BAPTISM
Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life. Through Baptism, we are freed from sin and reborn as sons and daughters of Christ. We become members of the Body of Christ, the Church, and are made sharers in her mission.
Infant Baptisms are celebrated one Saturday per month at 11:30AM and also includes attending a Baptism prep course on a designated Saturday at 2:00PM. Arrangements can be made by contacting the Rectory.
The role of Godparent is a serious one and being chosen is an honor. Godparents are supports for parents in modeling Christian living. At least one Godparents must be a confirmed, practicing Catholics. Church law requires that Godparents be at least 16 years of age and fully initiated (Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation.) A letter from the Godparents' home parish is required.
Adult Baptisms are celebrated at the Easter Vigil as part of the RCIA Process.
CONFIRMATION
Confirmation completes the Grace of Baptism by a special outpouring of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which seal or confirm the Baptized in unison with Christ and equip them for active participation in the worship and apostolic life of the Church.
The sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated with our ninth graders during the Easter after they have completed a preparation program including prayer, study, service, and a retreat.
Any Baptized adult Catholic who has not yet been confirmed is invited to participate in the RCIA process in preparation to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation during the Easter season.
Contact the Faith Formation Office for more information at 908-233-1777 or
EUCHARIST/COMMUNION
The Eucharist is the heart of our Catholic tradition. The Eucharist is the fountain from which all of the Church’s life and power flows, and it is the summit toward which all her activity is directed.
Mass is celebrated daily at Our Lady of Lourdes, and Communion is distributed under both forms. Communion is brought to the sick and homebound upon request.
First Communion is celebrated by our second graders after a two year preparation process on the first two Saturdays of May which is during the Easter season.
RECONCILIATION
Through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Jesus continues to forgive, heal and reconcile us to our God and to one another.
A priest is available to hear confessions every Saturday, except Holy Saturday, at 4:00PM and on most Sundays after the 9:30AM Mass in the Reconciliation Room in the church. Parishioners are welcome to seek individual reconciliation and spiritual direction at other times by appointment with a priest.
First Reconciliation is celebrated by our second graders after a two year preparation process on a Saturday in January.
ANNOINTING OF THE SICK
The care of the sick and elderly is always a loving concern to the Christian community. The Sacrament of the Sick proclaims and makes real the healing and gentle love of Christ. It is available to those who are seriously ill, aged, infirm, or facing surgery.
Please contact the Rectory regarding any member of the household who is ill and would like to be anointed by a priest.
PRIVACY LAWS OF HOSPITALS
Due to privacy laws of the hospitals, we no longer are informed of parishioners from our parish who are admitted. For this reason, please notify the Rectory when someone from your family is admitted to the hospital.
MATRIMONY
The Sacrament of Marriage celebrates and witnesses the covenant love between a man and a woman and symbolizes in that union Christ’s covenant love for the Church.
Since marriage is such a sacred and challenging vocation, it is important that couples be properly prepared to receive this sacrament.
The couple should make arrangements one year in advance at the Rectory Office, in accordance with archdiocesan policy.
During this year, they are expected to take part in a marriage preparation process with a priest and participate in a Pre-Cana or an Engaged Encounter.
HOLY ORDERS
Ordination to the priesthood and diaconate is a sacrament of commissioning that empowers men to serve in the roles of leadership in the Church and act in the name of Christ and the Christian community with the promised assistance of the Holy Spirit.
The Sacrament of Holy Orders is celebrated annually by our Archbishop in the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark.