BAPTISM
The origin and foundation of Christian Baptism is Jesus. Before starting his public ministry, Jesus submitted himself to the baptism given by John the Baptist. The waters did not purify him; he cleansed the waters. . . . Jesus did not need to be baptized because he was totally faithful to the will of his Father and free from sin. However, he wanted to show his solidarity with human beings in order to reconcile them to the Father. By commanding his disciples to baptize all nations, he established the means by which people would die to sin – Original and actual – and begin to live a new life with God.
In Baptism, the Holy Spirit moves us to answer Christ's call to holiness. In Baptism, we are asked to walk by the light of Christ and to trust in his wisdom. We are invited to submit our hearts to Christ with ever deeper love.
For more information on the Sacrament of Baptism, call the office at (518)462-4254 or email us for more information.
HOLY MARRIAGE
Sacred Scripture begins with the creation and union of man and woman and ends with "the wedding feast of the Lamb" (Rev 19:7, 9). Scripture often refers to marriage, its origin and purpose, the meaning God gave to it, and its renewal in the covenant made by Jesus with his Church. Man and woman were created for each other.
By their marriage, the couple witnesses Christ's spousal love for the Church. One of the Nuptial Blessings in the liturgical celebration of marriage refers to this in saying, "Father, you have made the union of man and wife so holy a mystery that it symbolizes the marriage of Christ and his Church."
The Sacrament of Marriage is a covenant, which is more than a contract. Covenant always expresses a relationship between persons. The marriage covenant refers to the relationship between the husband and wife, a permanent union of persons capable of knowing and loving each other and God. The celebration of marriage is also a liturgical act, appropriately held in a public liturgy at church. Catholics are urged to celebrate their marriage within the Eucharistic Liturgy.For more information on the Sacrament of Marriage, call the office at (518)462-4254 or email us for more information.
Download our Marriage Guidelines here.
FUNERALS
At the death of a Christian, whose life of faith was begun in the waters of Baptism and strengthened at the Eucharistic table, the church Intercedes on behalf of the deceased because of its confident belief that death is not the end, nor does it break the bonds forged in life. The church also ministers to the sorrowing and consoles them in the funeral rites with the comforting Word of god and the Sacrament of the Eucharist.
Please call our Parish Office to schedule a Funeral for your loved one at (518)462-4254.