Sacraments
The Seven 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. www.AmericanCatholic.org
Sacramental Records
Current sacramental records are maintained in the Parish. An individual who needs his/her own sacramental records should contact Anita Shorosky at anitashorosky@maryqueenchurch.org. Requests for a Sacramental Certificate can only come from the individual or the parent, not from grandparents, godparents, aunts/uncles or friends.
Baptism
For Catholics, 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 Sacramental Rite of Infant Baptism (under the age of 7) is open to all registered parishioners of Mary Queen. If you are not a registered member of Mary Queen, you must provide a letter from the pastor of the church where you are registered. A baptism registration form, birth certificate and Godfather’s and Godmother’s Baptismal Covenant forms must be provided before a baptism interview can be scheduled. In addition, parents and Godparents must complete an online baptism class prior to the baptism. Additional information and the forms may be found in the Requirements for Baptism section of infants under the age of 7.
Baptism interviews are scheduled with one of the deacons on the first and third Mondays of the month in the parish center. Baptisms are celebrated on the 3rd Sunday of each month after the 11:30 AM Mass (except during Lent) and are scheduled at the completion of the required catechesis.
Baptism Coordinator: Anita Shorosky - 281-482-1391 or anitashorosky@maryqueenchurch.org
Please contact the office if your child is over the age of 7 and needs to be baptized.
Documents
Requirements for Baptism at Mary Queen
Ascension Baptism Class Online
Valid and Non-Valid Baptisms recognized by the Catholic Church
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.
Contact: Carol Stuart, Director of Elementary Faith Formation ~281-482-1391, ext. 333 or cstuart@maryqueenchurch.org.
The Catholic Sacrament of Reconciliation (also known as Penance, or Penance and Reconciliation) has three elements: conversion, confession and celebration. In it we find God's unconditional forgiveness; as a result we are called to forgive others.
For our Reconciliation schedule, please visit our Mass and Reconciliation Times page.
Note: This sacrament is for baptized and catechized children, in grades 2nd - 6th.
Students will:
- Learn the Ten Commandments
- Recite an Act of Contrition
- Make an Examination of Conscience
- Learn and practice the steps to a good confession
Contact: Carol Stuart, Director of Elementary Faith Formation ~281-482-1391, ext. 333 or
cstuart@maryqueenchurch.org
Youth Confirmation
Confirmation is a Catholic Sacrament of mature Christian commitment and a deepening of baptismal gifts. It is one of the three Sacraments of Initiation for Catholics. It is most often associated with the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Contact: Terri Ryan ~ 281-482-1391 or tryan@maryqueenchurch.org.
Adult Confirmation
The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)
Confirmation is a Catholic Sacrament of mature Christian commitment and a deepening of baptismal gifts. It is one of the three Sacraments of Initiation for Catholics. It is most often associated with the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Scripture
Go therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. (Matthew 28:19-20)
Mission Statement
Confirmation enriches the baptized with the strength of the Holy Spirit so that they can better witness to Christ in word and deed (Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC], no. 1285). Anointed by the Holy Spirit at Confirmation, Christians strengthen their bond with the Church and become better equipped to carry out the Church's mission of love and service.
Ministry Description
The preparation for Confirmation seeks to lead "...the Christian toward a more intimate union with Christ and a more lively familiarity with the Holy Spirit - his actions, his gifts and his biddings - in order to be more capable of assuming the apostolic responsibilities of Christian life. To this end catechesis for Confirmation should strive to awaken a sense of belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ, the universal Church as well as the parish community... ." Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 1309
Who can receive this Sacrament?
"To receive Confirmation one must be in a state of grace. One should receive the sacrament of Penance in order to be cleansed for the gift of the Holy Spirit. More intense prayer should prepare one to receive the strength and graces of the Holy Spirit with docility and readiness to act." Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 1310
If you have been baptized Catholic, are over the age of 18 and out of high school.
Mary Queen offers other sacramental preparation processes for individuals in other circumstances such as:
- If you have been baptized Catholic and are under the age of 18 and/or are in high school, then go to our Youth Confirmation Page.
- If you have not been baptized or have been baptized in another Christian tradition and are under the age of 18, then go to our Rite of Christian Initiation for Children (RCIA - adapted for children) page.
Activities
- Proximate Formation Sessions
- Confirmation Retreat
- Immediate Formation Sessions
- Confirmation Celebration
Contact:
Eby Kurian
281-482-1391, Ext. 319
For Catholics, 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.
Holy Matrimony Preparation
To fully prepare couples for the Sacrament of Matrimony, the clergy together with married couples collaborate to offer the best possible catechesis and marriage preparation to engaged couples from Mary Queen parish.
This catechesis will adhere to the guidelines set forth by the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.
Contact the Parish Office at least 7 months in advance to allow time for preparation.
Find the Marriage Preparation Form here.
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.
If you or someone you know is discerning a religious vocation, please call the Parish Office at
281-482-1391.
Additional resources regarding vocations can be found at: www.houstonvocations.com
The Catholic Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, formerly known as Last Rites or Extreme Unction, is a ritual of healing appropriate not only for physical but also for mental and spiritual sickness.
"Is any among you sick? Let him call for the presbyters of the Church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven" (Jas 5:14-15).
Contact the Parish Office at 281-482-1391 to arrange a visit.