Sacrament of Penance/Reconciliation

Reconciliation is available on Saturday at 9:00 AM at the Center Road church. If the above time is inconvenient, a “confession appointment” may be made by contacting the rectory. For children studying to receive the sacrament of First Reconciliation, refer to Religious Education for additional information.

Eucharist

For children studying to receive the sacrament of First Holy Communion, refer to Religious Education for additional information.

Confirmation

For children studying to receive the sacrament of Confirmation, refer to Religious Education for additional information.

Matrimony

For couples contemplating marriage, refer to Celebrating the Sacrament of Matrimony.

Anointing of the Sick

In the holy anointing of the sick with the prayer of the priest, the whole Church recommends the sick to the Lord, who suffered and has been glorified, asking him to give them relief and salvation. The Anointing of the Sick belongs to the total ministry of the sick and elderly, and not only to those in imminent danger of death. The parish priest is available to administer this sacrament when the need arises. Bi-annually, a communal celebration of the Anointing of the Sick is held at a weekend Mass.

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)

For individuals interested in gradually becoming members of the Roman Catholic Church, refer to Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).

Celebration of the Rite of Christian Burial

Initial arrangements for the celebration of the Rite of Christian Burial are arranged through the funeral director of one's choice. The family of the deceased is asked to meet with the priest prior to the wake/funeral/burial to plan the rite.

Religious Education Program

Sister Dorellen Sullivan, Director Mrs. Christine Silvestri, Religious Education Secretary Main Office: (203) 389-9863 Center Road Monday through Thursday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m (Summer hours: Monday through Thursday 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.) Places of Instruction Center Road Church Office: (203) 397-5250 Pre-K, Kindergarten: Sunday 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Grades 1-6: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 3:45p.m. - 4:45p.m. Grades 7 -10: Sunday 10:30a.m. - 11:45a.m. & Tuesday and Wednesday 7:00 p.m. - 8:15 p.m.

"It is God who gave apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers in roles of service for the faithful to build up the body of Christ, till we become one in faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son, and form that perfect person who is Christ come to full stature."

Grade 1

In grade 1 the children learn basic doctrine concerning the way God shows His love for them through creation, the gift of Jesus, Mary, the Mother of Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and the Church.

Grade 2

Grade 2 students learn more about God and belief in God, begin a preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion, and are introduced to the Mass.

Grade 3 (First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion)

The sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion are received in 3rd grade. The curriculum for this year is focused on these two sacraments. Parents are expected to participate in three parent preparation sessions during this year. In addition, there is a home component whose completion is required. The sacrament of First Reconciliation is usually celebrated on the second Saturday in January. First Holy Communion is celebrated on the second Saturday in May.

Dress Code for First Reconciliation

Children are expected to be dressed up, not to come in play clothes.

Dress Code for First Communion

• Boys are to wear long-sleeved white shirts, long white ties, navy blue trousers, and dress shoes. Jackets will not be worn.

• Girls may wear a white or pastel dress, veil, flowers, ribbon, or nothing on their head, white ankle or knee socks, or white tights, and dress shoes. Gloves will not be worn, nor rosary beads or flowers carried.

Grade 4, 5 and 6

In grades 4, 5 and 6 students study the Beatitudes, the Commandments, the Sacraments, and the Old Testament. Each year the Mass, Reconciliation and Eucharist are reviewed, as well as the seasons of the Church year.

Grades 7 & 8

Using the text "One Faith, One Lord," students in grades 7 and 8 study the basics beliefs of the Catholic Church.

In grade 8 students are required to pass a comprehensive religion test based on the material studied in "One Faith, One Lord". Grade 8 students are required to perform 10 hours of community service

Confirmation

In grades 9 and 10, high school students are required to successfully complete a two year Confirmation preparation program. Confirmation candidates are required to complete 15 hours of community service during the two years of study. The Sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated in the month of March each year.

Parents of Confirmation students are required to sign a Contract of Commitment.

 Download the Confirmation Service Report Form here.

Dress Code for Confirmation

Boys are to wear the following:

• Dress shirts, ties, and jackets

• Dress pants (no jeans)

• Dress shoes (no athletic shoes/sneakers) loafers, & docksides are ok

Girls are to wear the following:

• Dresses or skirts (must be at least to the knee in length, can be as long as you like).

• Dresses must have a sleeve-cap three-quarters or longer

• Dress shoes.

Vacation Bible School

During the summer, a two week Vacation Bible School is held.  Each year a different theme is used based on five stories either from the Old or New Testaments.  This is a fun-filled two weeks of learning about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, the Church and Mary; through presentations, arts and crafts, songs and other varied activities The program runs Monday through Friday from 9:30 to 12:30.