sacraments
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Eucharist meedle right
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anainting of the sick right
left reconciliation
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Matrimony
Holy Orders
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  SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM
baptism
Baptism is the sacrament of our new life with God and the beginning of our initiation into the Church. Baptism also frees us from original sin. During the rite of Baptism, water is poured on the head as the priest or deacon says, "I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." The water and these words are the signs of the sacrament of Baptism. The newly baptized are also anointed with oil, just as Christ was anointed priest, prophet, and king. They are also given white garments, which show that they have put on the new life of the Risen Christ, and a candle lit from the Easter candle, which reminds them to keep the light of Christ burning brightly by following Jesus always. Parents and godparents of infants and small children speak in the children's names and promise that the children will live their new life as Christians. Baptism must be scheduled at least 30 days ahead of the actual administering of the Sacrament. This provides sufficient time for parents and especially sponsors (Godparents) to obtain the necessary letters required to fulfill their responsibility. First time parents and sponsors are also required to attend a Baptism preparation class at the Parish Center. The Sacrament of Baptism is administered in English and Polish. Adults interested in being Baptized should enroll in the RCIA program.

To schedule a Baptism and to obtain regulations concerning godparents, etc., please contact the Parish Office on 908-352-2791 or office@stadalbert.us

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  SACRAMENT OF RECONCILATION
reconciliation
Reconciliation is the sacrament in which we are forgiven by God and the Church for our sins. When we celebrate Reconciliation, we receive God's help to do God's loving will, to avoid all forms of sin, and to live as God's people. We can receive the sacrament of Reconciliation individually. The Rite of Reconciliation includes an Examination of Conscience, in which we think about how well we have been living God's will; Confession, in which we tell our sins to a priest in private; Contrition, in which we tell God we are sorry for our sins; Penance, in which we say prayers or do good deeds to make up for the hurt caused by our sins; and Absolution, in which the priest forgives us by making the sign of the cross over us and saying in part, "Through the ministry of the Church may God give you pardon and peace, and I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." These words and the stole the priest wears are the signs of the sacrament of Reconciliation.

The Sacrament of reconciliation is administered every Saturday morning from 9:00 to 9:30 AM., 30 minutes before the evening Mass on first Friday of the Month and 15 minutes before each Mass on the first Sunday of the Month. Any other time based upon request.

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  SACRAMENT OF THE HOLY EUCHARIST
eucharist
The Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist is the Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus is truly present to use in the Holy Eucharist. This great gift was given to us at the Last Supper. Through the priest our gifts of bread and wine are changed into the body and blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at every Mass. Eucharist is intimately related to the other sacraments. Only those who have been baptized and have had their sins forgiven may receive the Blessed Sacrament. Confirmation, Holy Orders and Matrimony are celebrated at Mass, and Anointing of the Sick includes Communion under the name of Viaticum that means "food for the journey."

First Holy Communion is administered as part of the Parish Religion Education Classes held here at the Parish. First Holy Communion is administered in both English and Polish.

Requirements for First Holy Communion are:
- Child must be in 2nd of 3rd grade of grammar school.
- Child must be Baptized – (baptismal certificate must be presented).
- Child must have attended at least two years of religion education classes or is attending a catholic grammar school.
- The Sacrament of Reconciliation is also administered with the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist
Adults interested in receiving First Communion should enroll in the RCIA program.

For additional information and registration schedule please contact the Religious Education Classes Director by calling 908-352-2791 or please write to ccd@stadalbert.us

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  SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION
confrimation
Confirmation is the sacrament in which we are sealed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit and are strengthened to give witness to the Good News of Jesus. In Confirmation we speak for ourselves as we renew the promises our parents and godparents made for us at Baptism. Confirmation is celebrated during a Mass with a bishop or his representative presiding. A high point in the rite of Confirmation is the laying on of hands. The bishop extends his hands over those to be confirmed, praying in part, "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." Then the bishop dips his thumb into blessed oil that is called holy chrism. He makes the sign of the cross on the foreheads of those being confirmed, anointing them as he says, "Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit." This anointing with oil is the most important sign of the sacrament of Confirmation. Those who confirmed may choose another name in addition to the one given to them at Baptism. They choose a saint whom they have read about and admire. Sponsors for each candidate are present at the rite of Confirmation to give support to those who are making an adult commitment to their faith.

The Sacrament of Confirmation is administered at the completion of a (2) year program taught at the Parish Religion Education Classes. Candidates for Confirmation must be in the 8th of 9th grade. The program consists of weekly classes, retreats, and the successful completion of several community service projects.

Adults interested in being Confirmed should enroll in the RCIA program.

Candidates must have proof of Baptism in order to be registered to begin the classes. For further details please contact the Religious Education Classes Director by calling 908-352-2791 or please write to ccd@stadalbert.us

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  SACRAMENT OF ANOINTING OF THE SICK
sick
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the sick brings God’s special blessings to those who are sick, elderly or dying. Sometimes this Sacrament helps people get well. This Sacrament helps those who are sick to face their illness with faith and trust in God. Those who a gravely ill, in the hospital, or nursing home and need the Sacrament of Anointing. Wherever the sacrament is celebrated, it also comforts family and friends and helps them to pray for the sick, elderly, or dying. The two most important signs of this sacrament are laying on of hands and anointing with oil. When Holy Communion is given to a dying person, it is called Viaticum, which means "food for the journey." Viaticum is often received along with Anointing of the Sick. Anointing is no longer called The Last Rites because it can bring peace, hope, and comfort to all who are ill, even if they are not dying.

Anointing of the Sick can be a communal celebration in the Church or a private celebration by request of the family. The priest can also celebrate the sacrament at home or in the hospital.

Contact the Parish Office at 908-352-2791 to arrange for the reception of this Sacrament.

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  SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY
matrimony
Matrimony is a powerful and effective sign of Christ's presence that joins a man and woman together for life. In the sacrament of Matrimony, a bride and groom promise to love each other as equal partners forever. Unlike other sacraments at which a priest or deacon presides, in Matrimony the ministers are the bride and groom, and the priest or deacon is the witness to the couple's promises. Holding hands and saying the words of the marriage vows are the visible signs of Matrimony. Jesus comes to the couple and unites them in love. The Holy Spirit strengthens and blesses their love. Their married love becomes a sign of God's love for the world. Wedding rings are signs of the new union.

Couples contemplating marriage should begin their preparation at least one year prior to their wedding date.

For more information or to schedule an appointment please contact the Parish Office on 908-352-2791 or write to one of the priest.

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  SACRAMENT OF HOLY ORDERS
holy
Holy Orders is the Sacrament that confers the ordained ministry of bishops, priests, and deacons. In ordaining priests, the bishop lays his hands on the head of each candidate and prays silently. This is the most important sign of the Sacrament of Holy Orders. Then the bishop prays a Prayer of Consecration. Each candidate for the priesthood is anointed with holy oil as a sign of his special sharing in Chris's own priesthood. Each also receives a paten and chalice to lead their community in celebrating the Eucharist. When bishops are ordained they receive a mitre, ring, and crozier. Their role is to teach, govern, and sanctify the Church. When deacons are ordained, they receive the gospel book because they proclaim the good news to us and can lead us in celebrating some of the sacraments. Deacons have a special ministry to serve the poor and those in need.

The administering of the Sacrament of Holy Orders is handled through the Archdiocese of Newark Office of Vocations at Chancellery in Newark, N.J.

Please contact the Vocations Office at Archdiocese of Newark 171 Clifton Ave. PO Box 9500, Newark, N.J. 07104-0500.

The phone number is 973-497-4365. The website is: www.rcan.org then select the Ministry.

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