Celebrating the Sacraments at St. Bartholomew

Baptism

Through baptism, our sins are cleansed and we are reborn into life with Christ. As we are baptized, we remember Christ’s own baptism in the Jordan River, and the Father’s declaration “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased” (Matt 3:17). Baptism is the first of the 3 sacraments of initiation. It is typically received as an infant but may be received at any age. If you are interested in having your child baptized, or you yourself are interested in being baptized, please contact the parish office at 781-444-3434. Baptisms are generally celebrated after the 11:30 Mass on the first Sunday of the month.

Eucharist

First Communion is another sacrament of initiation into the church. Through this sacrament, we receive the body and blood of Christ in the transubstantiated bread and wine, as the 12 Apostles did at the Last Supper.

Children ordinarily receive First Communion in the second grade as part of the Religious Education program. For more information please see our Religious Education page, call the parish office at 781-444-3434 or contact us here. For older children or adults seeking to receive the sacrament for the first time, please call the parish office at 781-444-3434.

The regular reception of the Holy Eucharist nourishes us and strengthens us in our spiritual lives. Mass is celebrated daily at 9 am, Saturdays at 4 pm, and Sundays at 8 am, 9:45 am, and 11:30 am. If you are unable to attend Mass and would like to receive them at home, in the hospital, or at a nursing home, please contact us at 781-444-3434.

As part of our community outreach, we visit Avita and Briarwood regularly to bring the Eucharist to their residents and say Mass once a month at the residence. Contact us at 781-444-3434 if you or someone you know is a resident and would like to be added to our list.

Confirmation

Confirmation is another sacrament of initiation into the church. Just as the disciples were sent forth at Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descended upon them, so too are we sent to share the Good News. At Confirmation we are given a new name, just at Simon became Peter, the rock upon which the church was built. This new name indicates a new mission and a new relationship with God for each of us at our Confirmation, and just as the gifts of the Holy Spirit strengthened the disciples at Pentecost, they also give us strength for our new mission.

Teens ordinarily receive Confirmation in the tenth grade as part of the Religious Education program. Our program is a 2-year program starting in the 9th grade. For more information please see our Religious Education page, call the parish office at 781-444-3434 or contact the Faith Formation team. For adults interested in receiving Confirmation, please contact the parish office at 781-444-3434.

Matrimony

Congratulations on your engagement.

Matrimony is a Sacrament of Vocation. It sets a couple apart to live the Gospel message of Christ by building up his Church. The relationship between husband and wife is like the covenant between Jesus and his bride, the Church; both involve self-sacrificing love and unifying commitment. The conjugal relationship of a man and a woman in marriage, aimed at procreation, exemplifies this love and unity and reminds us of God’s self-giving love at our own creation. This Sacrament allows couples to receive the grace to seek holiness and witness to Christ.

For couples interested in being married at St. Bartholomew church, please call the parish office at 781-444-3434 at least six months prior to the desired date of the wedding to arrange a meeting with Fr. Derek. At this meeting, the date of the wedding, information regarding marriage preparation classes, liturgical selections, and paperwork will be discussed, along with an explanation of all other requirements for marriage in the church.

Reconciliation

Through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, our sins are forgiven, we experience the loving mercy of God, and our relationship with Him is healed! As Christ instilled the apostles, His first priests, with the authority to forgive sins (John 20:21-23) so our priests retain that authority to this day. Regular reception of the sacrament is encouraged in order that we may have the best relationship with God possible. Reconciliation is offered Saturday 2:30-3:15 pm, or by appointment. If you have any questions about receiving the sacrament or would like to schedule an appointment, please call the rectory at 781-444-3434.

Anointing of the Sick

The Anointing of the Sick, along with the Sacrament of Reconciliation, are the Sacraments of Healing. We see Jesus anoint countless individuals in the books of the Gospel. He not only aids them in their physical strife but gives them spiritual assistance as well. The prayers of the Sacrament of the Sick are intended to offer spiritual strength and encouragement to the ill. This sacrament also helps one to be prepared to meet the Lord if that should occur.

It is advisable to receive the Sacrament of the Sick before entering the hospital for a procedure, particularly if it is of a serious nature. For the duration of a particular illness, a person need only be anointed with the Sacrament once. When a person is ill, it is best to call earlier rather than later in order that the sacrament may offer strength in recovering or in preparing to meet the Lord if that is the case. Although every attempt is made to respond to sick calls as soon as possible, given the current shortage of priests, it is impossible to guarantee a priest will be immediately available. If you have already suffered the loss of a loved one, or are making preparations, please see our information on Bereavement and Funerals. You can reach the parish office at 781-444-3434 for more information or to arrange a visit.