Sacrament of Baptism: Preparation of parents to accept their role as teachers and sharers of the Catholic faith is done on an individual basis by appointment. The Sacrament of Baptism is preferably celebrated during weekend Masses. Adults who wish to become members of the Catholic faith are welcome. Please call the office.
Sacrament of Eucharist: Preparation for first Eucharist is part of the Faith Development program and is usually received in the third grade. The Eucharist is reserved in the Reservation Chapel on the northern side of the worship space. This is a location for private prayer and devotion.
You may shut the doors of this holy space for privacy and quiet.
Reconciliation: This Sacrament of Reconciliation is celebrated every Saturday from 3:30 – 4:00 P.M. In addition, at least two Reconciliation Prayer Services are celebrated each year, usually during Advent and Lent. Other times for individual reconciliation are available by appointment.
Confirmation: High School Youth that are preparing for the sacrament of Confirmation must attend 10 high school youth program events. The preparation process includes group activities, retreat days, liturgical experiences and service opportunities. Adults seeking the sacrament of Confirmation should contact Fr. Stu Pinette.
Sacrament of Matrimony: A preparation period of at least six months is required prior to the celebration of the Sacrament of Matrimony according to the policy of the Archdiocese of Hartford. The parish staff as well as married couples from our community meet with the engaged as they prepare for marriage and for their wedding ceremony. Those planning for marriage are asked to speak with Fr. Stu as early in the process as possible.
Anointing of the Sick: In the Beginning…The early Christian Church prayed for its sick members. Oil, brought by the faithful, was blessed by the Bishop. Anyone could use or apply the oil in times of sickness.
Time Brings Changes…Some centuries later, a rite for the Anointing of the Sick appeared. This rite assumed that the community was gathered and the sick person was generally able to be restored to health. Meanwhile, people began putting off the Sacrament of Reconciliation until their death because it could only be received once. Therefore, they couldn’t receive the Anointing of the Sick until they had confessed and been reconciled to the Church. Since both sacraments would therefore often occur at the time of death, the Anointing of the Sick unfortunately became associated with dying. Church teachers who knew only of this practice began to explain the Anointing as a preparation for death (rather than a prayer for the sick). Even though the official teaching of the Church urged people not to wait until the time of death to receive the Anointing of the Sick, in practice most people did wait. Some families even waited until the dying person was unconscious before calling a priest. What had been a sacrament for the sick became incorrectly known as the “Last Rites” and many of us grew up with images of the priest anointing the dying person.
Today – The Proper Practice…The Anointing of the Sick may be received by any baptized Catholic who is dangerously ill and has sufficient use of reason to be comforted by the sacrament. Children dealing with chronic or serious illness may be anointed (if they have sufficient use of reason); elderly persons may be anointed if they are in weak condition although no dangerous illness is present. Those struggling with mental, emotional illness may seek the sacrament; persons anticipating serious surgery are candidates for the sacrament as well. Those who experience severe chronic and/or debilitating illness are also encouraged to receive the sacrament.
The purpose of the sacrament is to unite the one who is sick with the suffering, death and resurrection of Christ so the sick may know the healing presence and love of the Lord, be strengthened in faith and experience the support of the Church. The Anointing of the Sick can be received many times over a lifetime, even over the course of one illness. The Sacrament of the Sick is for the Living. The Church does not permit the Anointing to be given to anyone who has already died.
The Sacrament is often celebrated communally. At Saint Elizabeth Seton we celebrate the Communal Anointing of the Sick at least twice a year, during the celebration of Sunday Mass. Catholics may also receive the Anointing of the Sick privately with a priest, or with a few loved ones present.
The Anointing of the Sick is not required or absolutely essential for a peaceful death. Other pastoral ministers can provide the prayers appropriate at the time of death.
So…What are the “Last Rites?” “Last Rites” refers to the reception of Holy Communion by a person near death. It is called “VIATICUM” (food for the journey). It is a beautiful sacrament and can be repeated over several days as the person nears death. It may be administered by any Catholic pastoral minister as well as by the priest.
For more information, contact the Church office at (860) 529-3222.
Home Visitation: We welcome the opportunity to bring the Sacraments of Eucharist, Reconciliation, an Anointing of the Sick to those who cannot be with the Community because of illness or age. Please call us.
Hospital Visitation – Please notify us if you or a member of your family is hospitalized so that we can be with you or your family member during this time.