Sacrament Preparation

Participants in the sacramental programs of Holy Rosary Parish are to be registered and actively participating in parish life.
The sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, First Reconciliation, First Eucharist & Marriage require preparation prior to reception.
Holy Rosary parish will provide regular opportunities for preparation for the reception of the above sacraments.
Holy Rosary will record all the sacramental information of those baptized here.

Infant Baptism Preparation Program

Two sessions for parents of infants and young children are held four times per year on the last two Mondays of January, April, July & October.
Participants are to register for these sessions in advance. The sessions may be taken prior to the birth of the infant.
The sessions do not need to be repeated after the birth of subsequent children unless there are five years or more between births.
Baptisms are normally scheduled on the first Sunday of the month during Mass. Baptisms at other times, by other priests or in other Catholic churches must be arranged with the Pastor.
Godparents should be chosen with care. They should be people who will have a relationship with the child and help the parents with the spiritual growth of the child. At least one godparent must be a fully initiated (i.e. has received baptism, confirmation and Eucharist) practicing Catholic. A person from another Christian denomination may serve as a witness.
Exceptions to the above at the discretion of the Pastor.

Baptism of Older Children

Children who have reached the age of reason, generally accepted as seven years of age, will be enrolled in the Rite of Christian Initiation adapted for children and prepared to receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.
Sponsors & catechists will help these young people learn about God and his Church in an age appropriate way.
Children will participate in the various rites of the Rite of Christian Initiation that are celebrated during the year.
This process will ordinarily take one year of participation. However, this is flexible, depending on circumstances.
These children will celebrate the sacraments at the Easter Vigil.
Godparents have the same criteria as above.
Children baptized in other Christian Traditions are prepared for Confirmation & Eucharist. They make a Profession of Faith in the Catholic Church

Baptism of Adults

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is the customary way that people become members of the Roman Catholic faith.
The process involves weekly meetings during which various aspects of the Catholic Faith are presented. There is opportunity for questions and discussions.
Participants also attend Sunday Mass and are dismissed after the homily to discuss the way that the Scriptures impact their lives.
The participants celebrate several liturgies during the Rite which mark their progress on the journey of faith.
The Candidates participate in two interviews with the pastor and the Director of the RCIA.
A sponsor accompanies the participant and introduces him/her to members of the parish community, invites him/her to various activities, and participates in the various liturgical celebrations.
The goal of the RCIA is conversion to Jesus Christ and to belief in the Catholic faith and way of life. Timing depends on the readiness of the participant.
The ordinary time for entry into the Church is the Easter Vigil (Holy Saturday), The candidates are baptized, confirmed and receive the Eucharist for the first time. Candidates baptized in other Christian Traditions make a Profession of Faith in the Catholic Church, are confirmed and receive the Eucharist.
Exceptions to these guidelines are at the discretion of the Pastor.

Confirmation

Candidates for Confirmation are baptized Catholics who are usually at least Juniors in High School.
It is presumed that they are actively participating in their faith and that they know and understand the basic teachings of the Catholic Faith.
Candidates attend preparation sessions that may include a retreat and service component.
An interview with the pastor and/or the Confirmation Coordinator is a part of the process.
Celebration of the sacrament of Confirmation is required prior to marriage in the Archdiocese of Seattle.
Exceptions to the above at the discretion of the Pastor.

Adult Confirmation

Adults who have not celebrated the sacrament of Confirmation may attend the RCIA or a parish program that will prepare them for the celebration of Confirmation.
In the Archdiocese of Seattle, celebration of the sacrament of Confirmation is required prior to marriage in the Church.
Exceptions to these guidelines are at the discretion of the Pastor.

First Reconciliation & First Eucharist

Children baptized Catholic as infants prepare for these sacraments over two years.
Holy Rosary School or our Religious Education Program assist parents in the preparation of their children to receive these sacraments.
The ordinary age for reception of these two sacraments is during the second grade year.
There will be at least one required parent preparation session for each sacrament.
Children in Holy Rosary School and in the Religious Education program will prepare and celebrate the sacrament during the same liturgies.
A catechist will prepare older children who have not celebrated the sacraments of Reconciliation & Eucharist. The celebration of the sacraments is to be arranged by the parents.
It is presumed that the families of children preparing for these sacraments are regularly attending Sunday liturgies and that they will continue to do so after the reception of the sacraments.
Godparents should be included in the preparation as much as possible.

Marriage

Either the engaged couple or their family must be registered participating members of Holy Rosary Parish.
The engaged couple makes an appointment with the Pastor prior to setting a date. The Pastor will place the date on the parish calendar.
If either of the parties has been previously married, either a death certificate or an ecclesiastical decree of nullity (annulment) must be supplied.
Preparation for the celebration of the sacrament of marriage is required. The couple first takes a pre-marital inventory consisting of statements pertinent to living a married life. Then they may choose to participate in an Engaged Encounter Weekend. This is an Archdiocesan program and must be arranged by the couple. They may also choose to participate in our Sponsor Couple program. They will be assigned a married couple who will meet with them over a period of four to six weeks. During these sessions various aspects of marriage will be discussed.
When this is completed, the engaged couple meets with the pastor again to go over the marriage ceremony.
The couple must also complete the required church paperwork. Current copies of Baptismal Certificates (issued in the last 6 months) of the Catholic party(ies) must be obtained. (The Baptismal certificate will have notations verifying the the celebration of Confirmation) Personal interviews and witness statements must also be completed.
The couple also meets with the music director to plan the music for the ceremony.
A valid Washington State Marriage License is to be brought to the Parish Office one week before the wedding.
Any variation from the process must have prior approval of the Pastor.

Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick

Anointing of the Sick is celebrated at least once per year during the Sunday liturgy.
Anointing of the Sick is celebrated anytime there is a serious or chronic condition.
Call the Parish Office anytime there is a serious medical condition or upcoming surgery to schedule the celebration of this sacrament.