Sacraments

Although Sacramental Preparation is part of faith formation, it is separate from the GIFT program.

Baptism
When you are ready for the Baptism of your child, please call our Parish Life Director, Lynn O’Rourke at 895-2788 at least four weeks in advance so that preparations can be made.

Age often does not determine readiness. As parents, you will know if your child has reached the maturity level to understand what he or she is preparing for and why. If you have any further questions, please contact Tonya Greene, Pastoral Associate for Sacramental Catechesis at 875-6499

First Reconciliation
Children who have been active in faith formation (G.I.F.T.) at Our Lady of Fatima for a period of one full year and are age 7 or older are eligible to participate in the sacramental preparation program.

Just prior to the celebration of the sacrament, children and their parents will take part in an immediate sacramental program consisting of several sessions. These sessions will consist of prayer, rituals and learning specifically related to the sacrament of Reconciliation. Parents will be expected to work with their children during the sessions and at home, to better prepare them and help them in their understanding of the sacrament of Reconciliation. There will be a meeting of all candidates and their parents in November.

If you would like to enroll your child in the sacramental preparation for First Reconciliation, please call Tonya Greene at 875-6499. Information and initial lesson packets and information will be provided for sessions which will start in early January.

First Communion
Children have received the Sacrament of Reconciliation are eligible to participate in the sacramental preparation program for First Eucharist.
Just prior to the celebration of the sacrament, children and their parents will take part in an immediate sacramental program consisting of several sessions. (Please check back for dates and times).

These sessions will consist of prayer, rituals and learning specifically related to the sacrament of the Eucharist.

Parents will be expected to work with their children to better prepare them and help them in their understanding of the sacrament of the Eucharist. This will be done both during the preparation sessions and in the home.

If you would like to enroll your child in the sacramental preparation for First Communion, please call Tonya Greene at 895-2788.

Confirmation
The sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated every other year at Our Lady of Fatima. Anyone who is in 10th grade or higher and has been actively participating in faith formation (G.I.F.T.) is eligible to begin preparing for the reception of the sacrament.

There must be a commitment on the part of the Confirmandi to attend all these preparation sessions and one retreat.

On May 30, 2008 Bishop Howard Hubbard celebrated the sacrament of Confirmation at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Delanson, where 15 candidates (14 students and one adult) received the gifts of the Holy Spirit. It was a moving and memorable experience for all who attended.

If you are an adult who are interested in being confirmed or you have any other questions, please call Tonya Greene at 875-6499.

Marriage
At least six months before the intended date of your marriage, please contact the Parish Life Director, Lynn O’Rourke at 895-2788 and the Director of Music Ministry, Jody Orlando at 875-6462 to begin the formal marriage preparation process.

RCIA
If you are interested in learning more about the Catholic Faith or about becoming a Catholic, please contact the Parish Life Director, Lynn O’Rourke at 895-2788 for more information.

Anointing of the Sick
If you or a member of your family is admitted to the hospital, please notify Lynn O’Rourke at 895-2788. She would also like to know if someone is ill at home and would like to receive communion. Arrangements can be made with Fr. Paul Engel for the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick. Please call him at 872-0030.

If you know someone who is sick and would like to add their name to our prayer list, please call Carol Caban at 895-2788 or e-mail her at olfdelanson@nycap.rr.com with the name of the person who is ill. They will be included in our bulletin prayer petitions.