The seven Sacraments
unfailingly give grace
All liturgical life of the Church revolves around the Eucharistic sacrifice and the Sacraments. The Sacraments are signs instituted by Jesus Christ and given to the Church by Christ through which He confers his sanctifying grace to us. This means that the Sacraments unfailingly give grace, because Christ works through them. Sanctifying grace is a free gift of God thus allowing us to become children of God whereby He invites us and allows us to share in the divine nature and to inherit eternal life. Sacramental grace imprints an indelible character on the soul of the recipient and configures the recipient to Christ. Sacraments are “powers that comes forth” from the Body of Christ, which is ever-living and life-giving. They are actions of the Holy Spirit at work in his Body, the Church. The seven Sacraments of the Church are: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance or Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders and Matrimony
Baptism
Congratulations on choosing Baptism in the Catholic Faith. We are excited to be with you on this journey of faith. The Parish of St. Mary strives to be a community of hope, providing spiritual nourishment. It is a privilege for us to assist you in making the baptismal day one filled with meaning, prayerfulness and happiness.
Process to have your child (under 7 years of age) Baptized
- Please fill out an Infant Baptism Information Packet online or print and bring it to the Parish Office.
- Please sign-up for a pre-baptismal preparation class here.
- Someone will be in contact with you to schedule the baptism.
Ministry Leader:
Julie Rex
(254) 773-4541
Re@stmarytempletx.org
When are classes?
Newborn to 6 yrs. old: At this time, Baptism classes are held on the Second Tuesday of each month. Please register here.
People 7 yrs. old or older: Registration and attendance in Faith Formation classes is required. Registration for classes starts in August for classes that run September through May.
When can I schedule a baptism?
Newborn to 6yrs. old: Once the Baptismal Preparation class is completed and all required paperwork is collected and submitted to the Parish Office, a day and time for the baptism can be scheduled with the Office.
People 7 yrs. old or older: Baptism is done in the Spring at Easter Vigil Mass.
How do we prepare for a baptism?
Newborn to 6 yrs old: parents of the child need to call the Parish Office to register for the Baptismal Preparation class and arrange to receive necessary papers to complete.
If the day & time of Baptismal Preparation class at St. Mary does not work for the parents and/or Godparents, either may attend a Baptismal Preparation class at a local Catholic parish and submit to St. Mary a certificate of completion.
Children 7 yrs. old through 12th Grade: children or teens attend Religious Education classes (starting in the Fall) for formation to celebrate all the Sacraments: Baptism, Holy Communion and Confirmation in the Spring at the Easter Vigil.
Adults: adults who are interested in becoming Catholic are required to attend classes to learn more about the Catholic faith, which prepare the person to celebrate at the Easter Vigil the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist (the Sacraments of Initiation).
Confirmation
Congratulations on choosing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. We are looking forward to sharing this journey of faith with you and your family. Confirmation preparation involves sharing, learning, spiritual growth, serving, and fellowship! You will be given the opportunity to learn more about your Catholic faith and what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.
Ministry Leader:
Julie Rex
(254) 773-4541
Re@stmarytempletx.org
How to prepare for Confirmation
High School Youth:
The normal age for Confirmation for a Baptized Catholic is between 14 and 16 years old. Preparation typically requires two years of Religious Education (youth group), and attendance at a Confirmation Preparation Program. Contact our Director of Faith Formation at re@stmarytempletx.org for more information.
Adult Confirmation (for those Baptized as Catholics)
Preparation for Confirmation for an adult is done by attending Adult Faith Formation and additional individual formation as needed. The celebration of Adult Confirmation varies upon the individual and is done by the Bishop or his Designee. Contact our Director of Faith Formation at re@stmarytempletx.org for more information.
Adults Becoming Catholic (who are already validly Baptized)
Preparation for non-Catholic people to become Catholic is done by attending the Adult Faith Formation Series on Thursdays and additional individual formation. These classes form the person in the Basics of the Catholic faith, the Sacraments and other Catholic teachings and practices. Developing a faith life and Catholic beliefs is a gradual conversion of heart, mind, and soul. Everyone differs in their experiences and needs, so the length of time may vary for each person. The celebration of the Sacraments takes place when the person is ready to be received into the Church. Contact our Director of Faith Formation at re@stmarytempletx.org for more information.
When is the next Confirmation?
For unbaptized children and adults: The celebration of the Sacraments is each year at the Easter Vigil. Other times might be possible as well, depending on the circumstances.
For Catholic Baptized teens and adults, the date and time vary year to year depending upon the schedule of the Bishop.
First Communion / Eucharist
The Eucharist is the heart of the Christian life. In Holy Communion, we receive Jesus Himself—His Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity—and are strengthened to live as His disciples.
Preparation for First Holy Communion helps children and adults grow in friendship with Christ, understand the meaning of the Mass, and learn how to receive the Eucharist with faith and reverence. At St. Mary’s, we walk with families step-by-step as they prepare for this joyful moment.
We are excited for you to receive Jesus in the Eucharist!
Ministry Leader: Julie Rex
(254) 773-4541
Re@stmarytempletx.org
Steps for Preparation:
Baptized children (ages 7–18)
Children who have already been baptized prepare for First Holy Communion through ongoing Catholic formation in one of the following:
- St. Mary Parish Religious Education (2nd grade or higher)
- St. Mary Catholic School
- Holy Trinity Catholic High School
- Approved homeschool formation
Students and their parent(s) also participate in several preparation meetings during the year as part of the parish sacramental preparation process.
At St. Mary’s, baptized children preparing for First Holy Communion typically celebrate the sacrament together at a parish First Communion Mass in the spring during the Easter season.
Unbaptized children (ages 7–18)
Children who have reached the age of reason (age 7 or older) and are not yet baptized prepare through the Order of Christian Initiation adapted for children (OCIA).
These children normally receive Baptism, Confirmation, and First Holy Communion together at the same celebration, typically during the Easter season.
Preparation includes participation in parish faith formation and family meetings throughout the year.
Adults preparing for First Holy Communion
Adults who have not yet received First Holy Communion—whether baptized Catholic or not yet baptized—prepare through the parish Adult Faith Formation Process, with the sacraments usually celebrated during the Easter season. Contact our Director of Faith Formation at re@stmarytempletx.org for more information.
First Penance / Reconciliation
Come Receive Mercy! The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a beautiful encounter with the mercy of Jesus Christ. In this sacrament, we bring our sins to the Lord and receive His forgiveness, healing, and grace to begin again.
Ministry Leader: Julie Rex
(254) 773-4541
Re@stmarytempletx.org
Children preparing for First Reconciliation (grades 2–12)
Preparation for First Reconciliation helps children learn how to examine their conscience, understand God’s mercy, and celebrate this sacrament with confidence and faith. Children prepare for First Reconciliation through ongoing Catholic formation in one of the following:
- St. Mary Parish Religious Education (2nd grade or higher)
- St. Mary Catholic School
- Holy Trinity Catholic High School
- Approved homeschool formation
Students and their parent(s) also participate in several preparation meetings during the year as part of the parish sacramental preparation process. Children typically celebrate First Reconciliation during the parish preparation year, usually after the beginning of the calendar year and prior to First Holy Communion.
Parent participation
At least one parent, grandparent, or responsible adult should attend these meetings with the child (families may attend together when preparing multiple children).
Adults preparing for First Reconciliation
Adults prepare to celebrate First Reconciliation as part of the parish Adult Faith Formation Procee. The celebration of the sacrament takes place at an appropriate time during their preparation for full initiation into the Church.
Regular Reconciliation times
After celebrating First Reconciliation, children and families are encouraged to continue receiving the sacrament regularly. Confessions are typically available at these times:
- Saturday – 4:00 PM
- Sunday – 30 minutes before the 9:30 AM Mass
Anointing of the Sick
If you or a loved one are in need of the Anointing of The Sick, please contact Fr. Will Rooney at the parish office (254) 773-4541 or e-mail him at Pastor@stmarytempletx.org if it is not urgent.
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick can be received by any Baptized person who are is past the age of awareness and who has a serious physical or psychological illness (contact the Pastor if you are unsure). Those who have a serious, chronic ailment can receive it several times if there is marked difference in the severity of the situation.
Ministry Leader:
When you call the parish to ask for the Anointing of The Sick you should be ready to give the following information in order to help the priest prepare.
- The name of the person needing the Anointing
- An address, hospital name, and room number as they apply
- A general description of the illness and its urgency.
- A contact person and contact number
- The state of consciousness of the individual
- The individuals ability to swallow or receive Communion
- A good time when family can be there (if possible) to witness the Sacrament
If possible, the reception of the Anointing of The Sick is normally preceded by the celebration of the Sacrament of Confession and concluded by the reception of Communion especially if there is a danger of death. It is also best to have some family and friends present when the Anointing is administered.
Anointing of the Sick is one of two Sacraments which heals and saves the baptized person from sin. This Sacrament unites the suffering of the sick person to the sufferings of Christ, strengthens the sick person with his grace, and forgives all sins for which the sick person has true sorrow but is unable to confess. It may only be administered by a Priest or Bishop.
Matrimony
Congratulations on your engagement! We are delighted that you have come to our parish to celebrate this important event in your life.
Let us help you set up the wedding arrangements and prepare for the lifelong commitment of marriage by contacting us today.
You can learn more about the preparation process by reading this document.
Ministry Leader:
Fr. Will Rooney
(254) 773-4541
Pastor@stmarytempletx.org
Ideally, we need 6 months advance notice to avoid conflicts on the calendar and to get to know you so that we can say with some certainty that we are affirming a relationship that is loving and authentic, capable of persevering. However, if you have unknowingly chosen a date that is closer than 6 months do not hesitate to call us and we will see what we can do. Weddings can be scheduled for almost any time during the week, including during Sunday Mass; depending on the church’s scheduled events. The priest will talk with you about possibilities at your first meeting. There are no fees for weddings at St. Mary’s.
In preparation for meeting with the priest, we ask that you read our “Guidelines to Marriage Preparation and Weddings”
For this reason, a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”
Ephesians 5:31
Holy Orders
Is God calling you to serve the Church as a Priest?
Are willing to become, in a special way, another Christ, to take the lead in bringing about his Kingdom?
If that is a call that you are willing to explore; then I invite you to contact me, Fr. Will Rooney, about ways to discern this special calling.
The vocation to the priesthood is a special calling, one the Church does not take superficially. She accompanies and reviews all those who put themselves forward. If you feel called, do not be afraid to put yourself forward and we will help you discern if it is the right direction for you.
Ministry Leader:
Fr. Will Rooney
(254) 773-4541
Pastor@stmarytempletx.org
Permanent Diaconate
Are you a married Man who is seeking to give yourself to the service of Christ and his Church in a more intentional manner?
Have you been serving the Church in various ways and would like to more directly assist the priest in his ministry?
If you are a man who is maturing in his spiritual life, giving onself to service of the Church, and is interested in becoming directly involved in the ministry of the Church then we would like you to strongly consider the vocation to the Permanent Deaconate.
A Deacon serves the Church by assisting the Priests and the Bishops in their ministry in many ways. For Example:
- They can preach the Homily during Mass
- They can celebrate the sacrament of Baptism
- They can celebrate grave side services and Vigils for the deceased
- They can bless and dedicate houses and items, people and institutions
- They can celebrate the sacrament of Marriage
In these, and so many other ways, the Deacon can assist Christ and his Church in bringing about the Kingdom of God. If you wish to explore this vocation for your life then we invite you to contact:
Deacon Barney Rodriguez: bonifaciorodriguez@yahoo.com
