Sacraments
There are two fundamental ideas which constantly recur in the Church's teaching on the sacraments. First there is the Church's concern for these instituted by Christ, their number, and their proper preservation and administration; then the grace which Christ has for all time linked with these signs and which is communicated by them.
The second is the effect of the sacraments. They are the signs of Christ's work; the effectiveness of Christ's continuing work in his Church cannot be dependent on man's inadequacy. A sacrament, administered properly in the way established by Christ and with the proper intention, gives the grace it signifies. It is effective not by reason of the power of intercession of priestly prayer nor on account of the worthiness of the recipient, but solely by the power of Christ. The power of Christ lives in the sacraments. The effect of the sacrament is independent of the sinfulness or unworthiness of the minister. The Church has never tolerated any subjective qualification of the objective effectiveness of the sacraments ex opere operato. This would ultimately be to conceive the way of salvation as being man's way to God and not God's way to man.
The Church Thus Teaches:
There are seven sacraments. They were instituted by Christ and given to the Church to administer. They are necessary for salvation. The sacraments are the vehicles of grace which they convey. They are validly administered by the carrying out of the sign with the proper intention. Not all are equally qualified to administer all the sacraments. The validity of the sacrament is independent of the worthiness of the minister. Three sacraments imprint an indelible character.
Sacraments are instituted by the Church and are effective by virtue of the Church's intercession. Institution and alternation of them is reserved to the Holy See.
Baptism
Baptism is the sacrament that frees man from original sin and from personal guilt and that makes him a member of Christ and His Church. It is thus the door to a new and supernatural life.
The Church Thus Teaches:
Baptism is a true sacrament instituted by Christ. It is administered by washing with natural water and at the same time invoking the Most Holy Trinity. Anybody, even an unbeliever or a heretic can validly administer baptism. Since it confers grace by the signs' being properly carried out, children can and should be baptized even while still infants. Baptism is necessary for salvation. Baptism effects the remission of original sin and actual sins and of all punishment due to sin; it confers sanctifying grace, membership in Christ and in the Church and the obligation to obey the Church's laws, and give an indelible character.
Note: from Pope Innocent III AD 1201. The baptism of young children is not profitless. As circumcision made men members of the People of Israel, so baptism gives them entry to the kingdom of heaven.
HOW TO REGISTER MY CHILD FOR BAPTISM?
To register your child for Baptism contact the Parish Office at either (609) 698-5531 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Baptism is reserved for children of registered parishioners and are performed on Sundays at 1:30 p.m.
Godparents are to be Catholics in good standing. If the Godparents are not registered members of St. Mary’s, they will need a sponsorship letter from the Parish where they are registered.
Reconciliation
Reconciliation (Confession): The Sacrament of Reconciliation is regularly celebrated on Saturdays. See our FULL CONFESSION SCHEDULE.
Holy Eucharist
First Holy Communion: First Holy Communion is normally celebrated when children are in the second grade during spring. Children are required to attend classes or to have been in a parochial school for the year prior to receiving a sacrament. Contact the rectory for more information.
Confirmation
Confirmation: The Sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated in the spring when a child is in the eighth grade or above. Children are required to attend classes or have been in parochial school for the year prior to receiving a sacrament. Contact the rectory for more information.
Matrimony
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Matrimony: Weddings are reserved for registered members of St. Mary's Parish. According to diocesan policy arrangements should be made one year prior to the marriage. Participation in Pre-Cana Program is required. The Pre-Cana ministry prepares engaged couples to be married in the church. Contact the rectory for more information.
Holy Orders
"Ordination" comes from the Latin work "ordinatio," which means to incorporate someone into an order. In the Sacrament of Holy Orders, a man is incorporated into the priesthood of Christ, at one of three levels: the episcopate, the priesthood, or the diaconate. Contact the rectory for more information.
Anointing of the Sick
Anointing of the Sick: This Sacrament is offered to all who are seriously ill. Please contact the rectory front office (609) 698-5531 when you or a family member is ill. Need assistance with planning a family member's funeral, see our ministry Caring Hearts
I'm New
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA): The Catholic Church welcomes new members through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). Do you know someone who would like to be Catholic?