The Sacraments
The Sacrament of Baptism The Sacrament of Baptism may be celebrated on any Saturday at 11:00 AM. Either Fr. McDonald or Fr. Justin will be scheduled for this sacramental celebration. Normally Fr. McDonald will be scheduled for the First and Second Saturday of the month and Fr. Justin for the third and fourth Saturday. If a parent would like to schedule a baptism at a Sunday Mass, they should consult with either Fr. McDonald or Fr. Justin to schedule this celebration. Baptisms at a Sunday Mass will take place no more than once every other month at any particular Mass. To have a child baptized at St. Joseph Church, one must be registered and practicing Catholic. Those from outside of Macon who wish to return to St. Joseph for a baptism of a child must provide a letter of permission from their pastor and/or parish of registration.
The Sacrament of Confirmation
Beginning with Seventh Graders for the 2005-2006 school year, preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation begins in the Seventh Grade and is celebrated in the 9th Grade. (Current 8th graders will be confirmed in the Spring.) A seminar is held annually for those practicing Catholics 18 years and older who may have missed celebrating this Sacrament. These prepared adults will celebrate the sacrament when the bishop comes to the parish. The Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist
Beginning in the First Grade, children will be prepared for the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. They will celebrate their First Holy Communion in the second grade after having celebrated their first confession. The Sacrament of Reconciliation - (Penance/Confession)
Confessions are heard each Saturday from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM or by appointment. Sacramental Confession is the ordinary means by which mortal or serious sins are forgiven. Catholics are required to be a state of grace in order to receive Holy Communion. Beginning with the first grade, children are prepared to celebrate their first confession prior to receiving first Holy Communion in the second grade. The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is celebrated each first Thursday of the month at the 11:00 aM Mass. It is also celebrated by appointment or in the hospital setting. This Sacrament should no longer be defered to the time of death, but celebrated at the beginning of a serious illness, hospitalization or as healing for serious chronic illnessses of mind, body and spirit. The Sacrament of Matrimony
The Diocese of Savannah requires at least a four month notification of one's local parish prior to setting a date for your wedding. Catholics must be registerd and coming to Mass each Sunday as required by Church Law. Please do not set a date for your wedding until you have consulted with the priest who will preside at your wedding. Weddings are not scheduled during the seasons of Advent or Lent and on various Saturdays during the year, such as the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Weddings are celebrated on Saturdays at 12 Noon, 12:30 PM or 1:00 PM and at 7:00 PM. Only these times are allowed so as not to conflict with parish functions in the Church. Rehearsals are normally on Friday at 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM. The Sacrament of Holy Orders
Through a process of discernment, the local bishop calls men to the Order of Deacons and Order of Priests. If you feel you are being called to Holy Orders, please contact one of the priests of the parish for more informaton. |
