Ministries

Sacramental Preparation Teams: Members of the Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Reconciliation, and Marriage preparation teams share their particular gifts in assisting people of all ages to discern their readiness for the first reception of a sacrament. Each year, people are needed to identify candidates, plan and facilitate the catechetical preparation sessions, and prepare candidates to celebrate each Sacrament within the liturgies of the parish faith community.

RCIA: (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) This is a process of preparation for adults who are seeking full initiation into the Roman Catholic Church through the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. As baptized Catholic Christians, we are mandated to evangelize, and as part of our mission statement here at Sacred Heart Parish, we vow to be welcoming and inviting to all, so that everyone can hear the Good News. RCIA affords us an opportunity to share our individual faith stories and walk along with those who are seeking God so that they may come to experience Him in their day-to-day lives.

Events

Generations of Faith focuses on different teachings of our faith (Church feasts & seasons, Sacraments, Justice & Service, Morality, Prayer & Spirituality, and Creed) and highlights different themes through the lens of the events celebrated in our parish calendar. These themes are developed in intergenerational preparation programs, age specific programs, take-home materials, alignment with various parish ministries, and celebration of the actual event.

Sacramental Catechesis Candidates desiring to prepare for the first reception of Eucharist, Reconciliation, and Confirmation take part in a series of catechetical sessions and are offered a variety of learning experiences.

Confirmation Retreats: Teen Confirmandi share in a retreat experience offered by the retreat team from the Tri-parish Youth Ministry prior to reception of the sacrament.

Women's Parish Retreat: Women of the parish join in sharing a weekend retreat together. Women of all ages are encouraged to participate in this weekend of togetherness, spirituality and relaxation.

Men's Parish Retreat: Once each year, men of the parish join each other for a retreat weekend. To enhance the sharing and camaraderie, participants get together for dinner after their retreat. Coordinators provide planning and publicity for this weekend.

Diocesan Men's Conference: The Diocese of Worcester offers a day for all men in the diocese to gather for spiritual reflection, prayer, and renewal.

Diocesan Women's Conference: The Diocese of Worcester offers a day for all women in the diocese to gather for spiritual reflection, prayer, and renewal.