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Christ instituted the sacraments of the new law. There are seven: Baptism, Confirmation, the Eucharist, Penance, the Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders and Matrimony. The seven sacraments touch all the stages and all the important moments of Christian life: they give birth and increase, healing and mission to the Christian's life of faith. There is thus a certain resemblance between the stages of natural life and the stages of the spiritual life.

Please feel free to contact us to learn more about
a particular sacrament such as Catholic Marriage or Baptisms. We will be glad to schedule an appointment for you to meet with a priest.

BAPTISM:

Baptism is the foundational Sacrament.  Through Baptism we are incorporated into the Church and made a member of the Body of Christ.  As the first Sacrament of Initiation, no other Sacrament can be received prior to Baptism.

The Sacrament of Baptism at St. Mary’s is held immediately following the 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Mass on Sundays.  Baptismal course is required.  Please call the Church Office three months prior to the birth of your child for course information and reservations.

The Sacrament of Baptism at St. Francis is held by appointment only.

   

CONFIRMATION:
Confirmation is the second of the Sacraments of Initiation and is the confirmation of one's baptism by the seal of the Spirit.  The Sacrament of Confirmation is ordinarily conferred by the Bishop, but may be administered by a priest in case of emergency or when an adult is accepted into Catholic Communion.

Confirmation is held in November.  Children who wish to become Confirmed in the Church must attend CCD Classes, held on Sunday.

 

FIRST COMMUNION:

First Communion is held the first weekend in May.  Children who wish to receive First Communion must either be enrolled in St. Mary’s Catholic School or attend CCD Classes, held on Sunday.

   

RECONCILIATION (CONFESSION):

In the Sacrament of Reconciliation, we seek the forgiveness of God and reconciliation with our community of faith for our sins.  With a contrite heart and a desire to sin no more, there is no sin that God cannot and will not forgive.

Confessions are heard at St. Mary’s - Sherman:
Friday from 8:20 a.m. to 8:40 a.m.
Saturday from 3:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Confessions are heard at St. Frances of Assisi – Whitesboro:
Before Mass on the 1st and 3rd Sundays 

   

ANOINTING OF THE SICK:
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is celebrated for those in need of healing.  Communal celebrations are held several times a year or individually when needed.  The Sacrament may be received by any baptized person in need of God's healing or who is experiencing serious illness. 

 

MARRIAGE:

A marriage is a life-long covenant of love established between a man and woman when they freely exchange their nuptial vows in the presence of God and the community of faith.

An engaged couple must contact the Parish Office at least six months prior to their planned wedding date.  Marriage Preparation Course is required.  Contact the Parish Office for more information. 

 
RCIA:
The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults is a program for adults wishing to learn more about Catholicism or interested in becoming Catholic.  Please contact the Church office for a listing of class times, or speak with one of our priests if you have any questions.  Click here for more information on RCIA. 

 
CCD:

CCD at St. Mary’s runs through the normal school year and is on Sunday.  Children who are wishing to receive First Communion or Confirmation, must attend these classes.

CCD at St. Frances is held after Mass on Sundays