A Community called by God to Witness,  Love,

 Evangelize and Serve

Sacraments

Baptism:  Normally the Sacrament of Baptism is celebrated on the First Sunday of each month at 12:30 PM. Parents and Godparents are required to attend a baptism preparation seminar prior to the baptism on a date determined by the Parish Deacon. The Seminar is designed to refresh parents and godparents on the meaning of the Sacrament and the different symbols (oil, water, light) that are part of the ceremony. The Seminar also assists godparents in understanding their responsibilities in helping raise the child as a Catholic. Godparents must meet basic Catholic qualifications: they must be Baptized and Confirmed practicing Catholics in good standing with the Church and able to obtain a "certificate of sponsorship" from their parish priest. One of the godparents must be a Catholic. Parents may request to have a non-Catholic godparent. This non-Catholic godparent must be a baptized Christian. Please contact a Parish Deacon to make arrangements.

Matrimony:   Engaged couples are requested to contact the Parish Priest or Deacon at least one year in advance of their proposed marriage date. The preparation for marriage at St Joseph follows the guidelines established by the Bishop. Engaged couples must meet several times with a clergyman as they make their preparations, participate in a relationship assessment process, and attend the Pre-Cana Marriage Preparation course sponsored by the diocese. Please note that a date for the wedding can not be discussed until after the first interview with parish clergy.

Adult Confirmation:  Deacon Bob Lorenzo facilitates the preparation of adults for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Normally, classes are held each year beginning in October and Confirmation is usually bestowed by the Bishop on Pentecost Sunday (the date varies from year to year since this feast moves in relationship to Easter). Preparation classes are held weekly and are a rich source of information about the Catholic Faith, prayer, and the Sacrament. If you wish to be Confirmed, please contact Deacon Bob Lorenzo at the Rectory.

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA):  This is the process whereby a person becomes a Catholic. This special program is for people who are not already Catholic and who are baptized or unbaptized. The process, which begins in October and runs year round, does not have a specific end-point like other preparations for the Sacraments. The time when someone is received into the Church as a Catholic is determined by the person's readiness and desire for baptism or, if already baptized in another Christian tradition, profession of the Catholic Faith. The process helps people to come to a deep understanding of the Catholic Church in all its many dimensions and to grow in faith and prayer. Please contact Deacon Bob Lorenzo.