Sacraments
The word "sacrament" comes from two Latin words - "sacramentum" meaning "solemn obligation" and "sacrare" meaning "to set apart as holy". Each sacrament is a sacred ritual that affords a grace-filled encounter between God and his people. The seven sacraments of the Catholic church are opportunities to accept God's revelation throughout our lives from birth to death.
Sacrament of Baptism
The time to plan for your child's future in the Catholic Church begins even before your child is born. The depth of your child's faith will be founded on your personal dedication and practice of our faith.
In anticipation of this lifelong commitment, parents are required to be registered in the parish. Parents who are baptizing their first child will be asked to review information about the Sacrament of Baptism that will be sent prior to the celebration. Please call the parish office for more information on how to shedule a baptism.
▶ Baptism Scheduling
▶ Baptism GodParent Form
Sacraments of First Eucharist and First Reconciliation
Reception of these two sacraments takes place during the child's second year of religious education.As preparation for these two sacraments actually begins in the home, the parents are also involved in the immediate preparation of the children. Various meetings are held over the course of the year to aid the parents in their understanding of the sacraments enabling them to catechize their children effectively.
Sacrament of Confirmation
The last of the three sacraments of initiation, the preparation teaches about the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Those who wish to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation must be enrolled in the program for two years prior to the celebration. Confirmation candidates are required to participate in regular classroom sessions, retreats and are required to complete a service project.
Sacrament of Reconciliation
Confessions are heard each Saturday from 4:00-5:00pm or any time by appointment. Parish penance services are held during Lent and Advent in the evening.
Sacrament of Marriage
A marriage is the most significant commitment a man and a woman can make in their lives. Couples interested in getting married at St. Gabriel's are invited to contact one of the parish priests at least one year prior to the celebration to begin the necessary preparation for marriage.
▶ View our Wedding Brochure
Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick
Pastoral care of the sick and dying is a very important part of our Catholic mission. The Anointing of the Sick can be administered to any Catholic who is seriously ill or anticipating surgery or a medical procedure. This sacrament should be received in the early stages of illness and should not be delayed until the person is dying. Please contact the parish office.
Sacrament of Holy Orders
Through this sacrament men are ordained to shepherd and serve the people of God through the priesthood. If you would like more information about the priesthood or religious life (religious order priest, brother, or sister), please contact one of the parish priests. More information is available through the Vocations Office of the Archdiocese of Newark at www.rcan.org.
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (R.C.I.A.)
St. Gabriel's welcomes new members through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (R.C.I.A.). We invite adults seeking to become Catholic or those who wish to complete their sacraments (Eucharist and/or Confirmation) to do so through the R.C.I.A. program. Any adult or child (over the age of seven) who is seeking to learn how to become initiated into the Catholic Church is invited to call the parish for more information.
