Baptism-
Baptisms are celebrated on the first and third Sundays of the month. Final arrangements must be made with a parish priest at least two months in advance. Godparents must be practicing Catholics, at least 16 years of age with a letter of eligibility from their parish. Letters of Eligibility due in the rectory office at least one month prior to the Baptism.If the child to be baptized is the first born or is the first child to be born after registering as a member of Our Lady of Fatima Parish, the parents are required to participate in the Pre-Jordan (pre-baptismal) program before the baptism takes place. To enroll in the class, please contact the rectory office at 610-532-5800 at least two months before the date on which the baptism will be performed.
Confirmation-
Confirmation is performed once a year for eligible students who have been prepared for the sacrament through the teachings at our parish school or the Parish Religious Education Program (usually when they are in sixth grade). Special classes prepare older students.
Sponsors must provide a letter of eligibility from their parish at least six months before Confirmation. Please refer to the section titled Sponsors and Godparents for the guidelines regarding eligible sponsors.
This year Most Reverend Daniel E. Thomas will administer the Sacrament of Confirmation in our church on Wednesday,November 9, 2011 at 4:00 pm.
First Reconciliation and First Eucharist-
Children of Our Lady of Fatima Parish receive the First Sacraments of Reconciliation (Penance) and the Holy Eucharist after the proper instructions and formation in the faith at our Parish Elementary School or Parish Religious Education Program. For more information, please contact Sr. Eileen Tiernan, IHM, at 610-586-3633.
Parent Meeting, in preparation for First Reconciliation, will be held on Wednesday, October 5, 2011, at 7:00 pm in the Church Social Hall. First Reconciliation is on Thursday, December 1, 2011.
The Parent Meeting, in preparation for First Holy Communion, will be held on Thursday, February 9, 2011, in the Church Social Hall. First Holy Communion is on Sunday, May 6, 2011.
Anointing of the Sick-
The Sacrament is given to seriously ill Catholics by calling the Rectory and arranging for this by appointment or whenever there is an emergency. Parishioners scheduled to undergo surgery should contact one of the priests so that they may to be anointed before their medical procedure. This can also be done at Church when you come to Mass.
Holy Orders-
Those who think they have a calling to the Priesthood may contact one of the Parish Priests or call Rev. Kevin Gallagher, the Vocation Director at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, at (610-667-5778) directly .
Marriage-
Couples planning to marry in Our Lady of Fatima Church should notify one of the Parish Priests as early as possible, and no less than one year prior to the desired wedding date, so that appropriate assistance in marriage preparation may be provided. Please be sure to arrange a wedding date and time with the priest before making any commitment for your Reception. Visiting priests are welcome to officiate, but you must still contact one of the Parish Priests to officially set the parish date and begin the formal process of preparation. |