Seven Sacraments
Sacrament of Baptism for Children
For Catholics, the Sacrament of Baptism is the first step in a lifelong journey of commitment and discipleship. Whether we are baptized as infants or adults, Baptism is the Church's way of celebrating and enacting the embrace of God.
Infants: Newborn children of at least one Catholic parent should be baptized as Catholics shortly after birth. Parishioners with newborns should complete a Baptismal Preparation Form (available online or hard copy) and call Fr. Plummer at the Parish Office to schedule a preparation class. Baptisms are typically done on Saturday mornings or Sunday afternoons in the Main Church Baptistry. Baptisms typically do not take place in Lent.
Children younger than 7: are baptized "as infants." See above.
Children 7 and older: if unbaptized, these typically receive Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist at the annual Easter Vigil, after preparation. Contact Miss Ellienne Planchet at the Parish Office to arrange preparation.
In order to have your infant or child baptized at St. Mary's Church you will need to complete a Baptismal Preparation Form and return it to the parish office. The next step is to set up an appointment with Father Baer (301) 292-0527 (please bring in your completed Baptismal Preparation form.) Next, you will need to choose two sponsors/godparents (at least one godparent must be Catholic). The Catholic sponsor must provide us with a letter of good standing from his/her current parish. Then, if this is your first child, parents must attend a Baptismal class with Father Plummer, (301) 292-0527 Ext. #101. Finally, a date of baptism will be set up with Father Plummer or one of our deacons that is convenient for both parties involved.
For more information on Baptism, please click this LINK.
Eucharist
Catholics believe the Eucharist, or Communion, is both a sacrifice and a meal. We believe in the real presence of Jesus, who died for our sins. As we receive Christ's Body and Blood, we also are nourished spiritually and brought closer to God.
First Communion
Please contact Miss Ellienne Planchet, Director of Religious Education (301) 292-0527 Ext. #104 if you would like information on receiving the Sacrament of First Communion.
Guidelines from the USCCB on who can receive Communion, please click this LINK.
Communion to Sick and Homebound
To arrange for a home "Communion call" contact the Parish Office. Also, a televised Sunday Mass is offered by the Archdiocese of Washington on Sunday on WDCW at 10:30 a.m. WDCW airs on Comcast Channel 3 in Prince George’s County and in Southern Maryland. Dish or Direct TV is on Channel 50, RCN is on Channel 15 and Verizon is on Channel 3.
Sacrament of Reconciliation (CONFESSIONS)
The Catholic Sacrament of Reconciliation (also known as Penance, or Penance and Reconciliation) has three elements: conversion, confession, and celebration. In it we find God's unconditional forgiveness; as a result, we are called to forgive others.
Saturday: 2:00-3:30 p.m in the Main Church.; or by appointment.
For more information on Reconciliation/Penance, please click this LINK.
Confirmation
Confirmation is a Catholic Sacrament of mature Christian commitment and a deepening of baptismal gifts. It is one of the three Sacraments of Initiation for Catholics. It is most often associated with the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Please contact Miss Ellienne Planchet, Director of Religious Education, at (301) 292-0527 Ext. #104 if you would like further information on receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation.
For more information on Confirmation, please click this LINK.
Sacrament of Matrimony
For Catholics, the Sacrament of Marriage, or Holy Matrimony, is a public sign that one gives oneself totally to this other person. It is also a public statement about God: the loving union of husband and wife speaks of family values and also God's values.
For a valid marriage, no matter who he or she marries, a Catholic must marry in the Catholic Church before a Priest or Deacon and at least two witnesses, unless he or she receives a dispensation from the Church. The bride or groom must be a parishioner of St. Mary's.
Please contact Father Plummer at the parish office at least 6 months in advance for information about scheduling a wedding and to arrange monthly preparation classes.
As a Catholic Church, we are bound to observe the Rite of Marriage as prescribed in the Roman Ritual, and to observe additional diocesan and parish policies.
Weddings are typically done on Saturdays, starting no later than 1:00 p.m., in either the Main Church or in Our Lady's Chapel.
Weddings typically do not take place in Lent.
Musical arrangements can be made by contacting our Music Director, Dr. Eran Lupu at (301) 292-0527 #106 or eranlupu@icloud.com.
*Dr. Lupu is under contract with St. Mary's Church of Piscataway and must be paid even if you bring your own organist.
Cantor: Amy Statz Dollan
Please click here for the Marriage Preparation schedule. (TBD)
Please click here for the Wedding Offering.
For more information on Marriage, please click this LINK.
Holy Orders
In the Sacrament of Holy Orders, or Ordination, the priest being ordained vows to lead other Catholics by bringing them the sacraments (especially the Eucharist), by proclaiming the Gospel, and by providing other means to holiness.
I would like to learn more about becoming a priest or deacon.
Do you know someone who would make a good priest? Why not tell him so? Your encouragement may be all that he needs.
For more information on Vocations, please click this LINK.
Anointing of the Sick
The Catholic Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, formerly known as Last Rites or Extreme Unction, is a ritual of healing appropriate not only for physical but also for mental and spiritual sickness.
If your relative is seriously sick, heading for surgery, or in danger of dying, with the permission of your relative, you should ask that your relative receive the Anointing of the Sick. If your relative wants to see a priest, please call the parish emergency line (301) 292-0527 x125 (used if a parishioner is being rushed to the hospital or in danger of dying) for a priest. Please only call in the case of an emergency. Other calls should be directed to the parish office during regular office hours or questions may be answered here at our website. Also, you will want to contact our parish office so your relative can be added to the Internet Prayer List, the Prayer Chain, the Prayer of the Faithful and the Bulletin (please get their permission) and keep us informed (with your relative's permission) of your relative's situation.
For more information on Anointing of the Sick, please click this LINK.
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