The seven sacraments — Baptism, Confession, Holy Communion, 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. When we participate in them worthily, each provides us with graces—with the life of God in our soul. In worship, we give to God that which we owe Him; in the sacraments, He gives us the graces necessary to live a truly human life.
Baptism
Our parish community is pleased to be able to help your family prepare for your child’s baptism.
St. Agnes Church & St. Mary Church
Baptisms: You can schedule a baptism at either church on Sundays at 1:00 pm. (By appointment)
PLEASE NOTE: If this is your first child we require the parents to attend a Baptismal Instruction class. This class is held the first Sunday of every month in the St Mary Church Rectory basement at 3:30pm. The class will run approximately 45 minutes.
Photos by: Silver Linings Photography
First Reconciliation (Confession)
First Reconciliation (Confession) is to be celebrated prior to the celebration of First Communion. Preparation for this sacrament is through participation in our school or the religious education program, and parent meetings specifically designed to help parents and their children prepare for this sacrament.
CONTACT
Religious Education Office
(203) 877-5874
First Holy Communion
Preparation is through participation in our school or the religious education program and parent meetings specifically designed to help the parents work with their children for this important celebration in their life. First Holy Communion is the first two Saturdays in May. Parents are required to attend the Parent meeting in March.
Dress Code
Girls: White dress & shoes. Vail is optional. No gloves.
Boys: “Sunday best” – khakis, dress pants, dress shirts, dress shoes. Jackets are optional. No sneakers.
CONTACT
Religious Education Office
(203) 877-5874
Confirmation (High School)
Religious Education and Confirmation forms are available 24/7 on the rear porch of the St Mary rectory in appropriately marked folders on the bookshelf by the door. If you know any families with their 1st born entering 1st grade in a non-Catholic school, please encourage them to call to register during the summer.
CONTACT
Religious Education Office
(203) 877-5874
Confirmation (ADULT)
Do you know someone who was Baptized, made their First Communion, but was never Confirmed? Some of you in our parish may be in this situation. When asked to be a sponsor for Baptism or Confirmation you are presented with the dilemma that you must decline. Precious Blood Parish is offering a course for just this circumstance.
CONTACT
Deacon John Hoffman
(203) 878-3571
RCIA: THE RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS
Ever wonder if your neighbor would like to be a Catholic? Have a friend at work who asks about your faith? If you know someone who is searching for meaning in their faith life, refer them to RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults). RCIA is a is a process that invites all who are interested on a journey to full membership in the Catholic Church, including those who have never been baptized, baptized Christians who are interested in becoming Catholic, or Catholics who have never completed their initiation.
CONTACT
Deacon John Hoffman
(203) 877-5874
Marriage
At the earliest possible date, you are asked to contact the Parish Office to set up an appointment with the priest to confirm your eligibility to marry in the Church and to receive information about structuring your Mass. One member of the engaged couple must already be a registered parishioner for at least six months before the couple can make a request to be married here. If the couple is not local but wishes to marry at either church because of its desirable location, they must have the permission of both their Pastor/Administrator and the clergy of will usually complete their marriage preparation in their church of origin.
At our Parish, we take great care in assisting our couples in the selection of the music and readings for their wedding Mass. The engaged couple will be contacted by the Director of Music when your application has been completed and submitted to your presider. At the appointment with the Music Director, the bride and groom will choose from a large selection of appropriate repertoire and create a wedding liturgy that truly reflects their faith and their place in the community.
Click on this form to start the music selection process.
CONTACT
Parish Office
(203) 878-3571
Holy Orders and Religious Life
The call to religious life can be a strong pull from early in life to a gently tug that follows you through your formative years. If you are interested in learning more about leading a professional life as a priest, deacon, sister or brother, each member of the parish staff is willing to assist you. As you consider a vocation, the vocation directors of the Archdiocese of Hartford are also available for assistance in discernment .
It is a great blessing to have people come forward to devote their lives to the continuation of our faith. The community of Precious Blood Parish fully supports anyone who chooses this path for their lives and we keep those who are studying to become leaders in our faith in our prayers.
Prayer for Vocations
Gracious God, with grateful hearts we welcome the presence of Jesus, our Good Shepherd. We accept the mission of Jesus to bring good news to the world by our baptismal commitment to gospel living. Bless us with discerning hearts. May we have the courage to give our lives in loving service through married life, the single life, the consecrated life, and ordained life. Inspire men and women to respond generously and embrace the gift of a religious vocation. We unite our prayers with the whole Church, with the communion of saints, with Jesus and the Spirit in praise and thanksgiving now and forever. Amen
CONTACT
Parish Office
(203) 878-3571
Archdiocese Office of Vocations
(860) 761-7456
Anointing of the Sick
If you or a loved one is hospitalized or homebound, please contact the rectory to arrange for the reception of the Eucharist and/or for the Anointing of the Sick. The priests, deacons and Eucharistic ministers visit patients at Milford Hospital on a regular basis. If some one is confined at home or in one of the other area hospitals, please call the parish office to notify us.
Traditionally referred to as Extreme Unction or Last Rites, the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick was previously most commonly administered to the dying, for the remission of sins and the provision of spiritual strength and health. In modern times, however, its use has been expanded to all who are gravely ill or are about to undergo a serious operation, and the Church stresses a secondary effect of the sacrament: to help a person recover his health. Like Confession and Holy Communion, to which it is closely linked, the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick can be repeated as often as is necessary.
For information on funeral Mass preparations, click here.
CONTACT
Parish Office
(203) 878-3571