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Baptism
What is the Sacrament of Baptism?
Holy Baptism is the sacrament by which God adopts us as his children and makes us members of Christ's Body, the Church, and inheritors of the kingdom of God. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states "Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments." #1213
If you would like to have your child baptized here at St Robert’s, you will need to contact the Parish Office at 401-232-5600. At this time you will receive details on requirements for Godparents and you will also setup a date to attend a Baptismal Preparation Class. When this has been completed we will arrange a date for Baptism.
Reconciliation
Reconciliation of a Penitent, or Penance, is the sacrament in which those who repent of their sins confess them to God in the presence of a priest, and receive the assurance of pardon and the grace of absolution.
Reconciliation is the sacrament in which we are forgiven by God and the Church for our sins. When we celebrate Reconciliation, we receive God’s help to do God’s loving will, to avoid all forms of sin, and to live as followers of Christ.- The Rite of Reconciliation includes an Examination of Conscience, in which we think about how well we have been living God’s will;
- Confession, in which we tell our sins to a priest in private;
- Contrition, in which we tell God we are sorry for our sins;
- Penance, in which we say prayers or do good deeds to make up for the hurt caused by our sins;
- and Absolution, in which the priest forgives us by making the sign of the cross over us and saying in part, “Through the ministry of the Church may God give you pardon and peace, and I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” These words and the stole the priest wears are the signs of the sacrament of Reconciliation.
At this time, in the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, for the Sacrament of reconciliation,
please contact Fr. Richard to arrange a time and place.
Eucharist
The Eucharist is the Church’s greatest gift in which we truly encounter Jesus Christ in His Word, His Sacrament, and His people. In Holy Communion the church believes that Jesus Christ offers Himself to us: fully, totally and completely as our food and our forgiveness. The Sacrament of the Eucharist completes Christian initiation. The Eucharist is "the source and summit of the Christian life." (CCC#1324)
First Holy Communion is a two (2) year program and is administered as part of the Parish Religion Education Classes held here at the Parish. Please call our Religious Education office at 401-232-9321 for more information.
Confirmation
Confirmation is the sacrament in which we are sealed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit and are strengthened to give witness to the Good News of Jesus. In Confirmation we speak for ourselves as we renew the promises our parents and godparents made for us at Baptism.
Confirmation also:- Unites us more firmly to Christ.
- Increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit in us.
- It renders our connection with the Church more perfect.
- It gives us special strength of the Holy Spirit to spread and profess the faith by word and action as true witnesses of Christ.
Sponsors for each candidate are present at the rite of Confirmation to give support to those who are making a new commitment to their faith.
The Sacrament of Confirmation is administered at the completion of a two (2) year program taught here at Religious Education Classes. Please contact our Faith Formation office at 401-232-9321 for more information.
Adults interested in being confirmed should call 401-232-5600 to receive more information for adults who would like receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, or who would like to be Baptized, and /or receive First Holy Communion along with Confirmation.
Matrimony
Holy Matrimony is Christian marriage, in which the woman and man enter into a life-long union, make their vows before God and the Church, and receive the grace and blessing of God to help them fulfill their vows.
Couples should contact the Parish Office 401-232-5600 at least one year in advance before setting any dates for the ceremony or the reception. Attendance at Diocesan Marriage Preparation sessions is also a required part of the process before celebrating Matrimony.
What is the Sacrament of the Sick?
The sacrament of the Sick is the rite of anointing the sick with oil, or the laying on of hands, by which God's grace is given for the healing of spirit, mind, and body. In the past this sacrament was mistakenly called the "Last Rites" since people often waited till the "last minute" to call the priest to administer this blessing. Now we are encouraged to request this sacrament while we can consciously draw strength from Christ in this anointing.
This anointing may be given prior to surgery or for any serious cause of physical illness. Please call the Parish Office to make arrangements to receive the Anointing.
What are Holy Orders?
Ordination is the rite in which God gives authority and the grace of the Holy Spirit to those being made bishops, priests, and deacons, through prayer and the laying on of hands by bishops. The ministry of a Bishop is to represent Christ and his Church, particularly as apostle, chief priest, and pastor of a diocese; to guard the faith, unity, and discipline of the whole Church; to proclaim the Word of God; to act in Christ's name for the reconciliation of the world and the building up of the Church; and to ordain others to continue Christ's ministry. The ministry of a priest is to represent Christ and his Church, particularly as pastor to the people; to share with the bishop in the overseeing of the Church; to proclaim the Gospel; to administer the sacraments; and to bless and declare pardon in the name of God.
The ministry of a deacon is to represent Christ and his Church, particularly as a servant of those in need; and to assist bishops and priests in the proclamation of the Gospel and the administration of the sacraments.
For more information about the diaconate program, contact the Diocesan Diaconate Office by clicking the link below:http://dioceseofprovidence.org/diaconate-office
If you are interested in a vocation to the Priesthood, contact the Diocesan Vocations Office at the Diocese of Providence for more information. Click the link below.