| The seven sacraments—Baptism, Holy Communion, Reconciliation, Confirmation, Marriage, Holy Orders and the Anointing of the Sick—are the life of the Catholic Church. Each sacrament is an outward sign of an inward grace. In worship, we give to God that which we owe Him; in the sacraments, He gives us the graces necessary to live a truly spiritual life. Baptism The Sacrament of Baptism is the first step in a lifelong journey of commitment and discipleship. Whether we are baptized as infants or adults, Baptism removes the guilt and effects of Original Sin and incorporates the baptized into the Church, the Mystical Body of Christ on earth. When: First Sunday of every month at 2:30 p.m. A class for parents and godparents is held the preceding Thursday in the Linse Room in the Lower Church. Contact: Elaine Parks, Parish Secretary, to make arrangements. 781-444-0245; eparks@saintjoes.com First Holy Communion (and First Penance) The Eucharist, or Communion, is the real presence of Jesus, who died for our sins. As we receive Christ's Body and Blood, we are nourished spiritually and brought closer to God. When: First Penance and First Eucharist sacraments are prepared for and administered to 2nd grade students each year during the Spring with First Holy Communion Masses scheduled on a Saturday and Sunday in early May. Contact: Your child must be enrolled in either Saint Joseph Elementary School or the Religious Education Program to prepare for this important sacrament. If you wish to enroll your child in religious education classes, please contact Susan Foohey, Religious Education Director (K-6), at 781-449-3744. Reconciliation (Confession) Reconciliation is one of the least understood of the sacraments of the Catholic Church. In reconciling us to God, it is a great source of grace, and Catholics are encouraged to take advantage of it often. When: Saturdays from 3-4 p.m. in the Penance Room in the Lower Church. Advent and Lenten Penance Services are also provided – check the Weekly Bulletin for specific times. Confirmation Confirmation is a Catholic sacrament of mature Christian commitment and a deepening of baptismal gifts. Like Baptism and Eucharist, it is a Sacrament of Initiation. It perfects our Baptism and brings us the graces of the Holy Spirit that were granted to the Apostles on Pentecost Sunday. When: Preparations for Confirmation begin in the 10th grade and students are confirmed in the fall of their junior year of high school. Contact: To enroll a student, contact Debbie Coyle in the Religious Education Office, 781-449-3744. Marriage The Sacrament of Marriage, or Holy Matrimony, is a public sign that one gives oneself totally to this other person. It is also a public statement about God: the loving union of husband and wife speaks of family values and also God's values. When: A preparation period of at least six months must be allowed between your initial contact with the Parish and your wedding date to allow time for a required Marriage Preparation Program. The mission of our Marriage Preparation Program is to assist engaged couples in their commitment to married life. We offer presentations by married couples, a priest, a person from our music ministry, and a person from the wedding rehearsal ministry. Contact: Contact one of the Parish priests at the Rectory at 781-444-0245 to schedule a date for your marriage. Congratulations on your engagement! Anointing of the Sick The Catholic sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, formerly known as Last Rites or Extreme Unction, is administered both to the dying and to those who are gravely ill or are about to undergo a serious operation, for the recovery of their health and for spiritual strength. Contact: Please call the Rectory at 781-444-0245 to schedule the Anointing. The Sacrament of Holy Orders The Sacrament of Holy Orders is the continuation of Christ's priesthood, which He bestowed upon His Apostles. There are three levels to this sacrament: the episcopate, the priesthood, and the diaconate. Contact: If you are interested in learning more, please contact one of the Parish priests at the Rectory at 781-444-0245. As you know, the Catholic Church in the Unites States is in need of priests - we look forward to hearing from you! | 
