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Sacraments |
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SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION |
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It is primarily
in the liturgical celebrations that we
come together as people of faith. We go
forth to share in the mission of Jesus
in the community in which we live. All
sacrament preparation assumes regular
weekly family attendance at Mass as its
foundation. Parish registration is also
required. |
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BAPTISM |
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It is in
Baptism that we enter into a covenantal
relationship with God through Jesus
Christ and are welcomed into the
community of believers. Parents and
sponsors attend a Baptismal Preparation
Session prior to the infant's Baptism,
even before birth. Sessions are held on
Monday evenings at 7 p.m. in the
Church. Infant
Baptisms in groups are held on Sundays
at 1:45 p.m. throughout the year.
Arrangements can be made by calling the
Parish Office, 410-592-7071. |
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FIRST
EUCHARIST |
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When a child
demonstrates an ability to understand
God's presence in the Eucharist, the
parish invites the child and parents to
prepare for reception of the Eucharist.
The invitation is given when the child
attains the age of discretion; i.e.
about seven years of age. The child must
have been enrolled in a parish program
of religious education at least one
year prior as well as continually
throughout the year of sacramental
preparation. Throughout the time of the
parish religious education, the parents
extend the parish program by weekly
attendance at a parish Mass, working
with the text issued by the Religious
Education Office, and by participating
in a First Eucharist Seminar.
Children then
have three areas of support and
catechesis: (1)weekly Mass in the
parish; (2)weekly Parish Religious
Education sessions or enrollment in the
parish school; and (3)instruction
and sharing with parents in preparation
for the sacrament using a textbook
issued to parents. |
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RECONCILIATION |
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It is in the
sacrament of Reconciliation that we
experience the sign of Christ's mercy
and forgiveness. Reconciliation
Preparation (Penance/Confession) is
offered to children who have reached the
age of reason, usually about seven years
of age. In addition to weekly catechesis
in either the Parish Religious Education
Program or in the Parish School, the
children also work with their parents in
the home, in a series of
learning/sharing sessions in a textbook
issued by the Office of Religious
Education. Parents are requested to
attend a First Reconciliation Seminar
designed to help parents recognize their
child's readiness for the sacrament and
to give support throughout the
preparation period.
Weekly, the
parish offers private confession on
Saturday evenings between 6:30 and 7:15
p.m. The sacrament may also be
celebrated at other times by scheduling
an appointment with the parish priest.
Communal celebrations of the sacrament
occur during the seasons of Advent and
Lent. |
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CONFIRMATION |
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The Sacrament
of Confirmation celebrates the fullness
of the Holy Spirit conferred upon the
individual at Baptism. It is seen as the
process of ongoing renewal and
commitment to grow in spiritual maturity
and service to the people of God, thus
proclaiming the lived expression of
Christ in the world. At St. Stephen
Church, the Confirmation Program is a
two year program and is parish based -
meaning that students from the parish
school and from the religious education
programs meet together for activities
and instruction. Mass attendance is
required every weekend. In Year I
(remote preparation) 7th grades are
required to have regular attendance at
weekly Religious Education sessions or
be enrolled in a Catholic School and are
requested to give 15 hours of Christian
service and a group project. In
addition, during Year II participation
is required in the following:
Confirmation Enrollment during a weekend
Mass; Sponsor Night; four sessions on
the Sacrament of Confirmation and a
retreat. Sponsors take an active part in
the preparation of the candidate by
participation with the candidate in the
Enrollment ceremony, Sponsor Night, and
an Evening of Reflection, as well as the
Confirmation ceremony itself. Parents
offer support by attending a
Confirmation Seminar and by encouraging
and assisting their children in
Christian Service projects.
Parents/Parishioners offer support as
prayer partners. |
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MARRIAGE |
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Archdiocesan
policy states that couples are required
to make an appointment with a priest or
deacon of the parish at least six months
in advance of the date they plan to
celebrate their wedding. Sometime during
this period of time, the couple is
requested to participate in a marriage
preparation program. At St Stephen
Church, couples who are married are
invited to attend a Pre-Cana Program,
held in the school hall twice per year
in Spring and Fall on two Sunday
afternoons from 2 to 6 p.m. - a total of
8 hours of sharing, dialogue and
discussion. This program considers
facets of marriage which are important
in beginning and building a marital
relationship. Topics discussed are
communication skills, sexuality,
decision making, finances, and
spirituality. Pre-Cana Presentations are
also scheduled throughout the
Archdiocese of Baltimore in other
parishes. Also available to engaged
couples is a form of marriage
preparation known as Engaged Encounter,
as well as the "Sponsor Couple" Program.
Contact the Parish Office for
further information - 410-592-7071.
If you plan to
be married by a priest or deacon
affiliated with St. Stephen, you should
be a registered parishioner. However, if
you wish to use the church building for
your wedding and you are not a
registered parishioner, you may do so
only if you provide your own priest or
deacon and have him contact the priests
at St. Stephen for permission.
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