Sacraments
Below is brief information about the Seven Sacraments of the Catholic Church as celebrated here at St. Francis of Assisi.
Please click on the title of each section for more detailed information.
Note: The Rite of Christian Burial has been moved to the Liturgy & Prayer tab, then Masses, as it is not a Sacrament.
The funeral is "the last farewell by which the Christian community greets one of its members before his body is brought to its tomb." (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1690)
SACRAMENTS
The parents and godparents are required to have an interview with the deacon or pastor, and attend a Preparation Class. Registration can be arranged through the parish office by calling (413) 323-6272 x1. Expectant parents are encouraged to attend the class prior to the birth of their baby.
Penance & Reconciliation
The Sacrament of Penance & Reconciliation is celebrated:
Saturday: 3-3:45 PM (except on the first Sunday of the Month)
First Sunday of the Month: 7:15-7:45 AM and 9:45-10:15 AM (There is no Saturday confession on First Sunday weekends)
Or, by appointment - contact the parish office at (413) 323-6272
The Sacrament of First Reconciliation is celebrated during Advent of the 2nd grade year. Contact the Faith Formation Office at (413) 323-6272 if preparation is needed.
Eucharist / First Holy Communion
Children celebrate First Holy Communion in May after a two- year preparation in 1st & 2nd grade religious education classes. Special arrangements can be made for older children or children with special needs by calling the Faith Formation Office at (413) 323-6272.
Confirmation
The Diocese of Springfield has changed the time of Confirmation to 9th Grade.
St. Francis of Assisi Parish is rolling out this change over a two-year period.
2023 Confirmation will include students in 10th & 11th Grade during the academic year of 2022-2023.
2024 Confirmation will include students in 8th & 9th Grade during the academic year of 2022-2023.
If you have a child in 7th-11th Grade, we encourage you to register for our Religious Education Program
and ask that both students and parents attend an informational meeting on
Sunday, September 11, 2022 at 6:30 PM in the Church.
Adults should contact the Faith Formation Office at (413) 323-6272 for special arrangements.
Anointing the of the Sick
The Second Vatican Council emphasized that this sacrament is meant not only for those who are close to death, but for anyone who is seriously ill. Please call the Parish Office at (413) 323-6272, to request a visit.
Holy Orders
Those moved by The Holy Spirit with a calling to a "more intimate" consecrated life by dedicating themselves totally to God as a priest, deacon, or religious brother or sister should contact Fr. Jon Reardon, of the Diocese of Springfield Vocations Office, at (413) 248-7034 or speak with our pastor.
Couples seeking the Sacrament of Matrimony should contact the parish office before making any other arrangements, in order to allow for adequate preparation.