Sacraments

Responsibilities to God

• Have I prayed every day?
• Have I prayed my morning prayers and night prayers?
• Have I prayed with my parents and family?
• Have I been moody and rebellious about praying and going to church on Sunday?
• Have I asked the Holy Spirit to help me whenever I have been tempted to sin?
• Have I asked the Holy Spirit to help me do what is right?

Responsibilities to others

• Have I been obedient and respectful to my parents?
• Have I lied or been deceitful to them or to others?
• Have I been arrogant, stubborn or rebellious?
• Have I talked back to parents, teachers or other adults?
• Have I pouted and been moody?
• Have I been selfish toward my parents, brothers, and sisters, teachers, or my friends and schoolmates?
• Have I gotten angry at them? Have I hit anyone?
• Have I held grudges or not forgiven others?
• Have I treated other children with respect or have I made fun of them and called them names?
• Have I used bad language?
• Have I stolen anything? Have I returned it?
• Have I performed my responsibilities, such as homework and household chores?
• Have I been helpful and affectionate toward my family?
• Have I been kind and generous with my friends?

Copyright, Fr. Thomas Weinandy. This resource may be reproduced and distributed free of charge by permission of the author.

My relationship with God

• Do I believe in God? Do I believe in a personal God?
• Do I believe in a historical God who works with us today? Do I ever simply “reflect” or “think” about God?
• Do I think about God’s purpose in creating the universe? In creating me?
• Do I attempt to know more about God’s revelation?
• Do I believe that God’s revelation is significant for me and the world? Am I ashamed to admit to “worldly people” that I am a man/woman of God?
• Do I worship regularly? Do I sing and respond to the prayers of the Mass? Am I neighborly and courteous, unrushed and politely behaved?
• Is Holy Eucharist a true encounter with Jesus, or simply a weekly ritual snack? Do I give my children an enthusiastic example about worship?
• Is my spiritual life reserved to one hour on Sunday?
• Do I take advantage of other services (daily Mass, home Mass, prayer group, devotions, etc.)?
• Do I take time each day to pray? Do I invite my family and co-workers to pray with me? Am I embarrassed to pray with others?

My relationship with others

• Do I work as hard at my marriage as I do with my business?
• Is my spouse my best friend, or am I living out the ghost of a past relationship?
• Am I courageous enough to admit when I (or we) might need counseling to save or improve our marriage?
• Am I a good person to live with? Am I courteous, helpful, gentle, sincere, understanding? Do I remember birthdays, anniversaries, special occasions, romantic times, etc.?
• Am I a good parent? Do I understand that discipline is a genuine form of love? Am I guilty of buying my children’s affections, or substituting gifts for my own presence?
• Do I listen to my children, take them seriously? Do I follow their progress closely in school, meet with teachers, encouraging them to be ready to move successfully out of the nest?
• Am I a good worker? Do I give my best to the job?
• Do I believe that quality enhances my personal worth before God, even if no one else sees what I do?
• Am I honest? Do I award myself little “perks” against company policy?
• If I am supervisory, do I strive to create an atmosphere that is both productive and constructive? Can I be frank and helpful to those under me?
• Am I constantly working my own professional advancement and that of my employees?
• Am I keeping abreast in my field? Do I pay my taxes? Do I provide sufficient benefits for my workers? Am I adequately insured and protected in the areas of health, life insurance, old age and home ownership?
• Am I solicitous for my parents and grandparents? Do I remember all of my elderly relatives?
• Conversely, do I butt out of the affairs of my married children and grandchildren unless I am specifically consulted?
• Am I concerned about the quality of life in my community? Do I observe local laws? (zoning, air quality, etc.)
• Am I concerned and outspoken about my local schools, police, human services, etc.?
• Do I attempt to understand the insidiousness of racial problems? Do I too easily excuse myself from concern for the “truly needy”?
• Am I concerned about universal problems like arms control, pollution, warfare, unemployment, etc.? Am I reading and constantly learning about these subjects?

My relationship with myself

• Do I live a well-ordered, healthy life? Do I eat well nutritionally, rest and exercise? Do I periodically see my physician?
• Do I take vacations, broaden my experience and enrich my leisure through the arts, etc.?
• Am I addicted to mindless forms of entertainment, like hours and hours of daily TV?
• Are the uses of tobacco, alcohol, drugs, food, etc. out of proportion with the rest of my life?
• Am I careful about myself that I would reach out for help if I needed it?
• Do I see my life as my greatest gift, and try to live each day to the fullest?

By Church law, a priest or Deacon can only celebrate the baptism of persons who are registered in his parish. For an infant or child, the family should be registered. For families from other parishes who wish to have the baptism take place here, a letter from their home parish is required. Parents need to be active church members at least 3 months prior to a Baptism being scheduled. Parents must receive religious instruction (“catechesis”) from the Church concerning the responsibilities of Catholic parenting. We offer this instruction at Resurrection and both parents and godparents are required to participate. Baptismal dates are scheduled only after the catechesis is completed. This helps to avoid postponements due to complications that prevent parents from being able to attend the scheduled catechesis.

By Church requirement, parents must give their assurance that the child will be given every benefit of Catholic upbringing. The responsibility of raising the child in the ways of the faith begins immediately with Baptism and extends all the way to adulthood. If parents are not able to make this commitment to the Church community, they should consider delaying the celebration of baptism until they are prepared to undertake these responsibilities.

“I will sprinkle clean water upon you and cleanse you from all your impurities. I will give you a new spirit within you.” Ezekiel 36:25-26

The Baptism of your child is truly something to celebrate! Baptism preparation classes are offered in both English and Spanish. It is necessary for parents and godparents to attend a baptism class. The sessions are meant to help the parents and godparents prepare for and celebrate the baptism of their child in a joyful and meaningful way.

Godparents are chosen by the birth parents to assist them in their Christian parenting. They should, therefore, be models of Christian faith and examples of prayer, worship and Christian practice. The Church does not require two godparents. When there are two, however, there can be only one godmother and one godfather. At least one of the godparents needs to be a practicing Catholic, at least 16 years of age and Confirmed in the Catholic Church. The other must, however, be of the Christian faith and be active in that faith.

The Sacrament of Baptism is administered once a month following the 4pm Saturday Mass or 5pm Sunday Mass. Baptisms in Spanish are celebrated following the 12 PM Mass in the church. Baptism may also be scheduled at different times to accommodate travel plans of out of town family members. Baptisms are not scheduled from Ash Wednesday until Holy Saturday, the Lenten Season, except in case of emergency (contact either the Faith Formation Office or one of the priests).

Specific arrangements are made in advance through the Faith Formation Office. Traditionally adults are brought into the Church through the process known as OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults).

Eucharist, the Bread of Life, is that which sustains us on our journey of faith. The Eucharist was instituted by Christ at the Last Supper; Eucharist (Communion) takes place in Church at Mass.

Any Baptized Catholic who understands, is prepared (catechesis) and not in the state of Mortal Sin can receive Communion at Mass or as visited by Ministers to the Sick.

Contact the Faith Formation Office at 863-646-3556 to see what your options are to become prepared to receive Communion.

Parishes shall have a catechesis for each of the sacraments which prepare people to fully and actively participate in the sacramental life of the Church and to celebrate the reality of God’s abiding presence at special moments throughout their lives. Catechesis for every sacrament must be directed to the entire faith community while also focusing on those preparing to celebrate the sacrament. The Bishop, who holds the primary position of authority, has the responsibility over programs of catechesis. He issues specific guidelines regarding the sacraments, which must be followed through the Office of Liturgy and Worship.

Catechesis for Eucharist should stress its intimate relationship to Baptism and Confirmation and that in Eucharist, Catholic Christians are fully joined to the Body of Christ. Catechesis should stress that the Eucharist, this Holy Sacrifice, is both a memorial of the Lord’s passion, death and Resurrection and a celebration of it here and now. Eucharist should transform us in the ongoing process of conversion towards greater love of God and neighbor. Catechesis should consider the historical development of this sacrament, the meaning of the bread and wine and its reality as the Lord’s Body and Blood. Catechesis should instruct people regarding the obligations of this sacrament. Eucharist catechesis should give instruction about meaning, ritual, symbols and parts of the Mass.

As for children, catechesis seeks to strengthen their awareness of the Father’s love, and the idea of Real Presence. Parents, Pastors and catechists are responsible for determining when children are ready to receive First Communion. Parents should be involved in preparing their child for First Communion. Catechesis for First Communion is separate from catechesis for Reconciliation.

Can. 1055 §1. The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life and which is ordered by its nature to the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring, has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament between the baptized.

§2. For this reason, a valid matrimonial contract cannot exist between the baptized without it being by that fact a sacrament.

Roman Catholics are required to be married (1) in church and (2) by a Priest or Deacon.

Can. 1063 Pastors of souls are obliged to take care that their ecclesiastical community offers the Christian faithful the assistance by which the matrimonial state is preserved in a Christian spirit and advances in perfection. This assistance must be offered especially by: 1. preaching, catechesis adapted to minors, youth, and adults, and even the use of instruments of social communication, by which the Christian faithful are instructed about the meaning of Christian marriage and about the function of Christian spouses and parents; 2. personal preparation to enter marriage, which disposes the spouses to the holiness and duties of their new state; 3. a fruitful liturgical celebration of marriage which is to show that the spouses signify and share in the mystery of the unity and fruitful love between Christ and the Church; 4. help offered to those who are married, so that faithfully preserving and protecting the conjugal covenant, they daily come to lead holier and fuller lives in their family.

It is the policy of the Church of the Resurrection and the surrounding Catholic churches that anyone seeking the sacraments of Baptism, First Eucharist, First Reconciliation, Confirmation and Matrimony must be a parish member of our church community at least 3 months prior to being able to receive the sacrament.

To ensure understanding of all that their gift involves, the Diocese of Orlando requires at least 4 months preparation time. Youths under 19 years require special counseling as part of their preparation. Arrangements must be made 6 months in advance.

1. Preliminary Interview: The first step is meeting with the parish priest. Call 863-646-3556 to set up an appointment to begin the planning and preparation for married life. This should take place at least 4 months prior to the wedding, and before any arrangements are made with regard to invitations, reception hall, etc. This will avoid unnecessary duplication of effort or misunderstanding later. During this interview, you will be provided with an explanation of Pastoral Guidelines for Marriage Preparation.

2. Setting the Date: The final date for the wedding will not be set until the entire assessment process has been completed and the decision to proceed has been made by the priest and the couple.

3. Assessment – Determining Readiness: The parish has a variety of methods to assist in determining the maturity of the couple and their readiness for marriage. A FOCCUS inventory (an online inventory, $25 per couple) will be administered and diocesan forms will be completed. In addition, there may be consultation with parents or other relatives as well as pre-marriage counseling and evaluations. These steps may result in a decision to delay the marriage (see #6).

4. Instruction: After the readiness for marriage has been determined, the couple will finalize the wedding date and begin their instruction process. We will outline the sacramental preparation required (Pre-Cana Weekend Retreat, Pre-Cana, Remarriage, Convalidation, interviews with the priest, etc.).

5. Wedding Liturgy: The couple will plan their wedding liturgy with the priest. They will participate in the decisions regarding the ceremony, scripture, music, vows, etc.

6. Delaying the Marriage: A delay is designed to provide time to overcome the circumstances which made the delay advisable. Some of the reasons for delaying the marriage are: the non-practice of the faith by the Catholic party, especially when there is no intention of returning to the practice of the faith; a substantial lack of appreciation for the spiritual and sacramental aspects of marriage; a lack of readiness by reason of immaturity, age or undue social pressure; the likelihood of a separation of the couple for an extended period after the marriage (e.g., military service, continued education); the unwillingness of the couple to participate in any of the steps of marriage preparation that apply to them, as well as missing forms including but not limited to Baptism information and marriage license.

Appeal: There is an appeal process for couples who disagree with a decision to delay their marriage. If the couple wishes to appeal, they should submit their petition in writing to the Bishop of Orlando.

These Pastoral Guidelines for Marriage Preparation apply to all Catholics domiciled in the Diocese of Orlando even if their wedding will be celebrated in another diocese. For more information, see the Diocese of Orlando Office of Evangelization.

Music selected for a wedding should have a religious tone. Check with the Director of Music for assistance.

The bride may use the Bride’s Room, located at the left of the Narthex. Only water is permitted in this room or anywhere in the sanctuary building.

Our church already has a carpet aisle. Adding an additional runner can create a hazard so is not permitted. During the ceremony, the Church will provide the candles that are used for the liturgy. No objects are to be thrown before or following the ceremony inside or outside the church property.

The fee for the Church is a donation for the upkeep of the facilities. It is also nice to show the altar servers your appreciation; $10–$25 each is the usual gift. For the musicians’ fee, please contact the Director of Music. There is no set gift for the Priest. It is left to the judgment of the couple to make that decision.

This is a weekend program that covers topics such as the Theology of Marriage, Communication, Finance, Parenting and Natural Family Planning. In addition, couples learn a reflection and dialogue process as well as have an opportunity to practice these skills. The weekend provides time to interact with other couples who share the same values. These retreats are held at the San Pedro Spiritual Center in Winter Park, FL. They begin on Fridays at 6:30 PM and end on Sundays at 1:00 PM.

In the event that one or both of the parties are not active in the practice of their faith, additional instructional sessions will be provided to help them become active again as practicing Catholics.

When either party requesting a marriage has not yet reached his/her 19th birthday, the Church will show a special concern for the proposed marriage and will require additional steps in the preparation process. Both sets of parents will be interviewed by the priest. The couple will be referred to Catholic Charities for evaluation by a professional counselor. A review of the completed file by the tribunal will be necessary to proceed.

If a pregnancy exists, the Church will express care for both the couple and the expected child. Every effort will be made to ensure that each couple is truly ready for marriage. Pregnancy of itself is not considered reason enough to omit the usual and normal preparation process. As with youthful marriages, the couple will be referred to Catholic Charities for professional evaluation and a review of the completed file by the tribunal is needed to proceed.

If the couple has entered marriage outside the laws of the Church, a validation of the marriage is permitted after the couple has completed the assessment process of these Pastoral Guidelines.