Baptism

The Sacrament of Baptism is a beautiful once-in-a-lifetime event in which the Lord Jesus encounters us through the sign of water to assure us of his life, love, forgiveness and strength. He incorporates us into His People, the Church. Therefore, the Sacrament of Baptism is a community event to which not only the infant but also the parents, godparents, and the whole Christian community are called to be involved.

Expectant parents and parents of newborn children are required by diocesan regulation to attend a baptismal preparation session. This can be done through our Baptismal Preparation Program which is scheduled four times a year on Saturdays. Baptisms are celebrated after the 10:30 a.m. mass or during the 4:30 p.m. and 10:30 a.m. masses.

The ordinary steps to prepare for Baptism include:

1. Parents who wish to have their child baptized must be registered practicing members of St. Patrick Church.
2. Contact the parish office to make arrangements to attend the next baptism preparation class as soon as your pregnancy has been confirmed. The parents and godparents must attend the class.
3. The ordinary reception of the Sacrament of Baptism will be administered by the Pastor or Deacon Sam Berard on a rotating basis.

Confession/Reconciliation

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is first administered to students in second grade prior to receiving First Communion. Parents are invited to attend preparation classes along with their children.

Parish times are as follows:

Saturdays from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m.
By appointment.
Communal Penance Services in Advent and Lent.

Eucharist

This is our central sacrament. All catholics over the age of reason and who are in good standing with the Church are expected to receive this sacrament weekly. It is required that you fast at least one hour before you receive Eucharist.

Sacrament of Matrimony

We at St. Patrick see marriage as a God-centered celebration, a joyful and sacred event in the lives of the couples and the lives of their families and friends.

Wedding ceremonies are scheduled on Saturdays, not later than 2:00 p.m. Weekday weddings are permissible, but no marriages are celebrated on Sundays. At least six months before the anticipated wedding date, please call the parish office to set an appointment with the pastor in order to begin the marriage preparation program. The date of the ceremony will be set in a meeting with the the pastor.

Holy Orders

If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about the priesthood or religious life, please contact our pastor, Fr. James Keenan, 284-1158, or the Diocesan Vocation Director, Fr. Aaron Brodeski, 815-399-4300.

Confirmation

Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation begins in 6th grade. Students are confirmed in the 7th & 8th grades. The sacrament is celebrated at St. Patrick Parish every other year.

Anointing of the Sick

If you, or someone you know, is sick and would like to be anointed, please call the parish office.