Sacramental Celebrations
Sunday Eucharist (Mass)
A parish is a community of Christ’s disciples who, with their pastor, gather on a stable basis to celebrate the Lord’s Day with Eucharist. It is here that they listen to and reflect on God’s Word, that they join in prayer for the Church, for the world, and for all in need, that they join in praise and thanks to God, that they break bread and share the cup which is the living presence of Christ forming them as his body. Sunday Eucharist is the heart and center of parish life.
The Church calls us all to exercise our baptismal priesthood by active participation in the Eucharist. We join our voices in prayers and hymns. We listen together to the Scriptures. We process together to the Lord’s Table to be nourished by Christ. We are sent forth as messengers of the Gospel.
In addition to the ministry that we all share through baptism, our community relies on a variety of particular ministries.
Sunday Mass with Children
- During the school year, there is a preschool program during the 9:00 AM Mass.
- For youngsters in grades 1 through 4, there is a year round Liturgy of Word where children listen to and to reflect on the scriptures in relation to their lives.
Adoration Chapel
The St. Julie Billiart Eucharistic Adoration Chapel is open for everyone, regardless of age, to pray in peace and quiet and contemplation before the Blessed Sacrament. The chapel is located at the parish center and is open from 8:30 AM to 10:00 PM, Monday through Friday each week. Please consider joining your fellow parishioners by signing up for a hour timeslot. If interested please call Linda Corbalis, 867-1249 or send an email to adoration@sacredheartsaratoga.org.
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
On the 1st Friday of the month, a day associated with devotion to the Sacred Heart, the Blessed Sacrament is carried in procession after the 9:00 AM morning Mass. Exposition continues until Midday Prayer and Benediction at Noon. The St. Julie Billiart Chapel is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM for those who would like to pray before the Blessed Sacrament.
Reconciliation
A priest is available for individual confessions each Saturday afternoon from 3:30 to 4:30. Each Advent and Lent, The sacrament of Reconciliation is celebrated with a Communal Reconciliation Service.
Marriage
Catholics celebrate marriage as a sacrament. As such, it is celebrated in the church. Preparation for marriage and for the wedding should begin at least six months prior to the wedding.Anointing of the Sick
The church encourages anyone who is seriously ill or about to undergo serious surgery to receive the Anointing of the Sick. This sacrament brings the healing action of Christ and the prayer of the Church to strengthen those who receive it. This sacramental anointing is celebrated during our morning weekday Mass for those who are able to come to the church or in the home of one who is unable to come to church.
Communion for the Sick or Homebound
From early on, the church has reached out to those who are unable to join the community in the celebration of the Eucharist by sending ministers of communion. These ministers are sent “to bring the Word of God and the Bread of Life to those who are ill.” Those who are ill or homebound who wish to receive Communion should contact the parish office (408-868-3634).
Prayers for the Dying
The church encourages those who are preparing for death to receive
sacramental absolution and Holy Communion. Those who keep vigil are
encouraged to read from Scripture, especially from the book of Psalms,
to pray the
rosary and other prayers appropriate to the time.
The sacramental Anointing of the Sick is also administered to those
who are near death provided that they are conscious and have not
been recently anointed.