The seven sacraments –Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Communion, Reconciliation, Marriage, Holy Orders and the Anointing of the Sick—are moments that we encounter Jesus Christ. In each sacrament, Jesus comes to us to fill us with his presence and to guide and strengthen us on our life’s journey.
Baptism
The Sacrament of Baptism is the first step in a lifelong journey of love and commitment. In baptism, Jesus embraces us in love, removes sin and makes us a member of his holy people. The baptism of children is celebrated the first Sunday of the month at 12:00 pm. An introductory meeting for parents is held the Friday before the baptism in the Chapel at 5:30pm. Contact the rectory to make arrangements. Adults seeking baptism are prepared for baptism in the Rite for the Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). For information, please call the rectory 532-2850.
Confirmation
Confirmation continues the path of Christian initiation. Through the gift of the Holy Spirit, the believers are conformed more perfectly to Christ and are strengthened so that they may bear witness to Christ for the building up of the church in faith and love.
Confirmation Prep begins in 7th Grade and Candidates are confirmed in the spring of 9th Grade. Contact Ms. Kelly O’Connor at stpatdre@outlook.com to enroll.
Adults wishing Confirmation are asked to contact the rectory.
Holy Communion
Holy Communion or the Eucharist completes our initiation into the life of Jesus. By receiving his body and blood at the table of the Eucharist, we share in God’s life and presence so that he might fully present in us and through us to all people.
Baptized children are prepared for the Eucharist in the second grade. Contact Ms. Kelly O’Connor at stpatdre@outlook.com to enroll.
Reconciliation /Confession
Reconciliation between God and humanity was brought through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Baptized Christians receive this gift of forgiveness in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is celebrated every Friday in the confessional 5-7pm, or by appointment. Please use the side church door, closest to the rectory/office, on the tabernacle side of the church. Other doors will remain locked.
Marriage
In the Sacrament of Marriage, married couples share in the unity and love which exists between Christ and the church. They help each other to attain holiness in their married love and in the raising of their children.
Couples wishing to be married are asked to speak to Fr. James Nolte at 532-2850 to schedule a date and time.
Anointing of the Sick
When the church ministers to the sick, it serves Christ who suffered. When the church ministers to the sick, it prays and heals as did Christ. The Sacrament of the Sick is offered to anyone with a serious or chronic illness or someone anticipating surgery. Danger of death is not necessary nor should the prayers be deferred until death is imminent.
The Sacrament of the Sick is celebrated on the third Sunday of the month at noon.
In addition, the priests will visit homes, hospitals or nursing homes if someone expresses a need.
The Sacrament of the Eucharist has an important place in the life of the sick and suffering. St. Patrick’s parish brings the sacrament to the sick in homes, hospitals and nursing homes. Please notify St. Patrick’s if you or a neighbor, friend or relative is hospitalized or confined and we will be happy to visit. Please call Deacon Dave at 413-213-6625 or 532-2850.
Funerals
In the funeral rites, the church celebrates the death and resurrection of Jesus. In our baptism, we become one with Jesus in his dying and rising. Upon our dying, we look to the blessed hope of Christ second coming and our resurrection into eternal life.
St. Patrick’s is here to work with grieving families to help them honor their deceased loved one with respect, faith and devotion. Upon hearing of the passing, Deacon Dave, our pastoral minister, will try to arrange a meeting time with the family to choose and go over readings, hymns and family participation for the funeral Mass, funeral home and graveside services. You are invited to speak to Deacon Dave before the time of death to answer any questions or make advance plans. Please call Deacon Dave at 413-213-6625.
Holy Orders
Holy Orders is the sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to his apostles continues to be exercised in the Church. It includes three orders: episcopate, presbyterate, and diaconate.
Consecrated Life
The consecrated life of religious sisters or men- Religious pledge themselves to the evangelical counsels of poverty, charity and obedience. They join themselves in community as they seek a deeper union with Jesus Christ and spread word of his kingdom.
For more information on Holy Orders or Consecrated Life, you may contact Fr. James or visit the link below.
