Baptism
Baptism is administered on the first and third Sundays of the month at the 11 AM Mass. The Welcoming Rite takes place at the beginning of Mass for the parents, godparents and the child to be baptized. The conclusion of the Baptism Rite takes place after Mass.
Parents should call the Parish Center at least two months ahead of their desired Sunday to make arrangements for Baptism.
Canon Law requires that Godparents must be 16, Confirmed in the Catholic faith, be in a sacramental marriage if married, and practicing their faith. Each will need to present a Letter of Eligibility from the parish in which they are registered. One godparent can be a non-Catholic-Christian witness who must have been baptized. Proof of Baptism may be requested.
Baptism preparation meetings are held on the second Wednesday of the month at 8 PM in the church. Parents and godparents are expected to attend.
There is no charge for the administration of the Sacrament, but each family is asked to consider a contribution to offset the cost of maintenance, electric and gas to light and heat the church building. Baptism is God's most beautiful and magnificent gift. . . .We call it gift, grace, anointing, enlightenment, garment of immortality, bath of rebirth, seal, and most precious gift. It is called gift because it is conferred on those who bring nothing of their own; grace since it is given even to the guilty; Baptism because sin is buried in the water; anointing for it is priestly and royal as are those who are anointed; enlightenment because it radiates light; clothing since it veils our shame; bath because it washes; and seal as it is our guard and the sign of God's Lordship.
Confirmation
Confirmation is celebrated in 8th grade at St. Charles Parish. It is preceded by a two year preparation session from 7th through the 8th grade. Confirmation is celebrated in the Spring.
Adult Confirmation
Adults who have not received the Sacrament of Confirmation and would like to receive this sacrament in the Spring of 2011 should call the Parish Center at 856-629-0411. Classes are offered for individuals 16 and up to prepare for the sacrament of Confirmation. Classes begin on Sunday, April 3, 2011 after morning mass for a period of six to eight weeks culminating with Confirmation. Confirmation will take place in June 2011.
Eucharist
First Eucharist as well as First Reconciliation are celebrated within a child’s 2nd year in our Religious Education Program. First Reconciliation is celebrated in November and First Communion is celebrated in May.
Reconciliation
Saturday from 3:00 to 4:00 PM in the church or by appointment.
Sacrament of the Sick
Do you know any parishioner who is ill at home, hospitalized in a nursing home, or homebound? The Eucharist will be brought upon request to those unable to attend Mass regularly because of sickness or infirmity. Please call the Parish Center Office to make arrangements at any time for the Sacrament of the Sick.
Marriage
Couples preparing to be married are requested to make arrangements with a parish priest in person at least one year in advance.
Holy Orders
Men who are considering a vocation to the Permanent Diaconate can find information online at www.camdendiocese.org