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St. Mary of the Assumption
1 St. Mary's Hill
Lancaster, NY 14086
716.683.6445

Sacraments of Initiation


Baptism

Life Giving Water

“In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" - Matthew 28:19.

This initial sacrament frees us from sin through God’s sanctifying grace. Through the waters of Baptism the Holy Spirit seals us as belonging to Christ. Baptism is the foundation of communion between all Christians.

Baptizing Your Child

Join us with other families as you anticipate the Baptism of your child.

We’ll gather together to reflect on the gift of faith, what is Baptism, your desires as parents, and the opportunity to meet other parents.

Parents who desire to have their child baptized, the preparation process includes: 

  • Registering if not members of the parish by calling the parish secretary or sending in the registration form found here.
  • Attending a one hour pre-baptismal formation workshop.
  • Scheduling the baptism within 2 months after the birth.  Parents have a choice of baptizing during any mass on the second and fourth Sunday of the month or at 1:15 p.m.
  • A godparent must be a practicing Catholic, confirmed and must obtain a letter of recommendation from their parish. 
  • Commit to help your child live out their baptismal call, recieve the sacraments and fully participate in the life of the Church


    Eucharist

    Unifying Source and Center of Christian Living

    "Let your Spirit come upon these gifts to make them holy, so that they may become for us the body and blood of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Grant that we, who are nourished by his body and blood, may be filled with his Holy Spirit, and become one body, one spirit in Christ." - Eucharistic Prayer

    The Eucharist is the source of life giving bread and is lies at the heart of the mystery of the Church. Through the Eucharist we are fed, nourished and enlightened. Through transubstantiation- the changing of bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ-- the Eucharist is a mystery which surpasses our understanding and can only be received in faith.

    The day of first Holy Communion is the beginning of a new journey with Jesus.  Beginning on this day, we are able to receive the Body and Blood of Christ, the Real Presence of Jesus, every day if we so choose.  We are certainly encouraged to partake of this sacred feast at least weekly.  As we do so, we participate in a special grace that helps us in our daily walk through life.  Eucharist also helps us to understand that our walk with Jesus is truly a journey of life that never ends. 

     

    Confirmation

    Strengthen and Deepen Faith through the Gifts of the Holy Spirit

    “All powerful God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, by water and the Holy Spirit you freed your sons and daughters from sin. And gave them new life. Send your Holy Spirit upon them to be their helper and guide. Give them the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of right judgment and courage, the spirit of knowledge and reverence. Fill them with the spirit of wonder and awe in your presence. – Rite of Confirmation

    Confirmation or Chrismation is the second sacrament of Christian initiation. It is conferred by the anointing with Sacred Chrism (oil mixed with balsam and consecrated by the bishop), which is done by the laying on of hands to be anointed and sealed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. We pray that the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit take root in us so that we may become signs of God's living presence in the world.


    Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

    Becoming a Catholic - A Journey in Faith

Are you a Seeker, desiring to know about our faith and possibly joining our Catholic church?

We welcome you! The St. Mary's community invites you to join us with your questions as we explore the Catholic faith through the RCIA process.

What does RCIA mean?

RCIA stands for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

At St. Mary’s the RCIA process is a guided journey to prepare for sacramental initiation and entry into the Catholic Church. The journey is also one of individualized prayer, reflection and learning that allows for the continual discernment of God's plan in our lives.

Candidates, those already baptized, and catechumens, those who have not been baptized, both participate in this learning, loving process of conversion.

Sponsors, the RCIA team, and the entire parish community are involved in walking with and supporting the RCIA candidate along their faith journey.

Through the RCIA process everyone is renewed in faith.

What  Topics are covered?

The Formation includes several areas:

§             Scripture: the stories of God's people

§             Teaching: what Catholics believe

§             Prayer: how we communicate with God

§             Liturgy: how the community worships

§             Mission: how we live out what we believe

Who belongs in RCIA?

This process is for anyone who:

§             Desires to know more about the Catholic Church

§             Is unbaptized and wants to become a Catholic Christian through the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.

§             Is a baptized Christian (in another faith tradition or Catholic) who desires full sacramental membership in the Catholic Church through Confirmation and Eucharist.

§             Attends the Catholic Church and is questioning if the Catholic Church is for you.

§             Was baptized Catholic but left or has had little or no contact with the Church.

§             Was baptized Catholic but has never celebrated Eucharistic and / or Confirmation.

Who is involved in the process?

Actually, the whole parish is involved in the RCIA process. Besides those seeking initiation into the Church, there are parish sponsors and a team of parishioners who walk the spiritual journey with the candidates.

Throughout the process there are rites that are celebrated within the Sunday liturgies. At the Sunday liturgies the parish assembly welcomes and supports the candidates in prayer.

Who are the sponsors?

Sponsors are persons from the parish who serve as companions, mentors, and guides throughout the RCIA process.

Sponsors do not need to be “answer people” who are experts in the knowledge about their faith. Sponsors receive information and support for their ministry. Sponsors desire to grow in their faith and deepen their relationship with God.

How long does it take to become a full member of the Catholic Church?

It depends on the person. We respect each person, their journey and allow for discernment along the way. Commitment is made in stages and a final commitment is not made until a determined time during the liturgical year. Generally, unbaptized persons are received into the Church at the Easter Vigil. The group meets on Sunday mornings at 11 am.

What if I’m not sure. Am I committed to becoming a Catholic from the start?

No. RCIA is a journey. The RCIA team members and parish sponsors are available to help the interested adult discern if this is the best path for them at this time.

Questions about the RCIA program?

Please contact: Mary Nowak 681-4145 

Mass Schedule 

Daily Masses:
8:30 a.m. Tues, Thurs.
12:00 Noon Mon, Wed, Fri.  All in school chapel. 
During school year, there is also an 8:30 a.m. Mass on Fridays in the Church.

Please call the rectory for holy day information.

Weekend Masses:

Saturday 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Sunday 8 a.m., 10 a.m., and 12 Noon

Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession):
Saturday 3:30-4:00 p.m.
Appointments may be made for the sacrament by calling one of the priests.

Eucharistic Adoration:
First Fridays 12:30-5:00 p.m.

Call the Rectory to schedule a Memorial Mass,
Memorial Sanctuary Light, or offer a Mass Card.