Sacraments

We invite young families to celebrate the baptism of their new infants with the extended parish family gathered for Sunday mass. Given the size of our church and the number of young people preparing for the sacraments of Confirmation and First Eucharist, it is possible for us to celebrate these sacraments at Sunday liturgies.

Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission. (CCC 1213)

In the Eucharist, also known as Holy Communion, we receive Jesus Christ, who gives Himself to us in His body, blood, soul, and divinity. This intimate union with Christ both signifies and strengthens our union with Him and His Church. Jesus speaks of the importance of Holy Communion when He states, “unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you.” Because Holy Communion unites us to Jesus, it also strengthens us against sin, helps us to live a Christian life, and prepares us for the heavenly banquet.

Each time we receive Holy Communion well, we not only receive the Body of Christ but become more deeply united to Christ in His Body, the Church. This great gift calls for great preparation and invites us to give the rest of our lives to Jesus, as well.

The holy Eucharist completes Christian initiation. Those who have been raised to the dignity of the royal priesthood by Baptism and configured more deeply to Christ by Confirmation participate with the whole community in the Lord’s own sacrifice by means of the Eucharist. (CCC 1322)

First Holy Communion
Children are prepared in the home setting by their parents and families. Parents are required to attend preparation sessions.

Children must be enrolled in our Religious Education Program for two consecutive years if not attending parochial school.

Confirmation is the sacrament that gives the Holy Spirit in order to root us more deeply in the divine filiation, incorporate us more firmly into Christ, strengthen our bond with the Church, associate us more closely with her mission, and help us bear witness to the Christian faith in words accompanied by deeds.

The Sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated each year by the Bishop of Wilmington.

For “by the sacrament of Confirmation, [the baptized] are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit. Hence they are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed.” (CCC 1285)

“Those who approach the sacrament of Penance obtain pardon from God’s mercy for the offense committed against him, and are, at the same time, reconciled with the Church which they have wounded by their sins and which by charity, by example, and by prayer labors for their conversion.” (CCC 1422)

Guide to Making a Good Confession

Confessions are heard on Saturdays from 4:00 to 4:55 PM, or at the rectory at any time by appointment.  During Lent, Advent, and Holy Days, special times may be scheduled and will be publicized in the bulletin.

Learn more about Reconciliation and Penance

First Reconciliation
Children are prepared in the home setting by their parents and families. Parents are required to attend preparation sessions.

Children must be enrolled in our Religious Education Program for two consecutive years if not attending parochial school.

"Is anyone among you sick? He should summon the presbyters of the church, and they should pray over him and anoint [him] with oil in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven." (James 5:14-15)

Anointing for any seriously ill parishioner may be requested at the parish office.

The priests, deacon and special ministers are most willing to visit the sick in hospitals, nursing homes or family homes. Primary care givers are not responsible for notifying the rectory. Therefore it is requested that members of the family notify the rectory of this need.

"He said to them, 'Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.' At once they left their nets and followed him. He walked along from there and saw two other brothers, James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They were in a boat, with their father Zebedee, mending their nets. He called them, and immediately they left their boat and their father and followed him. He went around all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and curing every disease and illness among the people." (Matthew 4:19-23)

If you are interested in learning more about Holy Orders, please contact the Diocese Vocations Office at 302-573-3113 or email [email protected].

The Diocese of Wilmington Vocations page also has more information about vocations.

Learn more about Holy Orders

Congratulations on your Engagement!

Planning A Catholic Wedding: Marriage as a Vocation

The Vatican II document Gaudium et Spes and Pope John Paul II's Familiaris Consortio remind us that the way to holiness for a couple is through their vocation of marriage. "Filled with the spirit of Christ they grow in holiness and give glory to God together." Marriage could possibly be called the model vocation, as in their married life the couple is called to mirror the way Christ loves the Church (Ephesians 5:25) and be a sign of this for the whole community.

Not only the couple but "the Christian family, reflecting and sharing in the covenant of love between Christ and the Church should show to all, the living presence of Christ and the real nature of the Church. The family will do this "through the mutual love of husband and wife, their generosity in giving life, their unity and faithfulness, and by the loving way in which all the members of the family work together."

Like any vocation, this, of course, isn't easy. It demands sacrifice, great virtue, and prayer. Couples are called to take part in a renewal of married life, to instruct young people about marriage and to give a good example so that their children will more easily find the path to holiness.

Engaged couples wishing to marry in the church should contact one of the parish priests or deacon at least one year prior to the planned wedding date to begin the marriage preparation process. It is expected that one of the parties be living within the boundaries of the parish or if not be a registered member of the parish. Those outside the parish wishing to be married in the parish are expected to have a good reason along with the permission of their pastor. The preparation program presumes regular church attendance and consists of meetings with the priest or deacon who will officiate, participation in the Diocesan Pre-Cana and/or Engaged Encounter Program(s). To register, visit cdow.coursestorm.com

Marriage Preparation Class (Pre-Cana) information
Marriage Preparation Class (Pre-Cana) will continue to be held online in August, September, October, November, and December. As a reminder, online Marriage Preparation classes are not the preferred method for administering the curriculum. However, be assured that the integrity and quality of the online Marriage Preparation Program has not been compromised due to the online platform.

Contact Colleen Lindsey, Director, at [email protected] or 302-295-0657 or
Eileen Gaus, Pre-Cana Coordinator, at [email protected] or 302-295-0657 with questions.

Below are general references you can use in preparation for your wedding:

• Marriage request form. These are PDF fill-in forms, which you can complete and save to your computer or print and scan.  Email the completed forms to Francine Harkins at [email protected]
• Guide to prepare for your wedding - 9/2023
• Order of Celebrating Matrimony - 3/2022
• Information on applying for a marriage license in Delaware (New Castle County)
• Wedding Program Sample - Sarah and Sean
• Wedding Program Sample - Faith and John
• Catholic Wedding Help
• ForYourMarriage.org - a USCCB initiative
• Marriage Unique for a Reason - a USCCB initiative