BAPTISM:
We develop and grow as Christians not in isolation, but as a family, a community of people who believe in Christ and the salvation that comes to us through Him. Baptism is welcoming a new child or person into this family ~ the family of the Church and more particularly, the family, the community of St. Gerard, Lima, Ohio. In recognition of the fact that Baptism is welcoming a new child into our community, we encourage parents to have their child baptized at Mass ~ when family and our parish family come together, as families do, to share a meal ~ the Eucharist.
Baptism will be offered once a month at Mass, but could be scheduled at other times to meet the needs of the family.
The Baptism ritual has been restructured for use at Mass. Copies, personalized with the child’s name, will be given to the family for use during the Baptism and as a remembrance of this special day.
Prayer Blanket ~ a prayer shawl or blanket will be presented to the newly-baptized as a gift from the parish.
Scheduling a Baptism: To schedule a Baptism, call Sue Nocera at the parish office, 419-224-3080.
CONFESSIONS:
Every Wednesday ~ 6:00 p.m.
Every Saturday ~ from 4:00 – 4:30 p.m.
THE HOLY EUCHARIST:
The Holy Eucharist is the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. They were given to us by Christ so that we may enter into union with Him and His love. The Eucharist removes our venial sins from our soul and is a great aid in avoiding the temptation to commit mortal sins. The Holy Eucharist is composed of the bread and the wine, which are Consecrated by the priest into the Body and Blood of Jesus at Mass. Children in the second grade will be eligible to being the preparation for First Eucharist.
MARRIAGE:
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. To be married in St. Gerard Church, you must meet with one of our priests at least six months before your wedding date. The priest you select will meet with you approximately 4-6 times before your wedding. You must also take a Pre-Cana class offered by the Diocese of Toledo. Please call the Parish Office at 419-224-3080 for more information.
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.
ANOINTING OF THE SICK:
The Catholic sacrament of the 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. If you or a loved one are in need of this Anointing, please call the Parish Office at 419-224-3080.