Sacramental Life at Saint Bartholomew The Sacraments are moments when we celebrate growth in the relationship between God and God's people. The Church recognizes the conversion and faith formation that has led to celebration of the Sacrament. The community celebrates God's action in each person's life. The individual's preparation for and reception of a Sacrament deepens their relationship with God. Rather than private events, Sacraments are most fully celebrated within the parish community. Sacraments of Initiation are Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation. God calls each person by name. The individual responds to God through these Sacramental steps that lead to full stature in the community of believers. Sacraments of Healing include Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick. For those who are ill or in need of reconciliation, these encounters are the ways to reach out to God's healing presence. Sacraments of Vocation include Marriage and Holy Orders sanctify the path that one's life in the church will take. Preparation for the Sacraments of Initiation is an ongoing process of conversion, celebrated within the community of the faithful. Those who are preparing for Sacraments meet regularly in small gatherings with others to share their questions, discuss the Scriptures and to listen to presentations about the faith of the Church. Throughout the liturgical year, various rites are celebrated within the Sunday liturgies as individuals move towards the Sacraments. R.C.I.A. (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is for: Anyone over the age of 7 who has not been baptized Adults who were baptized as Catholics, and now wish to complete the Sacraments of Initiation (Eucharist and Confirmation) Adults baptized in other Christian traditions who wish to join the Catholic Church If you would like to find out more contact the Ingrid Pera at 347-0701 ext. 14 or ingrid@barts.org. Children over the age of 7 who have not been baptized are welcomed into the Church through R.C.I.A. as well. Children and teens meet in family sessions, in the evenings and on weekends. Adults meet on Monday evenings throughout the year. Individuals, couples and families are welcome to join us at any time. Preparation for Infant and Child Baptism Parents are encouraged to celebrate the Baptism of their child within the Sunday liturgy. There is also the option of having children baptized with other families one Sunday each month following the 11:00 AM Mass. For more information, please contact Fr. Mike Healy at 347-0701 ext. 13, or frmike@barts.org. Preparation for First Eucharist and Reconciliation Children over the age of 7, who have already been baptized, may take the next step in the Initiation process, accompanied by their families, and prepare for First Eucharist. Typically, the children are enrolled in the parish Elementary Faith Formation program. Families meet once a month to pray following 9:30 Mass on Sunday to learn about the Mass and understand the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist. For more information, please contact Joanne Ferretti at 347-0701 ext. 15, or joanne@barts.org. Preparation for Confirmation For Teenagers: Sophomores and above, who have already been baptized Catholic and celebrated first Eucharist, may choose to complete their Initiation into the Catholic Church through the Sacrament of Confirmation. The process begins with registrations in May and an interview with the Parish Initiation Coordinator or other Catechists in September. Candidates attend two 1/2 day retreats with their sponsors, six 2-hour classes with a Catechist, and a 3-day retreat in the Spring. The Rite of Confirmation in 2008 is scheduled for Saturday, May 17th at 5:00 p.m. with a reception following. If you have any questions, please contact the parish office at 347-0701. Confirmation Program for 2008-2009 If you will be in the 10th, 11th or 12th grade in the Fall of 2008, and would like to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation in May of 2009, please call the office to be put on the registration mailing list. Registration will start in May. For more information, please contact Crystal Frost at 347-0701 ext. 11, or crystal@barts.org For Adults: 18 years and older, who have already been baptized Catholic, celebrated first Eucharist, and who, for whatever reason, did not celebrate the Sacrament at a younger age. This program will focus not just on knowledge of the faith, but also on using one's gifts for the good of the Church, the Community, and the World. There will be six 2-hour classes. The Rite of Confirmation is celebrated with the Bishop in the Spring. The newly confirmed are encouraged to participate actively in the mission and ministries of the church. Reconciliation   Jesus offers his healing presence in the sacrament of Reconciliation. Through the mercy of God we obtain pardon for our sins against God and reconciliation with the Body of Christ that has been wounded. Reconciliation is offered every Saturday from 4:15 to 4:45 PM in the church, or by appointment with a priest. During the seasons of Advent and Lent we have a Parish Reconciliation Service, with an opportunity for private reconciliation. Anointing of the Sick The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick extends the care that Jesus showed for the bodily and spiritual welfare of the sick. It may be celebrated at any point in the life of an individual who seeks strength in time of illness, surgery or approaching death. Please call the parish office at 347-0701 to arrange for the Sacrament. Marriage Celebrating Marriage is a sacred experience in the lives of the couple who have chosen to make a lifelong commitment to each other. The parish offers preparation for the Sacrament of Marriage. A couple begins the process by contacting the parish at least six months prior to their desired wedding date. (Weddings are not celebrated during the season of Lent.) For more information, please contact Fr. Mike Healy at 347-0701 ext. 13, or frmike@barts.org. Holy Orders By Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist we become the chosen race, the royal priesthood, the holy nation of God. (1Peter 2:9) Some are called by God to a life of service and ministry in the order of priesthood or deaconate: to preach God's word, offer healing and reconciliation and to help people experience Jesus in their lives. The Archdiocese offers preparation for the sacrament of Holy Orders. For more information, please contact the Archdiocese of San Francisco, Office of Vocations, One Peter Yorke Way, San Francisco 94109, or (415) 565-3600.    Questions or feedback? Please email stbarts@barts.org.