We recognize that the Sacraments have a visible and invisible reality, a reality open to all the human senses but grasped in its God-given depths with the eyes of faith. When parents hug their children, for example, the visible reality we see is the hug. The invisible reality the hug conveys is love. We cannot “see” the love the hug expresses though sometimes we can see its nurturing effect in the child.
The visible reality we see in the Sacraments is their outward expression, the form they take, and the way in which they are administered and received. The invisible reality we cannot “see” is God’s grace, his gracious initiative in redeeming us through the death and Resurrection of his Son. His initiative is called grace because it is the free and loving gift by which he offers people a share in his life, and shows us his favor and will for our salvation. Our response to the grace of God’s initiative is itself a grace or gift from God by which we can imitate Christ in our daily lives.
The saving words and deeds of Jesus Christ are the foundation of what he would communicate in the Sacraments through the ministers of the Church. Guided by the Holy Spirit, the Church recognizes the existence of Seven Sacraments instituted by the Lord. They are the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, the Eucharist), the Sacraments of Healing (Penance and the Anointing of the Sick), and the Sacraments at the Service of Communion (Marriage and Holy Orders). Through the Sacraments, God shares his holiness with us so that we, in turn, can make the world holier (USCCB website).
Preparation for the Sacraments of First Eucharist and Confirmation are generally done through our Faith Formation Office for children, and through our OCIA (formerly RCIA) Program for adults.
To request a Sacramental Certificate, please download this fillable form to your computer, complete it, then send it via email to baptism@srolchurch.org, or call the rectory at 516.798.4992.
Reconciliation (Confession or Penance)
Come and experience God’s mercy!
The sacrament of Reconciliation is offered as follows:
Saturdays from 4:00 – 5:00 pm
Monday – Friday after 9:00 am Mass
By appointment
Penance (Why we confess) – video by BustedHalo How do I go to Confession? – video by Outside da Box
Anointing of the Sick
Please contact the rectory to request the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. A communal celebration of the sacrament is offered once a month. Please call the Rectory for more information at 516.798.4992.
Funerals
Funeral Masses are usually scheduled through your Funeral Director. However, if you have any questions regarding the planning of a Funeral Mass or Prayer Service for a loved one, please feel free to contact the rectory at 516.798.4992.
To enable us to provide a fitting tribute to your loved one, we ask you complete and send to us the below short forms. To use the fillable forms: download the document, fill in the appropriate areas, save it, then email to cathyw@srolchurch.org or mariap@srolchurch.org):
Funeral Liturgy Worksheet (Funeral Liturgy Worksheet fillable version)
Funeral Personal History Worksheet (Funeral Personal History Worksheet fillable version)
General Intercessions Form 1; or General Intercessions Form 2;
Readings – Old Testament; New Testament
Other: Music Selection Sheet; Eulogy Guidelines; Important Information about Cremation
Sacraments for Adults
OCIA, the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (formerly RCIA) is the process by which people become members of the Roman Catholic Church. Adults who wish to be prepared for Baptism, Confirmation, and/or Eucharist are asked to contact the Rectory at 516.798.4992, or Deacon Tommy Elliott at tommy9.6deacon@gmail.com.