MASS & SACRAMENTS

Why do we get baptized?

Baptism, the first of the three Sacraments of Initiation in the Roman Catholic Church, celebrates the welcoming of a new soul into the Catholic faith and conforms them to the mystery of the Cross of Jesus Christ. Through the Resurrection of Jesus from the dead we are redeemed and freed from original sin passed down to us as a result of the fall of Adam and Eve. Jesus’ redeeming action was set into motion on top of the mountain before His Ascension in the Great Commission (MT 28:16-20). Jesus sent out His Apostles to go out to every nation and Baptize “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit”. Today this Sacramental action is still in motion in the Church as clergy fullfill the command of Christ.

Baptisms ought to occur during Mass in the presence of the congregation so that the Church Community can witness and share in the joy of the gift of new life. It is the responsibility of the parishioners to assist the parents and godparents in raising the children in the practice of the Catholic faith.

Godparents

Godparents are chosen by the parents to assist in the forming of the newly baptized in the faith. Baptism is required before any other Sacraments are celebrated or received. Baptism is the first of the initiation Sacraments, the others being Eucharist and Confirmation. Baptism is only received once.

Godparent Requirements

A Godparent is a practicing Catholic who has received Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist, at least 16 years old, is not the parent of the person being baptized, is a registered and practicing member of a Catholic parish and if married, in a valid Catholic marriage recognized by the Catholic Church. These are universal requirements that are required under Canon (Church) Law. Only one Godparent is required for Baptism, two (a male and a female) are the norm. If there is only one Godparent, there is an allowance for a Christian Witness, a practicing Christian who has been baptized and can prove current membership in a recognized Christian Church community.

Baptism Preparation for Infants and Children

First time parents are expected to attend a Pre-Baptismal Instruction which is held the first Sunday of March, June, September and December. At this instruction, the Sacrament of Baptism, the requirements for Godparents, the Baptismal Rite and what Baptism means for a life in Christ are all explained. Registration is required by calling the Parish Office at (330) 336-3049.

Baptismal Garment Ministry

Baptismal Garments are used during the Rite of Baptism to indicate the newly baptized has put on the life of Christ, unstained now by sin. Members of this ministry sew baptismal garments that are used during the baptism ceremony as they are needed.

Baptism Preparation for Adults

Adults who are interested in being baptized Roman Catholic should call Deacon Rich at (330) 336-3049 Ext. 2005

First Reconciliation (Confession)

The Sacrament of First Reconciliation or Confession is the Sacrament of the Catholic Church which shares the gift of the forgiveness of Jesus Christ by confessing one’s sins to a priest confidentially and receiving absolution (the prayer of forgiveness) from the priest.

First Reconciliation Preparation

Normally children who have reached the age of reason (7 or in second grade) are prepared for the Sacrament of Reconciliation in second grade of SHOJ School or Parish School of Religion. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is usually celebrated in the January of the child’s second grade year. For information on First Reconciliation, contact Abby Cook (Coordinator of Youth Catechesis) at (330) 336-3049 Ext. 2022.

Confession is available 11:00AM to 12:00PM on Saturdays.

Sacrament of Confirmation

The sacrament of Confirmation is the Sacrament of the Catholic Church that offers the gifts of the Holy Spirit (wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, fear of the Lord and piety) through a Bishop’s laying on of hands and annointing with Chism (oil consecreated by the Bishop) sealing the Sacrament of Baptism. Easch person being Confirmed must have a Sponsor. The Sacrament of confirmation is usually celebrated in December of each year. Confirmation is another Sacrament of Initiation, the others being Baptism and Eucharist. Watch the latest confirmation sessions here.

Confirmation Sponsor

A Sponsor is a practicing Catholic who has received Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist, at least 16 years old, is not the parent of the person being Confirmed, is a registered and practicing member of a Catholic parish and if married, in a valid Catholic marriage recognized by the Catholic Church. Each candidate for Confirmation must choose only 1 Sponsor. These are universal requirements that are required under Canon (Church) Law.

Confirmation Preparation

Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation is usually during a candidate’s 7th and 8th grade year in school, beginning in September with Confirmation celebrated in the spring. Preparation involves Sunday morning sessions of formation and education, service hours and times of prayer and reflection. For more information contact Claire Corridoni (Director of Discipleship) at (330) 336-3049 Ext. 2010.

Adult Confirmation Preparation

Adults who desire to be confirmed are required to be prepared by sessions of formation and education. These sessions are normally offered in the fall prior to the parish celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation in December by a Bishop. For more information contact Deacon Rich Michney at (330) 336-3049 Ext. 2005

Sacrament of the Eucharist

The Sacrament of the Eucharist is the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, first given at the Last Supper on the night before Jesus was crucified on the cross. The Eucharist is the gift of Christ’s presence given to his disciples then and given to his disciples now so that Jesus Christ nourishes us in our imitation of him, his care and love of others and our living a life in Christ. The Eucharist is a Sacrament of Initiation of which the other two are Baptism and Confirmation.

First Communion Preparation

Normally children who have reached the age of reason (7 or in second grade) and who have celebrated First Reconciliation are prepared for the Sacrament of the Eucharist for the first time in second grade of SHOJ School or Parish School of Religion.

For information on First Communion, contact Abby Cook (Coordinator of Youth Catechesis) at (330) 336-3049 Ext. 2022.

Who receives the Anointing of the Sick?

Anointing of the Sick, the second of the Sacraments of Mercy, absolves all of the person’s sins that they were not able to confess in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This is the reason a bishop or priest, but not a deacon can do the anointing. Similar to Baptism and Confirmation, during the anointing the priest uses holy oil on the person’s head and hands. A person may receive the Anointing of the Sick if they are dying but also people who need healing may receive this Sacrament. People may receive the Anointing of the Sick multiple times in their lives.

If you or someone you know would like to receive Anointing of the Sick, please call the church office at (330) 336-3049.

The Sacrament of Marriage is the Sacrament of the Catholic Church that binds a man and a woman in a life-long relationship of love and life in Christ.

Marriage Preparation

A six-month preparation process is required for couples wishing to marry in the Catholic Church at Sacred Heart. This preparation includes sessions with one of the priests or deacons discussing what the Church teaches about the Sacrament of Marriage, communication, role relationships, conflict resolution, family, children and finances. Also included is completion of the necessary paperwork for Church and Civil requirements and planning for the prayers, readings and music of the Wedding Mass or Ceremony. To set a wedding date and begin the preparation for the Sacrament of Marriage, contact one of the priests or deacons.

Natural Family Planning

Annulment of Marriage

An annulment is a declaration by a Church tribunal (a Catholic church court) that a marriage thought to be valid according to Church law actually fell short of at least one of the essential elements required for a binding union. To begin the annulment process contact one of the priests or deacons.

What does “Holy Orders” mean?

Through the second sacrament of Community, Holy Orders, a Catholic man becomes a spiritual minister to the Community. His formal preparation begins with discerning his call by God to the priesthood through spiritual direction and participation in church operations and activities. During the four years in seminary, his studies include philosophy, liturgy, ministry, biblical studies, and theology. At the completion of his theology studies, he is ordained as a transitional deacon, which is different than being a permanent deacon. Prospective priests serve for approximately a year as a transitional deacon and make promises of celibacy and obedience to his Bishop at this stage. At the culmination of his journey, the man experiences the rite of ordainment. At his ordination the Bishop confers on him the dignity of the sacrament through the laying of hands on the man’s head and the anointing of the man’s hands, among other prayers and rituals. As a priest he vows to obey the Pope and serve God’s people.

Priests have the authority to celebrate five of the seven Sacraments – Baptism, reconciliation, holy Communion, matrimony, and anointing of the sick. Bishops can celebrate all seven Sacraments and can give priests the authority to celebrate Confirmation in their absence. Deacons can celebrate Baptism and Matrimony.

If you feel God is calling you to the priesthood and you would like to speak with a priest, please call the church office at (330) 336-3049.

If you are interested in becoming Catholic, or are interested in learning more about the program, please contact Deacon Rich Michney at (330) 336-3049 Ext. 2005.

Watch previous Becoming Catholic sessions here.

The RCIC

Children older than 3 years of age and young people up to 16 normally are prepared for the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) and the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession). This Rite includes age appropriate formation and education sessions based on what the Church teaches, practices and believes, times for prayer and reflection and times of prayer with the parish during Liturgy. Normally RCIC sessions begin in September and continue through to Easter of the following year. The Sacraments are celebrated at the Easter Vigil (night before Easter Sunday). For more information contact Deacon Rich Michney at (330) 336-3049 Ext. 2005.

Click here to watch a video invitation from Fr. Pat!

Planning a Funeral

When a loved one dies, families should make contact with a funeral home of their choice. The funeral home will make contact with SHOJ and one of the priests or deacons to set the day, date and time of the funeral.

Funeral Meal Ministry

SHOJ hosts a meal for family and friends of a deceased parishioner after a funeral. Parishioners are invited to assist by serving on a rotating team to provide setup, serving, making of food and clean up of the funeral meal.

To serve on a Funeral Meal Ministry team contact Nancy Brigeman at (330) 334-4774.

SHOJ Parish Cemetery

A section of Wadsworth city owned Woodlawn Cemetery is owned by SHOJ with space available for Catholic burials.

For information on the SHOJ section at Woodlawn Cemetery or to purchase use of a grave contact the SHOJ Parish Office at (330) 336-3049.

Mass of Christian Burial Planning Guide

USCCB Recommend Old Testament Readings

USCCB Recommended Responsorial Psalms

USCCB Recommended New Testament Readings