St. Catherine of Siena Parish

302 St. Catherine Circle, Ithaca, New York

We are a vibrant Catholic community where all are welcomed, challenged, and supported on their life journeys.

Sacramental Life

Reconciliation:	Confessions are heard in the church on Sundays at 10:30 A.M. or by appointment. Communal penance services are celebrated during Advent and Lent. Please call the office at 257-2493 or check the bulletin for times during the appropriate season.
Anointing of the Sick:	In case of serious illness or if weakened due to age, contact the Parish Office. Please inform us if someone in your family is in the hospital since the hospital does not inform the parish.
Baptism:	The Sacrament of Baptism is normally celebrated during Sunday Mass. A pre-baptism interview is required with the parent(s), as well as attendance at a baptism class. A few months before the baby is due, contact Mary Boris at 257-2493. Adults wishing to be baptized should also contact Mary Boris.
Marriage:	Couples should contact Sister Mary O'Brien at least 6 months in advance for initial interviews, arranging for marriage preparation program (Pre-Cana), church documentation, and scheduling and planning the ceremony. Preparation program offered by a team of parishioners from local Catholic parishes. Please call the Parish Office for scheduling at 257-2493.

SACRAMENTAL READINESS FOR CHILDREN The Diocese of Rochester requires that preparation for sacraments be based not on age or grade level but on the readiness of the individual and his/her family. Parents and parish staff work together to determine readiness. Factors considered in determining readiness include: Child’s desire for the sacrament Participation of the child and the family in the life of the worshiping community Prior age-appropriate faith formation and religious education Please note: It is strongly recommended that children participate in family faith group or home study faith formation program for one full year before they enroll in a preparation program for any of the sacraments.
First Communion:	Most children prepare for their First Communion sometime around “the age of reason” or about age seven. At St. Catherine’s preparation for this sacrament begins in the fall by enrolling the child in either a family faith group or home study faith formation program. A parents meeting is also held in the fall to inform parents about how the program works, how they can determine whether their child is ready, and how they can begin teaching their child an appreciation for the sacrament. First Communion classes begin in the spring. The lesson plans are family centered, and parents attend the classes with their child. The First Communion celebration is normally held on Mother’s Day weekend. For more information or to enroll your child in this program please contact Debora Huber-Hwang at 257-2493.
First Reconciliation:	While all children are welcome to prepare for Reconciliation before their First Communion, many families prefer to wait until children have a clearer sense of right and wrong, around age nine. Children who desire to celebrate their First Reconciliation need to first enroll in either a family faith group or home study faith formation program. The preparation process is family centered, and parents attend the classes with their child. On school years beginning in an even year, i.e. 2006, 2008 etc., the sacrament of First Reconciliation will be prepared for and celebrated in the fall beginning in September or October. On school years beginning in an odd year, i.e. 2007, 2009 etc. this sacrament will be prepared for and celebrated in the winter beginning in January. For more information or to enroll your child in this program please contact Debora Huber-Hwang at 257-2493. A special session can be held for middle school and high school students who have not previously received catechesis.
Confirmation:	Confirmation is closely related to Baptism and Eucharist and completes one’s initiation into the Church. Confirmation may be celebrated by anyone who is ready and has reached the age of reason which is roughly age 7. Children who desire to celebrate their Confirmation need to first enroll in a family faith group, the Middle School youth group or a home study faith formation program at least one year prior to preparing for this sacrament. Preparation for this sacrament always begins with a meeting for PARENTS AND CANDIDATES early in September. In 2009, Confirmation classes will begin on September 22 at 7:00 P.M. Confirmation will be celebrated by Rev. John M. Mulligan at St. Catherine's on November 16, 2009. For more information or to enroll your child in this program please contact Debora Huber-Hwang at 257-2493.