Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word. Catechism of the Catholic Church 1213
Baptism Preparation Those planning a baptism should contact the parish office at least four months prior to the anticipated birth. The parish provides a baptism preparation program for parents expecting a child. As first teachers of the faith, it is essential that parents have an understanding of their commitment to the Christian life, and their responsibility for their child's faith formation. Once a baptism preparation session is attended and all information is completed, then a date will be set for the baptism. Baptisms are generally scheduled on the 1st & 3rd Sundays of the month after the 8:00 am Mass. Call the parish office at 815-827-3205 to schedule.
The Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation
Those who approach the sacrament of Penance obtain pardon from God's mercy for the offense committed against him, and are, at the same time, reconciled with the Church which they have wounded by their sins and which by charity, by example, and by prayer labors for their conversion. Catechism of the Catholic Church 1422
Current Schedule: Wednesdays: 11:00 AM to 12:00 Noon; Thursdays: 7:00 to 8:00 PM; Saturdays: 3:00 to 3:45 PM. Other times as scheduled in the bulletin or contact the parish office to make an appointment.
First Reconciliation Each fall, parents of children in the Religious Education Program and at St. Mary School who are beyond the age of seven (2nd grade) will be offered the opportunity to enter a process to prepare for this sacrament. See the Faith Formation page for details or contact the Office of Faith Formation at 815-827-3205 x3.
The Sacrament of the Eucharist
The Holy Eucharist completes Christian initiation. Those who have been raised to the dignity of the royal priesthood by Baptism and configured more deeply to Christ by Confirmation participate with the whole community in the Lord's own sacrifice by means of the Eucharist.
At the Last Supper, on the night he was betrayed, our Savior instituted the Eucharistic sacrifice of his Body and Blood. This he did in order to perpetuate the sacrifice of the cross throughout the ages until he should come again, and so to entrust to his beloved Spouse, the Church, a memorial of his death and resurrection: a sacrament of love, a sign of unity, a bond of charity, a Paschal banquet 'in which Christ is consumed, the mind is filled with grace, and a pledge of future glory is given to us. Catechism of the Catholic Church 1322 & 1323
Communion of the Sick Communion is available through our Ministry of Care for those who are sick or physically unable to attend Mass. If you would like to receive communion in your home, nursing facility, or hospital room, please contact the parish office at 815-827-3205.
First Holy Communion Each fall, parents of children enrolled in the Religious Education Program who are beyond the age of seven (2nd grade) will be offered the opportunity to enter a process to prepare for this sacrament. See the Faith Formation page for details or contact the Office of Faith Formation at 815-827-3205 x3.
The Sacrament of Confirmation
Baptism, the Eucharist, and the sacrament of Confirmation together constitute the sacraments of Christian initiation, whose unity must be safeguarded. It must be explained to the faithful that the reception of the sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace. Catechism of the Catholic Church 1285
Youth must be enrolled in the Confirmation program to be eligible to receive the sacrament. For further information, contact the Office of Faith Formation at 815-827-3205 x3.
The Sacrament of Matrimony
The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life, is by its nature ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring; this covenant between baptized persons has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament. Catechism of the Catholic Church 1601
Those planning to be married at St. Mary Church should contact the Parish Office before any other wedding plans are made. Participation in several pre-marriage preparation programs is required and these should be scheduled at least six months prior to the planned date of the wedding. The couple also needs to meet with the parish priest or deacon several times in preparation to celebrate this sacrament. Please review the items which can be found under the Documents and Links tabs at left.
The Sacrament of Holy Orders
Holy Orders is the sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to his apostles continues to be exercised in the Church until the end of time: thus it is the sacrament of apostolic ministry. It includes three degrees: episcopate, presbyterate, and diaconate. Catechism of the Catholic Church 1536. Information can be found on the Rockford Diocese Vocations Website.
If you would like to talk to a priest regarding a vocation to the priesthood, diaconate, or religious life, contact Fr. Antillon at 815-827-3205.
The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick
By the sacred anointing of the sick and the prayer of the priests the whole Church commends those who are ill to the suffering and glorified Lord, that he may raise them up and save them and indeed she exhorts them to contribute to the good of the People of God by freely uniting themselves to the Passion and death of Christ. Catechism of the Catholic Church 1499
If you are going to have major surgery or are seriously ill and would like to receive the grace and healing of the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, call 815-827-3205 when the parish office is open. After hours, in an emergency, call 815-827-3218.