Sacraments
The whole liturgical life of the Church revolves around the Eucharistic sacrifice and the sacraments. (CCC 1113)
The Sacraments are sacred encounters with Christ our Lord. We experience reality through our senses—touch, taste, smell, sound, sight; and since God became one of us in the Incarnation, entering our human condition, He has radically blessed the things of this world, making them potential vehicles for His grace. Each of the seven sacraments is a sign that actually contains and brings about what it signifies. There is symbolic meaning coded in the sacrament, but the sacrament isn’t just a symbol—it actually has power through the mysterious working of God’s grace to accomplish what the symbol represents. Pledged to us by Christ, every celebration of a sacrament connects us with our Lord and His saving sacrifice on the Cross.
The sacraments have power in themselves to accomplish what they’re meant to accomplish—Baptism does cleanse us of sin, the Eucharist does unite us to Christ’s life, Confirmation does mature our connection with the Holy Spirit and empowers us to give witness to our Faith. But they aren’t magic. God does not hijack our free will. So, while the sacraments do have power of their accord, this power is only effective in our lives if we allow it to be so and when we cooperate with the grace given us when we receive the sacrament.
Sacraments of Initiation
Baptism
Is the sacrament of rebirth and the means by which recipients are incorporated into the Church.
Parents or adults interested in Baptism should fill out this form
here, or contact the front office at
parish@goodshepherdwayland.org
or 508-650-3545
Eucharist
Is the most special sacrament, in which Christ Himself is contained, offered, and received.
First Eucharist generally occurs in Grade 2 at Good Shepherd Parish. Children in Grades 1 and 2, and their parents, participate in a two-year program that will prepare them for both Reconciliation and First Eucharist. Parents should contact the front office at parish@goodshepherdwayland.org or 508-650-3545 for more information.
Confirmation
Is the sacrament where young people receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit and are strengthened on their walk with Christ into adulthood.
Confirmation is a two year preparation process which is currently adjusting from high school to 8th grade due to Archdiocesan guidelines.
Contact Deacon Colm McGarry at youthministrywayland@gmail.com for more information.
Sacraments of Healing
Penance (Reconciliation)
Is the sacrament that allows us to unburden ourselves and physically hear God's words of mercy for us.
The sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) takes place on Saturdays at
St. Ann Church from 3 pm - 3:45 pm. or by appointment. To make an appointment, please reach Fr. Ren via email or by phone at 508-650-3545, ext. 14.
Anointing of the Sick
Is the sacrament that gives the recipient the grace to endure suffering, ask for physical and spiritual healing if it be the Lord's will, and face death with peace.
To make arrangements for yourself or for a loved one, please contact the front office at parish@goodshepherdwayland.org or 508-650-3545
Sacraments of Vocation
Marriage
Is the cornerstone of family life and is the sacrament that unites the couples as one on their journey to heaven.
Good Shepherd Parish is honored to be part of your marriage preparation journey and will help you prepare not just for the special day of your marriage, but also for your entire married life together. Arrangements should be made at least six months prior to the anticipated date of the wedding by contacting Fr. Ren.
To arrange for music to accompany your wedding, please contact
Bethany Ratcliff, Music Director.
Holy Orders
Is the sacrament by which bishops, priests and deacons are ordained and receive the power and grace to perform their sacred duties.
If you are interested in Holy Orders, please reach out to Fr. Ren for further direction.