Parish Sacramental Information

BAPTISM


Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water and in the word.  St. Thomas celebrates Baptisms throughout the month by appointment.  Couples requesting Baptism for their children must be registered members of St. Thomas the Apostle Church. A baptism preparation session must be completed before a baptism date is set for your first child. Please call Maryjane Calladio in the parish office to make an appointment. 


Godparent Requirements:    Baptism requires 2 sponsors: 2 practicing Catholics or 1 practicing Catholic and 1 Christian witness. A sponsor must obtain a “Sponsor Certificate” from the Catholic church they are a member of if they are not a registered, active member of St. Thomas. To qualify to be a godparent you should be registered and active with your parish for at least 6 months; be at least 16 years of age; have received the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation; live a life in conformity with the Catholic faith; if married, have the marriage recognized as valid by the Catholic church.

RECONCILIATION (PENANCE)


Penance (Reconciliation) is a Sacrament of spiritual healing, in which Jesus Christ through the actions of a priest, forgives our sins. It is a way of restoring God’s bond with us. Confessions are heard every Saturday before the Vigil Mass - 3:00 PM to 3:45 PM, or by calling Fr. Josh to schedule an appointment.

CONFIRMATION


There is a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the baptized person.  To signify the gift of the Spirit, the Church anoints the confirmed with chrism, a sacred oil used as a sign of abundance and joy.  Confirmation is held in the fall of 10th Grade at St. Thomas. 


Adults who are seeking the grace of the holy spirit through the sacrament of Confirmation should contact Fr. Josh for more information.


Sponsor Requirements:    A person wishing to be a sponsor for the Sacraments of Confirmation must be a practicing Catholic, at least sixteen years of age, and have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist and are registered in the parish where they pray and worship regularly.  A sponsor must obtain a “Sponsor Certificate” from the Catholic church they are a member of if they are not a registered, active member of St. Thomas.

MATRIMONY


Matrimony is a Sacrament that joins a man and a woman in a covenant for life.  We ask that couples who are registered with St. Thomas and are interested in the Sacrament of marriage, to contact Fr. Josh at least 6 months in advance.

HOLY COMMUNION OUTSIDE OF MASS


Holy Communion is distributed to individuals who are unable to attend Mass due to illness and/or physical limitations that prevent one from attending Mass in person.


We ask that you please let us know of any parishioners in need of this Sacrament whether it be in the hospital, in a convalescent home or even at home.  Be aware that there are strict legal and ethical guidelines regarding patient information given to clergy. If you are hospitalized and desire pastoral support, have your family notify us.

SACRAMENT OF THE SICK (Anointing)


For reception of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the sick please call the parish office (203) 888-2382 or email the Parish Office.  The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is celebrated any time at home or in the hospital upon request.  In case of an emergency call (203) 888-2382, extension "8" to speak with Fr. Josh.