CELEBRATION OF BAPTISM ~ God Calls Us By Name...

The Parish Community celebrates Baptism on each Sunday of the month, except during the holiday weekends, at 12:00 pm in the Church. Parents should arrange for a baptism after the child is born by calling the Parish Office. First time parents will be expected to attend a Baptism Preparation Session. Please call the rectory and make an appointment.

CELEBRATION OF FIRST EUCHARIST ~ God Nourishes and Sustains...

This two-year preparation program, including family involvement, begins with children entering the first grade and ends with the Parish Community celebrating the reception of the sacrament in the spring of the second grade. Call the Religious Education Office for further information..

CELEBRATION OF CONFIRMATION ~ God Bestows The Holy Spirit...

Confirmation is the sacrament that completes the initiation process that began at Baptism. This sacrament gives the opportunity to candidates to make their personal commitment to Christ and the community of believers, the church. It is the sacrament that celebrates the presence of God's special strength and gifts in a baptized person. The person being confirmed is committed to Christ and ready to be responsible in the Christian Community. The Parish Community celebrates Confirmation in the Fall of the Junior year of High School after the completion of a special two-year program. Call the Youth Ministry Office for further information.

CELEBRATION OF ADULT BAPTISM, EUCHARIST and CONFIRMATION ~ Adult Catechumenate (RCIA)

Through the Adult Catechumenate non-Catholics interested in becoming members of the Roman Catholic Church are introduced to the teachings, worship, customs and organizations of Catholic life. This process, which begins in October and concludes at Easter-time, is for those adults seeking to know more about the Roman Catholic Faith. It is a process for the Unbaptized, Baptized Christians from other denominations and for Baptized Catholics who wish to complete the Sacraments of Initiation ~ Eucharist and/or Confirmation. The developing faith of the participants is celebrated in various rites along the way to mark their growth and commitment to Christ and the Church. The Parish Community celebrates the reception of these sacraments at the Easter Vigil. If you are interested or for further Information, please call the Parish Office.

CELEBRATION OF RECONCILIATION ~ God Forgives...

The Sacrament of the Lord's Forgiveness is celebrated every Saturday from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm in the Reconciliation Room located in the Church. Communal celebrations take place during the seasons of Advent and Lent. If you wish to receive this sacrament at any other time, appointments can be made by calling the Parish Office. This Sacrament is celebrated for the first time in the second grade during the Season of Advent, after the completion of the preparation program which includes family involvement. Call the Religious Education Office for further information. Communal celebrations for students in our Parish School and Religious Education program are offered in Advent and Lent.

CELEBRATION OF MARRIAGE ~ God Blesses A Couples Love...

Congratulations on your engagement! The Sacrament of Marriage celebrates and witnesses the covenant of love between two people and symbolizes in that union Christ's covenant of love for the Church. Since marriage is such a sacred vocation, it is important that couples be properly prepared to enter this sacrament. The process of Marriage preparation and scheduling for the Sacrament of Marriage ordinarily begins by contacting one of the priests one year prior to the proposed wedding date. Couples are encouraged to book the date with the Church before reserving a reception hall.

During this year the engaged couple will prepare for their wedding by meeting with the celebrant of the wedding and are expected to participate in either Pre-Cana or Engaged Encounter. These are the minimum requirements set by the Common Policy on Marriage by the Bishops of New Jersey.

The Pre-Cana Program is designed to encourage engaged couples to spend time together away from the hustle bustle of wedding plans and work. Pre-Cana allows each couple to grow closer through communication on areas that will be of great importance in marriage. Many couples reaffirm their love and learn more about each others hopes, dreams and concerns as the wedding day grows closer.

Pre-Cana at Our Lady of Mercy is held once a year, and is presented by a dedicated team of married couples. These couples share some of their own personal marital experiences, to encourage and inspire the engaged couples to discuss and reveal their individual feelings and concerns about the presented topic as it relates to their own relationship. If you are planning to receive the Sacrament of Marriage, please call the Parish Office to set up an appointment with one of the priest and to receive further information about Pre-Cana.

CELEBRATION OF THE SACRAMENT OF THE SICK ~ God brings Comfort and Strength...

This Sacrament may be celebrated with any person who is seriously ill. A communal celebrationof this Sacrament is held periodically. You may request the Sacrament at anytime.

PASTORAL CARE

Our Lady of Mercy Clergy are strongly committed to the spiritual care of the sick. We will be happy to bring Communion on a regular basis to those who are sick or homebound. Please call the Parish Office if you would like to receive the Eucharist at home.

If a parishioner is in the hospital, or nursing home we would like to visit them. Hospitals are required to observe confidentiality and privacy laws and no longer inform parishes of admissions of parishioners. Therefore, we must depend on the families of our sick parishioners to inform us of their whereabouts and condition. Please call the Parish Office if you would like one of the priests to visit a family member in the hospital or nursing home.