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 Saturdays at 4:00 P.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 mboris@dor.org or 257-2493. Adults wishing to be baptized should also contact Mary Boris.
Marriage:	Couples should contact Father Joe Marcoux at least 6 months in advance for initial interviews, arranging for marriage preparation program (Pre-Cana), church documentation, and scheduling and planning the ceremony. Please call the Parish Office 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 the Youth Faith Formation Program or home study faith formation program for one full year before they enroll in a preparation program for any of the sacraments.
First Eucharist:	Most children prepare for their First Eucharist sometime around the “age of reason” or about age seven. At St. Catherine’s, preparation for this sacrament begins in the fall by enrolling in either the Youth Faith Formation Program or the home study faith formation program. A parents’ meeting is held in early February with classes beginning in late winter. The lesson plans are family centered, and parents attend the classes with their child. The First Eucharist celebration takes place on a weekend in early May. For more information or to enroll your child in this program, please contact Christine Williams at cwilliams@dor.org or 257-2493; or Debra Huber-Hwang at sacramentalprep@stcathofsiena.org.
First Reconciliation:	While all children are welcome to prepare for First Reconciliation before their First Eucharist, 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 the Youth Faith Formation Program or the home study faith formation program. The preparation process is family centered, and parents attend the classes with their child. Preparation classes begin in late fall with the celebration of the sacrament occurring on a Saturday in late January. A special session can be held for middle school and high school students who have not previously received this sacrament. For more information or to enroll your child in this program, please contact Christine Williams at cwilliams@dor.org or 257-2493; or Debra Huber-Hwang at sacramentalprep@stcathofsiena.org.
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 seven. Children who desire to celebrate their Confirmation need to first enroll in the Youth Faith Formation Program, High School Youth Group, or a home study faith formation program. Preparation for the sacrament begins in early September with a meeting for both parents and candidates, followed by six preparation classes for the candidates. Celebration of Confirmation generally occurs in November. For more information or to enroll your child in this program, please contact Christine Williams at cwilliams@dor.org or 257-2493; or Debra Huber-Hwang at sacramentalprep@stcathofsiena.org.