SACRAMENTS

The Latin word sacramentum means "a sign of the sacred." The seven sacraments are ceremonies that point to what is sacred, significant and important for Christians. They are special occasions for experiencing God's saving presence. That's what theologians mean when they say that sacraments are at the same time signs and instruments of God's grace.

• Baptism
• First Holy Communion
• Confirmation

• Anointing of the Sick

• Reconciliation
• Holy Matrimony
• Holy Orders


Baptism
The sacrament of Baptism is the first step in a lifelong journey of commitment and discipleship. Whether we are baptized as infants or adults, Baptism is the Church's way of celebrating and enacting the embrace of God. The Sacrament of Baptism will be celebrated as follows, with the exception of holidays, Holy Days and at the discretion of the Parish: 

• English Baptisms: 2nd Sunday of the month
• Spanish Baptisms: last Saturday of the month @ 10:30 a.m.

Catechesis for parents and godparents takes place as follows and arrangements are to be made in advance at the parish office.

• English Baptismal Prep Class Date: First Tuesday of the month @ 7:00 p.m.-St Luke Church, Stratford, NJ 08084.
• Spanish Baptism Prep Class Date: First & Third Thursday of the month starting with the 7:00 p.m. Mass at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Lindenwold, NJ 08021. 
  
  

Please download request for the Sacrament of Baptism Form
Please download  Godparent/Sponsor Certification Form (This form is used only for those parishioners who are currently registered and worshiping at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish. If you worship at another church, you must contact that church for the Godparent / Sponsor Form.) 

Catholic Sacraments
To request a copy of your Sacramental certificate:
Please download the Sacramental Certificate Request Form 
(Records from St. Lawrence, St. Luke and Our Lady of Grace churches have been transferred to Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish.)

First Holy Communion
Catholics believe the Eucharist, or Communion, is both a sacrifice and a meal. We believe in the real presence of Jesus, who died for our sins. As we receive Christ's Body and Blood, we also are nourished spiritually and brought closer to God.

Confirmation
Confirmation is a Catholic sacrament of mature Christian commitment and a deepening of baptismal gifts.  Like Baptism and Eucharist, it is a Sacrament of Initiation for Catholics and a Sacrament of faith in God's fidelity to us.

Anointing of the Sick
The sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, is a ritual of healing appropriate not only for physical but also for mental and spiritual sickness.  At Our Lady of Guadalupe, in case of emergency, call the office at ANY TIME, day or night, and follow prompt for the emergency line.  The sick will be anointed at home any time by request. Communal anointing of the sick and elderly will be celebrated in the Church as announced.

Reconciliation
The Sacrament of Reconciliation (also known as the Sacrament of Penance, or Penance and Reconciliation) has three elements: conversion, confession and celebration. In it we find God's unconditional forgiveness, and as a result we are called to forgive others.  At Our Lady of Guadalupe, reconciliation is offered at two locations.   St. Lawrence Church; Monday, Wednesday & Thursday-6:30 p.m. (in Spanish), Saturday 4:30 p.m.  and St. Luke Church; Saturday at 3:30 p.m.

Holy Matrimony
The Sacrament of Marriage, or Holy Matrimony, is a public sign that one gives oneself totally to this other person. It is also a public statement about God: the loving union of husband and wife speaks of family values and also God's values.  Ideally, Catholic marriages take place at Mass. To insure proper preparation, arrangements should be made one year in advance. Because of the preparation needed, six months notification is mandatory. Please download Wedding Guide.


Holy Orders
In the Sacrament of Holy Orders, or Ordination, the priest being ordained vows to lead other Catholics by bringing them the sacraments (especially the Eucharist), by proclaiming the Gospel, and by providing other means to holiness.