Sacraments

Baptism

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28:19

 Baptism, the first and fundamental sacrament and the gate to the other sacraments, is the purifying and sanctifying sacrament of rebirth. In Baptism we receive new life in Christ. Baptism takes away original sin and gives us a new birth in the Holy Spirit. Its sign is the pouring of water.

If you are planning to have your child baptized at OLG, we ask you to contact the parish office! We are only baptizing one child at each of our Baptism Ceremonies. We are following all State Mandates during this pandemic time. For further information, please contact Cathy at the Parish Office 203-377-0928 x113 or by emailing her at: cnucera@olgstratford.com

Pre-Baptism Class GUC Videoconference: . We ask all parents wishing to baptize their children to join us for the class. Please contact Cathy Nucera at 203-377-0928 x113 or email at cnucera@olgstratford.com 

Reconciliation

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34

The Sacrament of Penance is God’s gift to us so that any sin committed after Baptism can be forgiven. Forgiveness requires being sorry for our sins. In Penance we receive Jesus’ healing grace through absolution by the priest. The signs of this sacrament are our confession of sins and the words of absolution. We offer the Sacrament of Reconciliation on Saturday from 1:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. If you have a child in 2nd grade, please contact us so we could let you know all pertinent information for your child to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. Call the Parish Office at 203-377- 0928 ext. 113 or email jvolturno@olgstratford.com.

Eucharist

Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”  John 6:35

The origins of the Eucharist are found in the last supper that Jesus shared with his Apostles. Jesus changed the bread and wine into His Body and Blood, given now as an offering for the salvation of all people. By Christ’s Real Presence in the Eucharist the Church both receives the gift of Jesus Christ and gives grateful thanks to God for such a blessing.  The Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Sacrament of the Eucharist is at the heart of every mass. The Eucharist nourishes our life of faith. Its signs are the bread and wine we receive—the Body and Blood of Christ. If you have a child in 2nd grade, please contact us so we could let you know all pertinent information for your child to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. Call the Parish Office at 203-377- 0928 ext. 113 or email jvolturno@olgstratford.com.

Confirmation

And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit”.  John 20:22

By a signing with the gift of the Spirit, confirmation enriches the baptized with the Holy Spirit, binding them more perfectly to the Church, and strengthening them in their witness to Christ by word and deed and in their work to bring to its fullness the Body of Christ. Confirmation seals our life of faith in Jesus. Its signs are the laying on of hands on a person’s head, most often by a bishop, and the anointing with oil. Preparation for Confirmation is a two year process. It is introduced in Seventh Grade and continues through Eighth Grade when the students receive the sacrament. Call the Parish Office at 203-377- 0928 ext. 113 or email jvolturno@olgstratford.com for more information.

Matrimony

Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.’ Proverbs 20:28

In Matrimony a baptized man and woman are united with each other as a sign of the unity between Jesus and his Church. Matrimony requires the consent of the couple, as expressed in the marriage promises. The couple and their wedding rings are the signs of this sacrament. Catholics are urged to celebrate their marriage within the Eucharistic Liturgy. Those wishing to enter the Sacrament of Matrimony, please contact the Parish Office (203-377-0928) one year prior to the date of your wedding. The couple must meet with the parish priest to review all the legal and canonical requirements.

Anointing of the Sick and Visitations

Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the LORD John 5:14

Through the sacrament of anointing, Christ strengthens the faithful who are afflicted by illness, providing them with the strongest means of support. Jesus showed great concern for the bodily and spiritual welfare of the sick and commanded his followers to do the same. The celebration of this sacrament is an opportunity for the deepening of the faith of the community who are able to witness the faith and devotion of those being anointed. If homebound, in the hospital or nursing home, please let us know and we shall be happy to visit and bring communion. Please call  the rectory at 203-377-0928 ext.113 so we can set up a time to visit at your convenience.

Holy Orders

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19

In Holy Orders men are ordained as priests, deacons, or bishops and receive the power and grace to perform their sacred duties. Priests serve as spiritual leaders of their communities, and deacons serve to remind us of our baptismal call to help others. Bishops carry on the teachings of the apostles. The signs of this sacrament are the laying on of hands and anointing with oil by the bishop. The apostles were ordained by Jesus at the Last Supper so that others could share in his priesthood. If you or someone you know would like more information about becoming a priest or deacon please contact Msgr. Ryan at 203-377-0928 ext. 112 or at msgrryan@olgstratford.com or call the John Fisher Seminary at 203-322-5331.

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Our Lady Of Grace

Roman Catholic Parish

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