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Baptism, Reconciliation,First Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation,
Holy Orders, Anointing of the Sick, Marriage
The community gathers to pray and be nourished by the Lord Jesus in the Sacrament of the Eucharist so that we may go forth into the world and bring Christ to our communities and workplaces. The Lord enters our lives, and we enter into the life of the community through Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Marriage, Anointing of the Sick, Reconciliation, and Ordination to Holy Orders.
The purpose of Sacraments is to sanctify people, to build up the body of Christ, and to give worship to God. Each Sacrament presupposes faith, and by ritual words and objects Sacraments nourish, strengthen, and express faith.
Baptism
Adults or children seven years or older: The normal process is the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults). Contact the Parish Office at 302-378-5800.
Infants: Three months before the due date of the child’s birth or the Baptism, parents should attend the parish Baptism preparation program. Contact the Parish Office at 302-378-5800.
Scheduling: After attending the parish baptismal preparation program, the date can be set. Since the numbers and dates are limited, parents need to call the office before planning parties, etc.
Contact the Parish Office at 302-378-5800.
Godparents/Sponsors
· A person who is 16 years old, baptized and confirmed and who is a practicing Catholic may be a Godparent, also called a sponsor. One is required; two are permitted, provided one is male and the other female. A baptized Protestant who is practicing the faith of Jesus and who is at least 16 years old may be one of the two Godparents (and is called a Christian Witness) but is not considered a sponsor.
· A proxy is a person delegated by the godparent to stand in his or her place if they are unable to be present at the Baptism. The proxy must fulfill the same requirements as a godparent. Back to Top
Reconciliation
 Saturdays: 4:00 in St. Joseph Church
Sundays: 9:00 in the Reconciliation Room at St. Rose of Lima
Seasonal Penance Services as announced
Individual appointments available Back to Top
First Reconciliation , First Eucharist and Confirmation
 Children: Families are assisted by the Christian Formation Office in the preparation of their children. Children must be enrolled in Religious Education for two consecutive years prior to preparation for the sacraments. In addition there are special preparation programs for all parents and candidates.
Preparation for First Reconciliation and Eucharist may begin at grade two.
Contact Susan Pascoe at 302-378-5800.
Youth: Youth must be enrolled in Religious Education for two consecutive years prior to preparation for the sacrament. The minimum grade level for Confirmation candidates is ninth. Confirmation Preparation Program begins in August and is held throughout the school year. Completion is required before Confirmation, which is usually celebrated in fall of tenth grade.
Sponsors for Confirmation must be at least 16 years of age, baptized and confirmed in the Roman Catholic faith, and must be practicing their Catholic faith. Parents may not serve as sponsors for their children.
Contact Mark Winterbottom at 302-378-5800.
Adults: The normal process for adults (as well as children age 7 and above) baptized in another Christian denomination is the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults). This process may also be appropriate for adults baptized Catholic who have not received Eucharist and Confirmation.
Contact the Parish Office at 302-378-5800 to inquire about coming into full communion with the Catholic Church. Adult Catholics who have not been confirmed and wish to receive the sacrament of confirmation may also contact the office or a parish priest or deacon. Back to Top
Holy Orders
If you feel God might be calling you to a vocation as a priest or deacon, contact one of our parish priests, deacon, or the Diocesan Vocation Office (302-573-3113) Back to Top
.Anointing of the Sick
Anointing is administered in case of any health emergency that threatens the life of a person. Call the parish office
In those cases when you know you will be going to the hospital for serious illness, it is recommended that you be anointed before you enter the hospital. We will celebrate the Anointing of the Sick during the daily Mass whenever requested. Please call the parish office to make an appointment. Back to Top
Marriage 
Since the Sacrament of Marriage involves the joining of two people in a special union, a couple planning to marry should:
· Contact the parish priest or deacon at least one year prior to the anticipated wedding date
before contracting for your reception, and
· Attend a marriage preparation program. There are three parts to the program:
- 1. Time for instruction and discussion with a priest or deacon.
- 2. Pre-Cana Conference or Engaged Encounter Weekend.
- 3. Time with the parish Sponsor Couple Program. Back to Top
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St. Joseph Parish