“Catholics believe that the Sacraments are how we cross over 2,000 years and become ‘contemporary with Christ,’ or rather how Christ crosses over and becomes contemporary with us. The answer is that we meet not just spiritually and subjectively, in our minds; we meet materially and objectively in and through the matter of the Sacraments.”
Peter Kreeft, Jesus Schock
Sacraments of Initiation
The Sacraments of Initiation—Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist—are the foundations of the Christian life. “Baptism, the Eucharist, and the sacrament of Confirmation together constitute the ‘sacraments of Christian initiation,’ whose unity must be safeguarded”
(CCC 1285)
Baptism
Baptismal preparation classes are held on the 3rd Wednesday of each month. Baptism ceremonies are held on the first Saturday of the month at noon and the second and third Sundays of the month at 2:00. Parents must be registered parishioners of Our Lady of Mercy, Please call the parish office to register for the baptism preparation class and to schedule a baptism date.
Confirmation
In Confirmation, Christians receive a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit and deepening of baptismal graces needed to grow as mature disciples of Christ in the life of the Church.
Eucharist
The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life. When we faithfully receive the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, we grow deeper in communion with God and fellowship with one another. Preparation for the sacrament begins in first-grade Religious Education classes and continues through second grade. Attendance at a parent meeting is required. A child must be in first and second-grade programs to receive Communion in the spring of second grade.
Adults (18 and older)
Adults (18 and over) who would like to receive the sacrament should contact Fr. Frank Pusateri (630-851-3444 x226) or OCIA@olmercy.com for information on the OCIA program (Order of Christian Initiation for Adults).
Youth
Faith Formation classes for youths– To prepare for the sacrament of First Holy Eucharist require two years of preparation. Preparation for the sacrament can begin as early as first grade, but student must be at least 7 years of age to receive the sacrament.
Note: A child needs to be in first and second grade programs to receive 1st Holy Communion in the spring of second grade.
Contact Us
Mary Jo Trapani
Family Faith Formation Director (Grades K-5)
Sacrament of First Holy Eucharist
MaryJoT@olmercy.com
(331) 707-5378
Karen Schwartz
Family Faith Formation Administrative Assistant
karens@olmercy.com
(331) 707-5369
Sacraments of Healing
In the Sacrament of Healing; Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick, we are reconciled to God and the Church.
(CCC 1420-1498)
Reconciliation
The sacrament of Reconciliation is about the mercy of Jesus Christ. Honestly confessing our sins reconciles us to God and restores us to His grace and intimate friendship. Confession breaks the power of shame and the hurt of sin; it restores and revitalizes our relationships within the community of faith in the life of our Church. To encourage you, please watch Father Michael’s homily on the similarity between cleaning the house and Confession.
Confession Schedule
- Tuesdays 7PM until all are heard
- Wednesdays 12:30PM until all are heard
- Thursdays 7AM until all are heard
- Fridays 12:30PM until all are heard
- Saturdays 9AM – 10AM & 1:30PM – 2:30PM
- During MAGNIFY (the last Weds of the month) 7:30PM – 8:30PM
- Or By Appointment; select Learn More to schedule an appointment
Anointing of the Sick
Jesus showed compassion toward the sick and suffering. The sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick extends God’s grace of spiritual strength, peace, and courage to overcome the difficulties that go with facing a serious health challenge or advanced age.
Anointing is available by appointment during the week, or upon request during the weekend. Please contact us if you or a loved one would like to receive the sacrament.
In case of emergencies, please call our parish offices and select the “emergency line” option (630) 851-3444
Sacraments at the Service of Communion
Holy Orders and Matrimony belong to the Sacraments at the Service of Communion. This means they are primarily directed toward the salvation of others. The recipients of these Sacraments grow in holiness through their service to others.
(CCC 1533-1600)
Holy Matrimony
Congratulations on your engagement!
In order to help couples prepare for the rest of their lives together, Our Lady of Mercy offers a multi-faceted marriage preparation process. Our engaged couples will benefit from the widely acclaimed FOCCUS inventory, meetings with a mentor couple, training in Natural Family Planning, instruction in the vision and meaning of marriage, and personal meetings with their celebrant.
Contact Theresa Czaplewski at (331) 707-5374 or theresac@olmercy.com to secure your date and begin the marriage preparation process. Weddings are celebrated at least six months from the beginning of the marriage preparation process.
Holy Orders
Since the time of the apostles, Christ has personally called men and women to dedicate their lives in service to Christ and his Church as priests, sisters, and brothers. These callings are precious gifts that every Christian should consider and be open to receiving! Priests and religious are consecrated to be signs to the world of the joy-filled communion with God that we are all made for.
To learn more about a vocation to the Catholic priesthood or religious life, contact Fr Michael Kearney or Fr Frank Pusateri, or learn more at the Diocese of Joliet’s Vocations website.
