Sacraments

Our life as Catholic Christians is truly a journey. It is a life-long journey. Moreover, it is not a solitary journey. From beginning to end, the Catholic Christian journeys in Christ, both marking and celebrating this journey in sacramental encounters. Because our Sacraments are the heart of our life in Christ, sufficient formation for them is necessary. We also strive to celebrate the Sacraments in meaningful communal celebrations. Following are the ways individuals are formed for the Sacraments and how they are celebrated in our parish.

Sacraments of Initiation

Baptism

The celebration of Baptism is a joyful moment in which a person becomes a member of Christ's family. In order to maximize the grace of this special moment for the family and for the parish, parents with children whom they want baptized, should contact the church either before or soon after the birth of their child. Parents are expected to attend Baptism Preparation Sessions before the baptism. These are on the third Monday of each month.

Baptisms for children are celebrated on Sundays at 12:15PM by a deacon or during any weekend Mass by the priest that is celebrating that Mass. To register for the preparation session or to schedule a baptism, call the office at 323-2916 and ask for Wilma.

Adults wishing to be baptized in the Catholic Faith need to begin the process of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) and would be baptized at the Easter Vigil. Contact the parish office (323-2916) for further information.

Confirmation

Confirmation is one of the three Sacraments of Initiation, along with Baptism and Eucharist, in which we become full members of our Christian community. Queen of Apostles Confirmation candidates prepare for this sacrament at monthly formation sessions for a period of one year beginning in the fall of the Confirmation candidate's eighth grade and culminating with the celebration of the sacrament in the fall of the candidate's ninth grade year. Parents/guardians are very much part of this formation period. Readiness for this sacrament presumes that the student has been regularly attending the parish Religious Education program or enrolled in the Catholic School prior to reaching the age for Confirmation. Contact Cathy Jayjack, DRE 323-1163.

Eucharist

Holy Eucharist is celebrated daily and at each of the masses on weekends. Please consult the schedule page for current times.

First Eucharist is celebrated when a child has reached second grade. These children and their parents/guardians, together, prepare for the Sacrament of Eucharist by attending three Wednesday evening sessions, in the spring of the year, which focus on an age-appropriate understanding of the sacrament. Each child participating in formation for First Eucharist must be a regular attendee of the parish Religious Faith Formation program or attending the Catholic School, unless the child is in need of special circumstances. Contact Cathy Jayjack, DRE 323-1163.

Sacraments of Vocation

Holy Orders

If you or someone you know is interested in the vocation of the priesthood, deaconate, or the Religious Life, please contact our priest for more information. He will help you establish contacts to help support and discern your call.

Matrimony

Marriage is the sacrament of life and love! Adequate formation for this life-long commitment is essential. Therefore, engaged couples are required to contact Joan Berner (323-1163) at least six months prior to their planned wedding. A date for the wedding will be set after the initial meeting with the priest. Trained volunteer married couples assist the priest in the marriage formation of all couples. If the annulment of a previous marriage is involved, a longer processing time may be needed.

Sacraments of Healing

Reconciliation

Second grade children and their parents/guardians prepare for the Sacrament of Reconciliation by attending three Wednesday evening formation sessions held in the fall of the year. These sessions focus on age-appropriate understanding of this sacrament of forgiveness. Each child participating in formation for the sacrament must be a regular attendee of the parish Religious Faith Formation program or attending atholic School, unless the child is in need of special circumstances. Contact Cathy Jayjack, DRE 323-1163.

Anointing of the Sick

This sacrament is available for all who are seriously mentally or physically ill and/or in special need circumstances, such as prior of major surgery. Anointing of the Sick is arranged by calling our priest. If you are entering the hospital and want to be anointed prior to that, please contact our priest or the parish office. The best preparation for this sacrament is regular participation in parish life and our parish celebrations of Eucharist. A genuine desire for healing and forgiveness is also important.

Communal Anointing of the Sick

The church shows its solicitude for the sick not only by visiting those who are in poor health, but also by raising them up through the Sacrament of Anointing and by nourishing them with the Eucharist. The Queen of Apostles' priest administers the sacrament of the sick on a personal basis in homes, hospitals and care facilities, and in communal celebrations several times a year.