Sacraments
Baptism
The time to plan for your child’s future in the Catholic faith begins even before your child is born because it is founded on your dedication and practice of the faith. First time parents or those that have not previously attended a Baptism Preparation class will be expected to do so, preferably sometime before the birth of the child. The Baptism Preparation Classes are held the 1st Sunday of the month.
Baptisms are celebrated at 1:00 p.m. on the 2nd Sunday of the month at Sacred Heart and on the 3rd Sunday of the month at 11:00 a.m. at St. Rose.
To arrange for a baptism, please call Holly Clark, Baptismal Prep. Coordinator at 508-947-0444, ext. 10.
Reconciliation
The usual weekly time for confessions is Saturday from 3–3:45 p.m. at Sacred Heart and from 4–4:30 p.m. at St. Rose. Parishioners have the option for either anonymous or the “face-to-face” celebration of the Sacrament. Additional times are provided during the Christmas and Lenten seasons along with Cluster Penance Services sponsored in collaboration with St. Martha and Mary’s Church in Lakeville. Confessions are also heard by appointment. The reception of this Sacrament for the first time takes place in 2nd grade for children enrolled in our religious education programs.
To arrange for private confession, please call the Parish Office at 508-947-0444.
Eucharist and First Holy Communion
Reception of First Communion takes place in the 2nd grade for children enrolled our religious education programs. Children are expected to have two years of preparation before receiving the Sacrament.
For those who are homebound and wish to receive the Eucharist, please contact the Parish Offices at 508-947-0444.
Eucharistic Adoration
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is held every Friday at 3:00 PM and continues until 6:00 PM except on First Fridays where Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament takes place monthly in Middleboro on First Friday beginning at 3:00 PM and continuing through benediction at 6:45 PM. Parishioners sign up to take half hour “watches” of prayer and praise in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament throughout this time. Following the benediction, First Friday Mass is celebrated.
Confirmation
The Rite of Confirmation is held during the spring for those high school students enrolled in our religious education program. The Confirmation Preparation program consists of two years, usually during grades 9 and 10. Students preparing for Confirmation participate in regular classroom sessions, day retreats, overnight retreats and complete a service project.
Adult Confirmation
The Bishop of the South region of the Archdiocese of Boston confers the sacrament of Confirmation on adults twice each year, once in late fall and once in the spring.
Sacred Heart Parish helps adults desiring to participate in the sacrament by offering preparation sessions in the parish in January. This can be a wonderful opportunity to grow and develop one’s faith. The sessions are geared toward exploring how God acts in our lives and how membership in the Church strengthens our relationship with our creator, God, our savior, Jesus Christ, and their Holy Spirit. Contact the Parish Office for more information.
Sacrament of Marriage
It is necessary to contact the staff six months in advance of the anticipated date for the wedding in order to provide sufficient time to prepare for the Sacrament.
Marriage Preparation Program
As you proceed in your preparation for marriage, we hope that it will be a graced time for you to more fully understand God's will for you, for your marriage, and for your family. The priests, deacons, religious, and married couples who work with you in your preparation want to share with you the theology and lived witness of a sacramental marriage.
Twice a year married couples on the Marriage Preparation Team share with engaged couples their experiences of living Christian Marriage. They lead the couples to a vision and hope of marriage which goes far beyond the things which often pre-occupy a couple’s mind before marriage-reception, guest list, photography, etc. The hope of this program is that couples will prepare for a life, not just a day. For a complete listing of Archdiocesan approved Marriage Preparation Programs visit: www.familylifeboston.com. Contact the Parish Offices for more information and to register.
Holy Orders and Religious Life
We encourage parishioners interested and called to serve God in the Church as a priest, deacon, religious brother or sister. Please contact the Pastor if interested or contact the Boston Archdiocese at the Vocation Office: 617-746-5949 or
e-mail: info@vocationsboston.org.
Anointing of the Sick
Pastoral care of the sick and dying is a very important part of our Catholic mission. The Anointing of the Sick can be administered to any Catholic who is seriously ill or anticipating surgery or a medical procedure. This Sacrament should be received in the early stages of illness and should not be delayed until the person is dying. The Sacrament is offered after the 11:00 a.m. Mass in Middleborough on the 3rd Sunday of the month. Please call the Parish Offices if you would like an annointing at another time.
