How do I….?

Congratulations!  You may be awaiting the birth of your child, have a newborn, or have a child who is several months old.  No matter the stage of parenting you are currently in, you have been entrusted with a great gift from God.  In your role as parent, you will serve as the first and most influential teacher of your child’s faith (among other things).  We look forward to helping you in this role through the Sacrament of Baptism.

Baptism is the first sacrament celebrated in the process of becoming a full member of the Catholic Church.  The waters of Baptism symbolize life and death, washing and cleansing, and the mystery of new life out of death.  At Baptism we celebrate and reflect on God’s unconditional love and welcome him or her into our faith.

• When are Baptisms held? Baptisms are celebrated every 4^th Saturday of the month at 11:00am.
• Families who are baptizing a child need to be registered as parishioners for at least 3 months.  Stop by the parish office to register.
• Parents must provide a copy of their child’s birth certificate.
• Parents and Godparents need to attend Baptismal Preparation Class (it doesn’t need to be at St. Patrick but if the class is taken at another parish, the parish needs to write a letter stating that you completed the course).
• Choosing Godparents:  When a child or an adult is baptized, he or she must have at least one godparent or sponsor.  It is customary for children to have two godparents.  When there are two, one must be male and the other female.  Godparents must meet all the following criteria, which are established by Canon Law and do not vary from place to place.  Godparents must be Catholic; have been baptized, confirmed and received Communion; be 16 or older; must be living a life consistent with their own baptismal vows.

On behalf of Fr. Rowland, Fr. Vibin and the staff, we welcome you to St. Patrick Catholic Church!

We have two options for households to register:

1. Registration form. These forms are available at the welcome desk in the gathering area of the church, or by stopping by the office to pick one up. Once filled out, please drop it off at the office, or place in the collection box.
2. Online registration. Please click here to fill out the form online.

If  you have any questions, we are happy to answer them.  Please contact our office at (352) 383-8556.

Anointing of the sick is a sacrament that is offered to those undergoing serious illness, having surgery, or for people who have grown weak under the burden of years.  If you wish to be anointed, please call the parish office at (352) 383-8556 and one of the priests on duty will arrange a convenient time to visit you in your home, nursing home or in the hospital.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation, also called Penance, or Confession, allows us to confess our sins, receive absolution, and be reconciled with the Church.  Reconciliation must be received before First Communion (Eucharist).  Children and  youth receive two years of instruction before receiving Reconciliation in second grade.  Classes are also available for children and youth older than second grade.  Adults would participate in the OCIA (Order of Catholic Initiation for Adults) program.  Reconciliation is offered each Saturday from 3:00 – 3:45 pm in the church and by appointment through the office.

If you would like to talk about where you are, or if you are curious about our Church and our faith, or even if you’ve been attending Mass here and would like to find out about possibly joining, this is where to begin!  All are welcome to come and see, to ask questions, and to look more deeply.  Please contact the office at 352-383-8556 to set up a time to meet with a Priest or Deacon.

If you would like to speak to someone about a priestly or religious vocation, including becoming a deacon, Visit the Diocese of Orlando Vocations webpage at  Diocese of Orlando Vocations Office or to contact the Director of the Office of Vocations:

Father Zachary Parker
Director of Vocations, Director of Seminarians, and the Bishop’s Master of Ceremonies
Vocations
407-246-4800
ZParker@orlandodiocese.org

Sister Gianna Grace Perino, SCTJM
Associate Director of Vocations
Vocations
407-768-3116
srgiannagrace@orlandodiocese.org

As Catholics, by virtue of our baptism, we are called to a vocation to serve and proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ in our lives.  Some are called to single life, others to marriage, and still others to priesthood and religious life.  Ultimately, this vocation is as unique as the person who is gifted with it.

“Becoming a priest or a man or woman religious is not primarily our own decision . . . Rather it is the response to a call and to a call of love.”  – Pope Francis, Address to Seminarians and Novices, July 6, 2013

“Because of our belief not only in the immortality of the soul, but also in the resurrection of the body, the Church professes hope in the face of death, and acts with charity in the funeral rites. The Church provides a number of prayers for the faithful to offer both to accompany the dying of a loved one and to strengthen our faith upon their death. Through private prayer and public funeral rites, we strengthen our faith and hope, comfort those who mourn, and bury the bodily remains of the deceased with care befitting what was the Temple of the Holy Spirit.” – United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

Please contact the parish office to coordinate funeral Planning.  This includes the Scripture Reading and music, and if desired, a vigil, eulogy,  interment, and reception options.  Family members are encouraged to participate in the funeral mass.  Pre-planning is encouraged.

For more information please contact: the parish office at (352) 383-8556.  For more resources, please click Here.

Sacrament of Matrimony: Arrangements must be made at least six months in advance. The Catholic party must be registered, active member of our parish. Call the Parish Office(3520383-8556) to make arrangements. For information on the Diocese marriage requirements please visit: Marriage Preparation – Diocese of Orlando, Florida

St. Patrick faith formation for children up to 12th grade begins each fall.  There will be an announcement on the website in August with a link to register online.  For further information about our faith formation classes, please contact Judi Zeller at jzeller@stpatrickmtdora.org.