SACRAMENTAL PREP
SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION
In order to receive many of the sacraments it is ordinarily required that a person go through some period of preparation in order to insure the person understands the meaning of the sacrament, and to help them make a sound decision whether or not to receive the sacrament(s). At St. Mary’s we offer sacramental prep for the five sacraments listed below.
BAPTISM AND PARENTING PREPARATION EXPERIENCE
STARTING POINT
Please note: Beginning in September, 2021 Starting Point will be held on Saturday evenings beginning with Mass at 4:00 pm, Dinner and program at 5:00 pm.
2025 dates:
January 25, April 5, June 28 and September 20.
Congratulations on entering this new season in your life. We believe it will be filled with joy, challenges and love. We are honored to walk with you as you prepare for your child’s reception of the Sacrament of Baptism, and we will continue to walk with you in the weeks, months, and years that follow.
We will offer the Starting Point program five times a year.
After the Baptism of your child, we will follow-up with you and your family in a number of ways. We’ll share some of that at our Starting Point Session.
Parents who are preparing for the birth of their child are also able to participate in the baptismal preparation program prior to the birth of their child. To register please complete the preliminary form located here.
Baptisms are currently celebrated on Sundays at 1:00 pm.
REQUEST INFORMATION ON STARTING POINTBAPTISMAL REGISTRATION FORM
FIRST RECONCILIATION
FIRST RECONCILIATION PREP
Welcome to this important time in your family’s life with Jesus Christ and His Church.
This preparation time for First Reconciliation marks another important step in your child’s formation in their Catholic faith.
• You and your child will prepare together to receiving the healing power of God's forgiveness.
• This preparation is not just for his/her “first” Reconciliation; it is preparation for a lifetime journey of faith.
• During this time of preparation for First Reconciliation, you will have the opportunity to grow in your own understanding and appreciation of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
• St. Mary’s will provide you with many opportunities to learn along with your children, and to nurture faith at home with prayers and practices, family activities for the home and in the parish, print and web resources, opportunities to love and serve others.
• In essence, the family is the most basic foundation of the Church.
REQUEST INFORMATION ON FIRST RECONCILIATION
FIRST COMMUNION PREP
Welcome to this important time in your family’s life with Jesus Christ and His Church.
This preparation time for First Communion marks a new chapter in your family’s faith life as Catholics.
• Your child will be able to participate fully in the worship life of St. Mary’s by receiving Jesus in the Eucharist each week.
• This preparation is not just for his/her “first” Communion; it is preparation for a lifetime journey of faith
• St. Mary is your partner in this preparation and is committed to supporting you in your responsibility as Christian parents.
• May God bless you on this faith journey!
REQUEST INFORMATION ON FIRST EUCHARIST
Confirmation Prep
Confirmation Prep focuses on evangelizing young people and accompanying them as they become disciples while answering the questions -
• "Why believe in God?",
• "Why trust Jesus?"
• "Why be a part of the Church?"
MORE INFORMATION ON CONFIRMATION PREP
AT THE TABLE
A MARRIAGE PREPARATION PROGRAM
You dream about your wedding day, your honeymoon, and growing old together. What about everything in between? BETTER TOGETHER equips you with the tools you need to build a lasting, happy, and faith-filled marriage.
The Sacrament of Marriage in the parish church is only available to parishoners. Thank you!
WEDDING INTAKE FORMREQUEST INFORMATION
VOCATIONS
WHAT IS YOUR CALLING IN LIFE?
We are all called by God to a vocation in life. This calling is not to something that we won't be happy with, just the opposite, when we respond to God's call we are able to find the joy, peace and fulfillment that we all seek in life. I resisted the priesthood for a long time. It wasn't a popular "career choice", it involved commitments and sacrifices that do not seem relevant in today's world. God persisted, I gave in and cannot begin to describe the joy and happiness that I have found.
Most will be called to the married life, some as religious and some as priests or deacons. Wherever God calls us, the process we use to find out where we are meant to be is called discernment.
If I can be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me by requestings more information.
- Fr David
REQUEST MORE INFORMATION ON VOCATIONSDIOCESAN WEBSITE ON VOCATIONS
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GET IN TOUCH WITH US
We are always happy to hear from you
ADDRESS
789 Dartmouth Street
South Dartmouth, MA 02748
PHONE
508-992-7505
PARISH OFFICE HOURS
Monday - Friday : 9AM -5PM
Welcome Center open after all weekend Masses.
EMAIL
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Thank you to Melissa F Photography for permission to use many of the church photos
St Mary’s Catholic Church
789 Dartmouth Street
South Dartmouth, MA 02748
Useful Links
St Mary’s APP
Diocese of Fall River
The Anchor