Following is some information on various sacraments available at Our Lady of the Woods:
BAPTISMS
The Sacrament of Baptism is the first of three Sacraments of Initiation into the Catholic Church. As Catholics we believe that a child or adult is baptized into a community of believers. That community, during the baptismal rite, agrees to help the newly baptized on their journey of faith.
Baptisms for children are the second week of every month (except during Lent) during any of the weekend Masses or at 1:45 p.m. Sunday afternoon. The requirements for the Sacrament of Baptism for a child are:
- At least one parent must be a registered member of Our Lady of the Woods.
- Parents must attend a Baptism preparation class and a Christian Parenting class.
- Parents must register with Sean Calvin, Pastoral Associate, for a baptism date and class dates. Email to scalvin@olow.org or call (734) 671-5101.
CONFESSIONS
Private Confessions are every Saturday from 3:00 to 3:30, or by appointment with Fr. Andrew.
MARRIAGE
(Note: additional information can be found in the “Weddings” section under the Parish Life tab of this website.)
To have a wedding Mass or ceremony at Our Lady of the Woods:
- Either the bride to be, or the groom to be must be a registered participating member of the parish.
- The couple must contact the pastor at least six months in advance of the anticipated wedding date to book the church and fulfill the required preparation for marriage.
- It is best to contact the church for a date before booking a reception hall.
MARRIAGE CONVALIDATION
This Sacrament is for those who were married outside the Church. Please contact Fr. Andrew for more information.
ANOINTING OF THE SICK
Anointing of the sick is for: (1) people who are seriously ill, in danger of death, (2) about to have surgery for a serious illness, (3) older people in a weakened condition even if not seriously ill, and (4) children who have reached the age of reason and are seriously ill. People who wish to be anointed can talk to Fr. Andrew before or after Mass. He will anoint them after the Mass, or they can contact him via email at FatherA@olow.org or by phone at (734) 671-5101, to make an appointment.
FUNERAL MASS
To have a funeral at Our Lady of the Woods, the family of the deceased or the director of the funeral home should call the parish office at (734) 671-5101, to make arrangements for the date and time. The family should then contact Fr. Andrew to make an appointment in order to plan the service.
RCIA: RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS
This is the process by which adults become Catholic. The Catholic Church invites you to come and see!
- Are you interested in learning more about the Catholic Church?
- Are you unbaptized but recognize a need for spirituality in your life?
- Are you baptized Catholic or baptized into another religion but never had any formal religious education?
- Are you married to a Catholic and attend Mass but just don’t know what the next step is to become one of the Catholic faithful?
- Are you yearning for something more in your life?
Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) may be the place for you. Every year adults are welcomed into the Catholic community through RCIA. Learning about the Catholic faith involves more than acquiring knowledge and information. Becoming Catholic involves entering into a relationship with a community of faith. Gradually you will get to know members of your parish community. These are people like you who are willing to share their faith, their gifts and talents, and their struggles and concerns. The sessions will provide an opportunity for you to bring your life experiences and values into dialogue with views and beliefs of the Catholic Church. Sessions begin in the fall and run weekly until Holy Week. Those who choose to become Catholic are initiated into the Church at the Easter Vigil.
For more information on the Catholic Church and/or becoming Catholic, contact Sean Calvin at (734) 671-5101 or by email at scalvin@olow.org