Sacraments
Sacraments of Initiation
Baptism
Infants (0-5yrs) - Is celebrated upon completion of a Program of Preparation for Parents and Godparents. Parents should contact the parish office at least two months prior to the time they wish to celebrate the baptism. This can be done before the child is born.
Parents are to be members of St. Lucy Parish, or have the written permission from their own parish, to have their children baptized at St. Lucy parish.
Each child needs to have at least one godparent who is someone other than the child's parent. The godparent must be someone who is fully initiated into the Catholic Church ( i.e., has received the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) and is actively practicing their faith.
Baptisms are most appropriately celebrated outside of Lent.
Children & Youth of Catechetical Age (Elem., Jr. High & High School) - Preparation for baptism is part of the two year Rite of Christian Initiation for Children (RCIC) process.
Adults - Preparation for baptism is part of the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) process.
Confirmation
Youth Baptized when infants - Preparation for confirmation takes place through the parish confirmation program.
Adults Baptized when infants - Preparation for Confirmation is through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults process.
Children & Youth Baptized after reaching Catechetical Age - Preparation for confirmation takes place for students of High School age through the parish confirmation program.
Adults Baptized after reaching Catechetical Age - Preparation for Confirmation is through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults process.
First Eucharist (Communion)
Those Baptized when infants - Children in their second consecutive year in Catholic school or the Catechetical Program will prepare for their First Communion by attending periodic meetings with their parents.
Those Baptized after reaching Catechetical Age (Children, Youth & Adults) - Receive First Communion at the time of their Baptism.
Sacraments of Healing
Penance (Reconciliation)
Preparation - Children in their second consecutive year in Catholic school or the Catechetical Program will prepare for the Sacrament of Reconciliation by attending periodic meetings with their parents.
Celebrations of Penance - take place on Saturday from 3:30 - 4:30 PM and by appointment. Communal celebrations are scheduled during Advent and Lent.
Anointing of the Sick
Many of us grew up when this Sacrament was known as "Extreme Unction". Because of the name, we associated this anointing of the sick only with the "Last Rites" the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick and Viaticum (Holy Communion as `Food for the Journey') - given to a person who was dying.
The Bishops at Vatican Council II restored this Sacrament to its original purpose as a Sacrament for the Sick - not just for those who are at the point of death, but also for anyone who was seriously ill. To help all better understand this, the name was changed to the "Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick".
As a Sacrament, the best way to celebrate it is within the community of the Church - that is, with the family and friends of the sick person gathered around - and the sick person alert and able to respond in faith to the healing presence of the Lord in the Sacrament.
Because of this, if you know of someone who has a debilitating or life threatening illness, please call the parish office (408) 378-2464 to arrange for a priest to visit and anoint the sick person. Do not wait until the person is at the point of death.
Sacraments of Vocation
Marriage
For a marriage to take place at St. Lucy Parish, at least one of the couple needs to be a practicing Catholic and a member of St. Lucy Parish - or have a letter from their own pastor giving permission to celebrate their marriage at St. Lucy Parish.
Engaged couples should contact the Parish Office at least 6 months prior to the proposed marriage. There is a necessary period of preparation that involves gathering important information, and participating in a process that helps couples prepare to live out the Sacrament of Marriage.
No arrangements (e.g., reception hall, travel plans) should be made prior to first meeting with a pastoral minister at St. Lucy.
Holy Orders
Any man who is interested in learning more about the process that leads to ordination to the priesthood should contact a priest at the parish office.
