THE SACRAMENTS AT ST. LAWRENCE

The Sacraments of Christian Initiation

Through the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation), we are brought into the community of believers—are freed from sin, reborn as members of the Body of Christ and invited to share in Jesus’ mission of bringing God’s compassion to the world.

Baptism
Adult Baptism – The RCIA [Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults] is a process for adults who are preparing to become members of the Catholic Church. At the Easter Vigil Service each year, those who are ready receive the Sacraments of Initiation. The process usually takes a year, but may be extended according to the needs of each person. St. Lawrence also has an RCIA process adapted for teenagers, as well as for children of school age. They receive the Sacraments at Easter along with the adults.
For more information call Sister Elaine at 589-8934 or email Sister Elaine

Infant Baptism is celebrated on designated Sundays throughout the year, with the exception of the season of Lent. Parents presenting children for baptism attend an “Evening for Parents” in preparation for the sacrament. Arrangements for this preparation and celebration are made through the Liturgy Office.
For more information call Sister Elaine at 589-8934 or email Sister Elaine

Eucharist
The Eucharist is the “source and summit of the Christian life”. It was instituted by Christ at the Last Supper and is central to the living of our faith. The Eucharist is thanksgiving and praise to the Father, the sacrificial memorial of Christ’s sacrifice and the presence of Christ by the power of his Word and of his Spirit.

First Eucharist (also called First Communion) is usually celebrated by children in the second grade. The preparation for Eucharist is a two year program. In the first year (usually first grade) the children are taught at home by their parents who attend several parent meetings and prayer services to support their efforts. In the second year children attend weekly catechetical sessions and children along with parents gather several times during the year for prayer.
For more information call the Office of Faith Formation at 589-3160 or email us

Confirmation
The Anointing of Confirmation links us to Christ - THE Anointed One. Confirmation strengthens us for taking our place in the world as disciples of the Lord Jesus, witnessing in our lives to the mercy and compassion of God.

Confirmation is normally received by those in the eighth grade. The preparation for Confirmation, like First Eucharist, is a two year program, usually conducted for those in the seventh and eighth grade. The preparation includes instruction, community service and a preparatory retreat and evenings of prayer for students, parents and sponsors.
For more information call the Office of Faith Formation at 589-3160 or email us

Adult Confirmation takes place each year on the Feast of Pentecost, which is usually in May or June. There is a preparation for the Sacrament which takes place during the Lenten and Easter seasons.
For more information call Sister Elaine at 589-8934 or email Sister Elaine

The Sacraments of Healing

The Sacraments of Healing-Reconciliation and the Anointing of the Sick- are for the purpose of offering us the assurance of God’s mercy and faithful love in our experience of struggle with our sinfulness and with the struggles that are part of our experience of illness and human frailty.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is celebrated on alternate Saturdays at 4:00pm, and more often during the seasons of Advent and Lent. At each of these appointed times, we gather as penitents to hear the Word of God and to pray for the grace of repentance and reconciliation. There is an opportunity for individual confession and absolution. Individual confession may be arranged by calling the Rectory Office at 589-0042, ext.10 and making an appointment with one of the priests.

First Penance can be celebrated beginning with the second grade (at the time of First Communion) or later at the discretion of the parents. Information on the sacrament is given to parents and children in the course of the preparation for First Communion.

The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is intended to strengthen those who are being tried by illness. It is not a sacrament only for those who are at the point of death. People may receive the sacrament more than once. It is a liturgical and communal celebration, regardless of the setting, and is often preceded by the sacrament of Penance and followed by the sacrament of the Eucharist. The Anointing of the Sick can be received by persons who are:

Seriously ill
Live with a chronic condition or disability
Undergoing medical treatment such as chemotherapy or dialysis, etc.
Anticipating surgery/hospitalization
Persons over 65 may be anointed annually

Anointing of the Sick is celebrated at St Lawrence on
the first Saturday of each month at the 9:00am Mass.

The Sacraments of Service to Others

The Sacrament of Marriage is the sacrament by which a man and woman form with each other an intimate communion of life and love. It gives spouses the grace to love each other with the love with which Christ has loved his Church; the grace of the sacrament thus perfects the human love of the spouses, strengthens their unity, and sanctifies them on the way to eternal life. The Sacrament of Marriage requires arrangements to be made with the church at least six months in advance of the celebration. In order to correctly select St. Lawrence as the site of the wedding, it is necessary for either the bride or the groom to have a home in the parish. Couples who marry in St. Lawrence are required to attend Pre Cana sessions or Engaged Encounter. Arrangements for marriage can be made by calling the Rectory Office at 589-0042 or email Rectory Office

Holy Orders is the sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to his apostles continues to be exercised in the Church. Those who receive Holy Orders are consecrated in Christ’s name “to feed the Church by the word and grace of God.” Men interested in learning more about the priesthood can contact the Vocation Office at the Diocese of Rockville Centre at 516-678-5800 or visit the Vocation Office Website

St.Lawrence The Martyr RC Church