The sacraments lead us to a deeper relationship with God. To help each person develop this relationship, we offer the following sacrament preparation programs for adults and children.
Contact: Parish Office for adult sacrament preparation,718-680-1010.
Ann Smyth for children’s sacrament preparation 718-680-1010, ext. 20
Baptism
The Sacrament of Baptism is celebrated for all infants and children (under the age of eight) on the second Sunday of the month, except during the season of Lent. Parents are required to attend one baptism preparation class prior to the baptism.
Second-grade children who have attended a first-grade Religious Education class are prepared during their weekly classes for their first Holy Communion and for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The children, together with their parents, are required to attend an afternoon retreat as part of the formation process for the celebration of the sacrament. Children will receive Jesus in their first Holy Communion during the Sunday Mass celebrations during the Easter Season.
Children who are in the Second through Eighth Grades and who are coming to Religious Education classes for the first time are prepared through their attendance at the weekly classes for their first Holy Communion and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The children, together with their parents, are required to attend an afternoon retreat. At the end of two consecutive years of preparation, the children will receive Jesus in their first Holy Communion during the Sunday Mass celebrations during the Easter Season.
Adults who wish to be baptized participate in the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA). Candidates for baptism normally require at least one year of preparation before receiving the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil. RCIA candidates will attend scripture discussions during Sunday Masses and weekly sacrament preparation classes.
First Communion
Children who have been baptized and who have been attending weekly Religious Education classes for two consecutive years will receive their First Communion in the springtime during the Easter Season.
Adults who have been baptized either in the Catholic Church or another Christian denomination may participate in the RCIA. Along with adults who are preparing for baptism they will attend scripture discussions during Sunday Masses and weekly sacrament preparation classes.
Sacrament of Reconciliation (Penance)
Children who have been baptized and who have been attending weekly Religious Education classes for two consecutive years will celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation prior to receiving their First Communion.
Adults who wish to prepare to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time may contact the parish house and speak with a member of the clergy.
Confirmation
Children who have been baptized and who have been attending weekly Religious Education classes for two consecutive years will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation on or close to Pentecost Sunday.
Adults who wish to receive the sacrament of Confirmation may participate in the preparation program jointly offered by St. Andrew’s and our neighboring parishes.
Marriage
Couples who wish to be married at St. Andrew’s should contact the Parish House at least six months prior to their preferred wedding date to make an appointment with a member of the clergy. Various parish and diocesan Pre-Cana programs are available for the couples. (718) 680-1010
Anointing of the Sick
Call the Rectory to arrange for a priest or Eucharistic Minister to bring communion to the homebound. In the case where one’s health is seriously impaired by sickness or old age, please contact one of the Priests to administer the sacrament of the anointing of the sick.
For emergencies and to make arrangements for sick calls, wakes or funerals call the Parish House at any time.
Holy Orders
The privilege of serving God’s people as a priest, permanent deacon, religious sister or brother is personally fulfilling and spiritually exciting. Anyone who feels they might be interested in the priesthood, diaconate or religious life should speak to a parish priest.
The Brooklyn Diocese Vocation Director is Father Sean Suckiel, and his office’s website is www.brooklynpriests.org. They’re also on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/Brooklyn-NY/Diocese-of-Brooklyn-Vocation-Office/129099257107084.