1. Register in the parish if not already a member.
2. Call the Director of Religious Education to schedule a date and time (330-758-8063).
3. Make arrangements to attend the parent preparation class. Reservations are required.
St. Charles Parish presumes that parents who are requesting the baptism of their child or children intend to rear them in the Catholic Faith and Catholic practices. If this is not the intention, Baptism should be postponed and consultation with a priest or the Director of Religious Education should be scheduled.
Eucharist
"The Church draws her life from the Eucharist. This truth does not simply express a daily experience of faith, but recapitulates the heart of the mystery of the church" (John Paul II)
Eucharist is celebrated for the first time in the 2nd grade. Before the reception of this sacrament the children must have two full years of catechetical preparation. Those not having two years must go through a special process. In such a case, the Director of Religious Education should be notified.
Reconciliation
The Sacrament of Reconciliation focuses on God’s merciful love. Celebration of this sacrament takes place each Saturday afternoon from 2:30-3:30 PM. Communal celebrations are scheduled during the seasons of Advent and Lent. At St. Charles, preparation for this sacrament begins in the 1st grade. The celebration of the First Reconciliation takes place in November of the 2nd grade.
Confirmation
In the Sacrament of Confirmation, the baptized person is "sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit" and is strengthened for service to the Body of Christ.
At the present time, the Diocese of Youngstown has determined that the sacrament will be celebrated in 8th grade. Preparation for the sacrament is addressed through a separate program which brings the St. Charles School and public school students together.
For individuals wishing to become Catholic, opportunity for the reception of the Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, and/or Confirmation is available during the Easter Vigil after participation in the RCIA program. Reconciliation is offered prior to the vigil. Interested individuals should contact Deacon Paul Lisko for more information.
Adults who are Catholic, wishing to receive a sacrament that they have not received, may attend the RCIA sessions that provide education in the particular area needed and receive the sacrament at the Easter Vigil. Children needing sacraments are coordinated by the Director of Religious Education.
Marriage
The Sacrament of Marriage is one which requires special consideration and preparation. According to Diocesan policy, persons requesting to be married at St. Charles Parish must contact the parish office six months in advance of the desired date for the wedding. The couple should be active parishioners, that is, those who attend Mass regularly. After scheduling a date with the priest or deacon who is presiding at the ceremony, they will meet with him on at least two occasions. They will also meet with a parish sponsor couple or participate in an engaged encounter retreat.
Anointing of the Sick
Jesus came to heal the whole person, body and soul. Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament for the faithful who are aged or in ill health. In the Church's Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, through the ministry of the priest, it is Jesus who touches the sick to heal them from sin, and sometimes even from physical ailment. There are two communal celebrations offered at St. Charles each year. For individual anointing, at any time, call the parish office (330-758-2325).