Sacramental
Programs
and
Policies


Baptism
Confirmation
Eucharist
Reconciliation
Marriage
Permanent Diaconate
Sacrament of the Sick
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)

Baptism
Catholic parents wishing to have a child baptized are required to attend baptismal preparation sessions prior to their celebration of the sacrament. Non-Catholic parents are encouraged to participate in these sessions with their Catholic spouse.  Baptisms are scheduled monthly, either at a Sunday parish Mass or outside of Mass on Sunday afternoon.  The schedule for Baptisms and for the preparation sessions are announced periodically in the bulletin. 
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Confirmation
People who are Baptized, receive the Eucharist, and practice their Catholic faith may request the Sacrament of Confirmation from the Church.  To begin formal preparation for this sacrament, the person must be at least age 15 and have completed the ninth grade.
Enrollment and participation in the Religious Education program is also required.  Candidates themselves make the final decision to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.
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Eucharist
Children in the second grade are invited to celebrate the Eucharist for the first time in the spring of that year.  While parents are the prime educators of their children in the faith, they are assisted in their child's preparation for the Eucharist by parish formation programs.  Church organized parent sessions are required of all Catholic parents of second graders who wish to have their children celebrate First Eucharist. Non-Catholic parents are encouraged to participate in these sessions with their Catholic spouses.
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Reconciliation
Children in the second grade are invited to celebrate first Reconciliation in the spring of that year.  While parents are the prime educators of their children in the faith, they are assisted in their child's preparation for their first Reconciliation by parish formation programs.  Church organized parent sessions are required of all Catholic parents of second graders who wish to have their children celebrate first Reconciliation.  Non-Catholic parents are encouraged to participate in these sessions with their Catholic spouses.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered individually as scheduled in the bulletin, as well as by request.  Communal celebrations occur periodically and are announced in the bulletin.
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Marriage
The Sacrament of Marriage can be celebrated at a time convenient to the couple and in accordance with the parish schedule. The date and time of the celebration must be scheduled only with a priest or deacon of the parish.  Since it is necessary for the couple to participate in marriage preparation prior to their wedding, the couple must contact a priest or deacon of the parish at least six months prior to their desired marriage.  The Saint Cecilia Parish Wedding Handbook, which is also available from the Parish Office, contains additional information and guidelines.  Also, please see Wedding Music Guidelines and Wedding Music Outline for guidance and assistance in choosing your wedding music.
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Permanent Diaconate
The Second Vatican Council restored the ministry of the permanent diaconate at the discretion of the National Conference of Bishops and with the approval of the local bishop.  Saint Cecilia Parish is the designated parish for the ministry of a number of permanent deacons.

The permanent deacon shares in the Sacrament of Holy Orders as a cleric in the church.  Following an extensive formation program, he visibly manifests the church's presence in the larger community.  The deacon functions in the liturgical, educational, and charitable activities of the parish.  In his liturgical ministry, a deacon may proclaim the Gospel and give homilies, baptize, solemnize marriages, and preside at funeral services.
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Sacrament of the Sick
The Sacrament of the Sick is available at any time by request.  Please call the Parish Office, 233-3092.
Communal Celebrations of this sacrament are scheduled at various times with dates and times published in the bulletin.
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Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
The RCIA journey of faith is a four step process that provides adults the opportunity to encounter the Christian faith as it is understood and lived in the Roman Catholic Church.  RCIA helps the candidate develop the spiritual, intellectual, and social aspects of each candidate's life of faith in God.  The process leads to the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, if the person is not already baptized, Eucharist, and Confirmation) for those candidates who freely choose to belong to the Catholic Church. RCIA also provides support for newly initiated members.
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Last updated: 2 June 2008 wjh