TOGETHER IN CHRIST COLLABORATIVE
Church of Saint Ann
West Bridgewater MA
Website: stannswb.com
St. John The Evangelist
East Bridgewater MA
Website: stjohneb.org
The Sacraments are defined as outward signs of inward grace, instituted by Christ to help individuals in their spiritual life and to grow in holiness. Sacraments are mysteries; they are signs of the sacred presence of God in our midst today. They are more than mere signs, however, for the seven sacraments impart grace. The sacraments help to make people holy and build-up the body of Christ.
BAPTISM
Baptism is the first sacrament of Christian initiation. It is the sacrament that frees a person from original sin and makes that person a member of Christ and His Church, thus being the way to a new and spiritual life. The Sacrament of Baptism is celebrated at 10:00 am or 1 pm on Saturdays and on Sundays at 1:30 pm. Prep classes are conducted just before the Baptisms so please arrive 15 - 20 minutes prior to the actual Sacrament. All Baptisms are private so only your family and guests will be present. Please call the Rectory Office for registration.
MARRIAGE
Matrimony, or Marriage, like Holy Orders, is a sacrament that consecrates for a particular mission in building up the Church. It is seen as a sign of the love between Christ and the Church, which is established between spouses in a permanent and exclusive bond, sealed by God. The Sacrament gives couples the grace they need to attain holiness in their married life and for responsible acceptance and upbringing of their children. Please contact the rectory six months prior to the intended date of marriage and reserve your special day before you book your reception to be sure that the date that you desire is available. Weddings are celebrated on Friday Evenings at 5:30 pm or Saturdays between 11 am and 2 pm in the afternoon, and again at 5:30 p.m. Saturday Evenings. Weddings can also be celebrated on Sunday afternoons at 2 or 3 pm.
ANOINTING OF THE SICK
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 you are in need of the Sacrament of the Sick, please contact the Rectory to make an appointment for a visit from a Priest.
RECONCILIATION
As sinners, we recognize both our human limitations and failures and also God’s limitless love for us. God loves and forgives us, and the sacrament of reconciliation makes this gift of forgiveness a reality in the life of the sinner. We are restored to a proper relationship with God. Through the cleansing of our sins and guilt, we are once again made whole and holy. Saturdays: 3-3:30 pm, or other times as scheduled in the bulletin or call the Rectory Office to set up an appointment.
EUCHARIST
The Eucharist is the sacrament by which Catholics receive the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. For Catholics, this is the most treasured gift given to the Church by the Lord at the Last Supper. In receiving the Eucharist, we are nourished by the Lord. The bread and wine used in the Mass are transformed in all but appearance into the Body and Blood of Christ.
Day of First Communion
Dress code: Girls usually wear white dresses with a veil or some hair accessory NO gloves or purses Please! Boys should wear a white shirt with a white tie, dress pants and shoes. A white suit is not required.
We have a closet filled with gently used dresses, veils, shoes for the girls and we have some white suits and shoes for the boy. You are welcome to “borrow” anything you need and we ask that you return it clean and ready to be used again.
A professional photographer will take pictures before Mass for portraits as well as during Mass. Families will be invited to take pictures at the end of Mass when the children assemble to sing their closing song. This is the only time families can take pictures during Mass! Fr. Paul will be available after Mass to pose for pictures with.your child.
First Holy Communion Music
As part of their First Holy Communion the children will sing this special song called, "Jesus Is Here with Us Now" by Carey Landry (see YouTube video). Have your child sing along with it so that they will feel more secure and confident when they sing it at church. The words are reprinted below.
Jesus Is Here with Us Now
by Carey Landry
Verses 1 and 2
Leader: In this holy bread, All: In this holy bread, Leader: In this sacred cup, All: In this sacred cup, All: Jesus is here with us now.
Leader: As we take and eat, All: As we take and eat, Leader: As we take and drink, All: As we take and drink, All: Jesus is here with us now.
Refrain
Alleluia, alleluia, let us rejoice and be glad. Alleluia, alleluia, let us rejoice and be glad.
Verses 3 and 4
Leader: As we hear God's word, All: As we hear God's word, Leader: As we share God's peace, All: As we share God's peace, All: Jesus is here with us now.
Leader: As we sing with joy, All: As we sing with joy, Leader: As we pray as one, All: As we pray as one, All: Jesus is here with us now.
Refrain
Alleluia, alleluia, let us rejoice and be glad. Alleluia, alleluia, let us rejoice and be glad.
© 1999, Carey Landry. Published by OCP Publications, 5536 NE Hassalo, Portland, OR 97213. All rights reserved.
CONFIRMATION
The Sacrament of Confirmation draws us into a greater awareness of the Holy Spirit, which we received at Baptism. Through this sacrament, we confirm the presence of the baptismal gifts we have already received; we are sealed with the undeserved and unearned gift of the Holy Spirit.
HOLY ORDERS
Holy Orders is the sacrament by which bishops, priests and deacons are ordained and receive the power and grace to perform their sacred duties. The sacred rite by which orders are conferred is called ordination. The apostles were ordained by Jesus at the Last Supper so that others could share in his priesthood.