Sacraments at St. Patricia
The liturgical life of the Church revolves around the sacraments, with the Eucharist at the center. The Church celebrates seven sacraments: Baptism, Reconciliation, Eucharist, Confirmation, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony. The sacramental life of our parish is of the utmost importance. We take very seriously the preparation for and celebration of each of the sacraments administered at St. Patricia. Here you will find guidelines and specifics for the celebration of each sacrament.
Baptism is one of the three sacraments of Christian Initiation (along with Eucharist and Confirmation) through which Catholics are incorporated as full members of the Church.
Baptism is the foundation for the Christian life; in Baptism we enter into the life of Christ. We begin a relationship with the Lord that grows throughout our lives and leads to eternal life. Baptism gives us God’s life and frees us from sin.
Infant Baptism
Parents and Godparents are required to attend an information session prior to the Baptism. Ceremonies are generally held on the third and fourth Sundays of the month at 1:00 PM
Baptism for grade school-age children
Contact the Religious Education Office at (708) 599-1221 to arrange.
Baptism for Adults (high school age and older)
Celebrated at the yearly Easter Vigil liturgy the evening before Easter Sunday. These adults receive their First Eucharist and Confirmation at that same liturgy.
Preparation takes place through the RCIA process (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults). For more information, please contact the Religious Education Office at 708-599-1221.
Along with the Sacrament of Baptism and Confirmation, First Holy Communion is one of our three sacraments of initiation. It is through these sacraments of initiation that we become full members of the Church. During First Holy Communion we receive the Holy Eucharist for the first time. The Holy Eucharist refers to Christ’s body, blood, soul, and divinity truly present in the consecrated host and wine (now called the Body and Blood of Christ) on the altar. As Catholics, there is nothing greater than to receive Jesus, truly present in the Eucharist at Mass. We extend a special greeting to you if you are trying to find out more about First Holy Communion for yourself or your child.
First Communion for Children
Preparation for First Eucharist starts the year before they are to receive the sacrament. Parents should have their children enrolled in Religious Education classes by first grade. Preparation continues into the second grade with children receiving First Eucharist in the spring of their second grade.
Information and formational meetings for both parent and child are required during the year. Preparation for older children is arranged through the Religious Education office at 708-599-1221.
First Eucharist for Adults
Preparation for adults who have not received First Communion is done through the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) program. Please contact the Religious Education Office at 708-599-1221.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is for our spiritual healing. According to the Gospels, after the Resurrection, Jesus appeared to the apostles, breathed on them, and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them; whose sins you shall retain, they are retained.” (John 20:22-23) That is why Jesus left us this sacrament, to heal our spiritual wounds, which we call sin. Receiving this sacrament pardons us from our sins through the mercy of God and reconciles us with the Church community.
Reconciliation is offered every Saturday before the 4 PM Mass in church 3:00 pm – 3:45 pm. Private confessions are available by appointment anytime. Our Reconciliation room is in the back of the church.
During Lent and Advent our parish has community services and additional reconciliation times are scheduled for our school and religious education students.
First Reconciliation is received in Grade 2 prior to First Eucharist. The children are prepared as part of their School Religion or Religious Education classes.
Confirmation is the sacrament of Christian maturity. In receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit, the baptized are enriched and strengthened in their witness to Christ. The Spirit comes to us, enabling and empowering us to live as fully initiated members of the Catholic Church and sons and daughters of God who extend the message of Christ to the world.
Confirmation for Young People
At Saint Patricia, Confirmation is usually celebrated on a Saturday in the spring of eighth grade. Preparation begins in seventh grade with the study of the message and mission of Jesus Christ. Candidate/parent meetings focusing on prayer and service are held in the second semester of seventh grade. Formation continues in eighth grade through the student’s school or Religious Education classes.
With their families, eighth-grade candidates participate in a Confirmation Rite of Enrollment and candidate formation sessions. A Day of Reflection assists the young people in discerning their readiness for the sacrament.
Confirmation for Adults
High School students and adults who are seeking to be Confirmed are invited to contact the parish office at 708-598-5222, to make an appointment to discuss their faith journey and to determine the appropriate preparation and the timing for the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation.
The sacrament of Marriage is not just planning a wedding. It is planning and preparing for the union of two individuals, acknowledging God’s unconditional love and presence in their relationship.
Couples are required to contact a parish priest a minimum of six months prior to the anticipated wedding date. Because of the extensiveness of the preparation for the sacrament in respect to the preparations of a wedding, we suggest contacting your priest sooner if possible.
St. Patricia Parish welcomes the celebration of the weddings of registered parishioners and the children of registered parishioners.
For more information on Marriage or to set up your wedding date and preparation, please contact us at 708-598-5222.
Celebration of Wedding Anniversaries
If you are celebrating a milestone in your marriage and wish to renew your vows or receive a blessing, please contact the parish office for more information at 708-598-5222.
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is administered to bring spiritual and physical strength during a serious illness, as well as near the time of death. This Sacrament offers peace and courage to overcome the difficulties that are associated with disease, illness or dying.
People of all ages can avail themselves of the grace of this sacrament. Anointing of the Sick is encouraged for anyone that is in danger of death from sickness or old age and also immediately before serious surgery, and the Church stresses a secondary effect of the sacrament: to help a person recover his health. Those suffering from severe mental disorders are also encouraged to seek the peace of Christ in the Anointing. This Sacrament can be repeatedly administered to a person if his/her condition becomes worse, or a new serious condition develops and is recommended for the elderly as they become frail.
If you or someone you love wishes or needs to receive the Anointing of the Sick, please contact our parish office at 708-598-5222.
Sick Calls
To arrange for a hospital visit or for communion to the sick or homebound, please call our parish office at 708-598-5222.