00 - 3:30 PM, Anytime by request.

First Reconciliation: The children of the parish, during second grade, are prepared to celebrate the sacrament of reconciliation in our Faith Formation Program. They receive the sacrament for the first time during the season of Advent. The First Reconciliation (Penance) for the current 2nd Grade will be on Sunday, December 3. To prepare for this important sacrament, there will be an important meeting of parents and 2nd graders on November 19. Mary Pat Heelan from the Diocesan Office of Religious Education will join us to speak briefly with the children and their parents. Following that brief meeting, the children and their catechist will proceed to class and Ms.Heelan will speak further with the parents.

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: The children of the parish, during second grade, are prepared to receive the Eucharist for the first time in our Religious Education Program. These children are welcomed to the Table of the Lord for the first time during the Easter season.

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.

Our young adults are invited to receive the sacrament of Confirmation during their junior year in our Faith Formation Program. The Confirmation date for our parish is on Sunday, May 6, 2018 at 3:00 PM. Confirmation is at Saint Paul's Cathedral.

The Catholic 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.

The priests of the parish are pleased to anoint all sick individuals after any weekday or weekend Mass, or by appointment in the rectory. The priests of the parish are also pleased to anoint a parishioner in his or her home or at any healthcare facility .

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.

Couples who are planning to be married should contact the pastor to prepare for this sacrament. A program of preparation is required for all couples planning to marry in the church.

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.

Any men who are interested in discussing their discernment of a priestly vocation are encouraged to contact Fr. Jim Mazzone, director of priestly vocations, at 508-340-5788 or email at Fr. Jim Mazzone. Additional in formation may also be found at Worcester Vocations