Sacrament of Baptism
“Baptism is the first and chief sacrament of the forgiveness of sins: it unites us to Christ, who died and rose, and gives us the Holy Spirit.” --Catechism of the Catholic Church 985

Through Baptism, one is made a member of Christ, sharing in his death and resurrection, washed clean of original sin, and receiving the gift of the indwelling of the Holy Trinity within one's soul. Adult baptism (age 7 and older) is received on Easter Sunday, after a period of instruction and formation. The baptism of children is celebrated on Sundays during the year, after the 10:30am Mass. Parents who have not had a child baptized at St. Mary's must schedule a meeting with the pastor prior to arranging the date of baptism. Parents must be practicing members of the Church, and registered members of St. Mary's parish. Sponsors (godparents) must be practicing, confirmed Catholics.

Sacrament of Confirmation
“Confirmation perfects Baptismal grace; it is the sacrament which gives the Holy Spirit in order to root us more deeply in the divine filiation, incorporate us more firmly into Christ, strengthen our bond with the Church, associate us more closely with her mission, and help us bear witness to the Christian faith in words accompanied by deeds.” –Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1316

The Sacrament of Confirmation is conferred on adult candidates during the year, during the celebration of Sunday Mass. The Confirmation of children is celebrated at the end of the CCD year, for 7th and 8th graders. Knowing the importance of providing both spiritual formation and a greater bond with fellow young Catholics, 7th and 8th graders who are preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation attend CCD classes at Sacred Heart Church in La Plata on Tuesday evenings, and will receive that sacrament together with their students at that parish in the spring.

Sacrament of the Eucharist
“In the most blessed sacrament of the Eucharist ‘the body and blood, together with the soul and divinity, of our Lord Jesus Christ and, therefore, the whole Christ is truly, really, and substantially contained.’ ‘This presence is called 'real' - by which is not intended to exclude the other types of presence as if they could not be 'real' too, but because it is presence in the fullest sense: that is to say, it is a substantial presence by which Christ, God and man, makes himself wholly and entirely present." –Catechism of the Catholic Church 1374

First Communion is usually celebrated in the month of May for children in 2nd grade and above who have been prepared to receive the sacrament by enrollment in our CCD program. 

Sick and homebound parishioners, unable to come to Mass, should call the office of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in La Plata: 301-934-2261

Sacrament of Penance (Confession)
"The whole power of the sacrament of Penance consists in restoring us to God's grace and joining us with him in an intimate friendship."–Catechism of the Catholic Church 1468

We are in need of the Lord’s mercy and healing. Come experience the peace that only Christ can give as he washes away your sins. Receive the grace to “go and sin no more” (Jn 8:11). Confessions are are offered each Saturday from 4:30pm - 4:50pm, or whenever personally requested. Pamphlets are available in the back of the church to help you prepare.

Anointing of the Sick
“By the grace of this sacrament the sick person receives the strength and the gift of uniting himself more closely to Christ's Passion: in a certain way he is consecrated to bear fruit by configuration to the Savior's redemptive Passion. Suffering, a consequence of original sin, acquires a new meaning; it becomes a participation in the saving work of Jesus.” --Catechism of the Catholic Church 1521

The Sacrament of the Sick is offered to sick and elderly parishioners in homes, hospitals, and hospices. To arrange for reception of the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, please contact the office of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in La Plata: 301-934-2261

Sacrament of Marriage
“The marriage covenant, by which a man and a woman form with each other an intimate communion of life and love, has been founded and endowed with its own special laws by the Creator. By its very nature it is ordered to the good of the couple, as well as to the generation and education of children. Christ the Lord raised marriage between the baptized to the dignity of a sacrament.” --Catechism of the Catholic Church 1660

The St. Mary parish community rejoices with couples called to the vocation of Marriage and Family. To schedule a date for your marriage, kindly contact the rectory office at least six months in advance.

Sacrament of Holy Orders
“Holy Orders is the sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to his apostles continues to be exercised in the Church until the end of time: thus it is the sacrament of apostolic ministry. It includes three degrees: episcopate, presbyterate, and diaconate.” --Catechism of the Catholic Church 1536

Men of the parish who feel called to the Sacrament of Holy Orders, either as priests or deacons, are encouraged to contact the office of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in La Plata: 301-934-2261