PARISH SACRAMENTAL

 CELEBRATIONS

 

Baptism

Baptism is the sacrament through which the Christian community welcomes new members. We at St. Agnes Parish have a program of preparation for parents who will be having children baptized. We invite you to contact the rectory as early in the pregnancy as possible. Ordinarily the celebration of Baptism takes place on the first Sunday of every month at 1:30pm in the church.


Eucharist

The center of the parish life is the Eucharist. The Eucharist celebration is "the summit toward which the activity of the Church is directed...it is for the fountain from which all her power flows." (Vatican Council II - Decree on the Liturgy). In the Sunday liturgy we gather as God's people - a local community of faith - to praise and thank god for our salvation in Christ. Your participation in our worship is important to us. We encourage you to join us around the Lord's table.


Reconciliation

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is celebrated weekly. Confessions are heard on Saturdays at 1:00pm to 2:00pm and following the Saturday evening 5:30pm Mass. Penance services are also announced for special occasions, especially during the liturgical seasons of Advent and Lent.


Marriage   Special Information    

Christian marriage is an adult undertaking that speaks about the love two people share and how they grow in this loving union. At St. Agnes, preparation begins at least one year prior to the planned date for a wedding. The Common Policy of the Church of New Jersey is followed in our parish. Marriage preparation includes Engaged Encounter or Pre-Cana instruction.


Sacrament of the Sick

Holy Communion and the Anointing of the Sick are the fundamental sacraments of the sick. Anointing is celebrated with those persons whose health is impaired. Family members are asked to contact the rectory regarding an ill family member as soon as possible. At least once a year the Sacrament of Anointing is celebrated at a service in the church in addition to the priests celebrating with the individual sick person at their homes or the hospital.


Confirmation

The Parish Religious Education Program prepares our students for this Sacrament. This Sacrament is usually celebrated in the Fall by a Bishop of the Archdiocese. However, adults are asked to refer to our RCIA process notes for adult Confirmation.


Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
Process

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is the process by which adults are prepared to receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Holy Eucharist and Confirmation. Members of this program meet weekly from September until May. Anyone interested in participating either as a learner or a sharer, should contact the rectory.