BAPTISM PREPARATION POLICY

“Catholic parents preparing for the baptism of their infant are expected to participate in a process of sacramental preparation before the baptism of their child. Godparents may also be encouraged to participate.”
(Archdiocesan Policy 101.3.1)

Procedures

a) On request for infant baptism, the call will be directed to Sr. Margaret, who will arrange a time to meet with the couple.

b) At the first session an interview with both parents will take place. The purpose of this interview is to provide added catechesis for the couple, provide an opportunity to encourage parents to complete their own initiation into full membership with the church, if desired, and to complete the form with all the necessary information for the baptism.

c) A second session is required for both parents. This is a group session which will usually be held on the first Monday of the month at 8:00 p.m. in the Rectory unless a holiday conflicts. At this session the catechesis related to the sacrament of baptism and the rite, as well as parenting experiences and family faith development, will be conducted by the minister and/or the parent couples who have previously had their first or second child baptized.

This policy applies to all infants up to 3 years old. Children who are 3, 4 and 5 years old are to be catechized according to arrangements made by the minister during the first session, e.g. RCIC, Family group, etc.

Baptisms begin at 1:00 p.m. on the second and fourth Sunday of each month. Baptism at a Sunday Liturgy is possible according to the Parish Schedule.

This policy applies to all couples regardless of the number of children previously baptized. An offering of $25.00 is suggested.

PREPARATION FOR THE SACRAMENT OF MARRIAGE

Parish Membership

Either member of the engaged couple or their parents are to be registered parishioners of St. Mary Parish for at least three months before beginning marriage preparation.

Each couple must meet with a parish priest, deacon, or pastoral associate at least six months before any possible marriage date. No date for marriage will be considered firm until this meeting has taken place.

Pre-Marriage Preparation Programs are designed to put you in touch with the trained and competent people who can help you think through the sacramental and practical aspects of marriage. Your priest or parish minister will assist you in choosing a program.
The engaged couple will complete a Marriage Preparation Survey in order to assist them in further reflection on their up coming vocation as husband and wife.

Required Documents

• A record of Baptism (baptismal certificate) in any Christian Church, if baptized (issued within last six months).
• A record of Confirmation, if Catholic (issued within last six months).
• Affidavits
• A marriage contract
• A civil marriage license for Cook County

In case of previous marriage by either party, additional documents will be required, where applicable:

• Marriage Certificate
• Death Certificate
• Divorce Papers
• Annulment Papers (a marriage date cannot be scheduled before the completion of the annulment process).

Parish Times For Marriages

On Saturdays the celebration of marriage may take place at 12:00PM or 3:00PM. No other Saturday times are available. On Sunday, a celebration of marriage may take place at 2:00PM without a Eucharist. On Fridays, the time is to be arranged with the parish priest.

Rehearsal

The rehearsal usually takes place the evening before the date of the wedding.

Wedding Coordinator

A trained parish volunteer may be assigned to direct your wedding rehearsal. On the day of your wedding the wedding coordinator will assist the bridal party and guests.

ANOINTING OF THE SICK

The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick should be celebrated at the earliest signs of serious or chronic illness. It can be repeated after 6 months have passed if the illness persists or if a new illness develops.

The parish celebrates the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick in a communal celebration in the fall and in the spring each year. Contact the parish office to learn dates and times.

The sick may be anointed in their homes and may receive Holy Communion on a weekly basis. Contact the parish office to arrange for an anointing or for communion to the homebound.

Privacy regulations no longer permit hospitals to inform parishes of an illness of a parishioner. It is the responsibility of a family member to contact the parish to notify the parish of illness and the nature of the particular request (prayers, sacrament, visit, etc).

When a person is hospitalized the sacraments are usually made available through the pastoral care department of the hospital, especially in an emergency situation. Even non-Catholic hospitals have arrangements with the nearest parish to provide sacraments in emergency situations. When in doubt, contact the St. Mary Parish Office.

Holy Communion is considered the Sacrament for the dying. A person who has been anointed and is receiving Holy Communion has received what was formerly called "the last rites." If the family wishes "prayers of commendation for a dying person" when death becomes imminent, they should contact the parish office to make a request for the visit of a pastoral minister.

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is celebrated on Saturday afternoons 4:00–4:45 in the Reconciliation Room in the Church. The room is located at the Northwest corner.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is celebrated communally during the Advent and Lenten seasons. The dates are announced in the Bell. An appointment can be made for private Reconciliation. Kindly request to speak to a priest when calling the parish office.