Sacraments are an "efficacious" sign of grace, instituted by Jesus Christ and entrusted to the Catholic Church, by which divine life is dispensed to us through the work of the Holy Spirit. They are "efficacious" because in the seven sacraments Christ Himself is at work. The seven sacraments are: Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Eucharist, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony. The Catholic Church affirms that for believers the sacraments of the New Covenant are necessary for salvation.
Baptism is the first and foremost sacrament of initiation into our faith community. Therefore, it is only appropriate that at least one parent of an infant brought forth for baptism must be a practicing Catholic and a member of our parish community. It is necessary to contact the parish office at least one month prior so that all necessary arrangements may be made. These arrangements include an interview with the Director of Faith Formation as well as the required attendance of a parent pre-baptismal session presented by trained parishioners. There are no Baptisms conducted during the seasons of Advent or Lent.
If interested in the Sacrament of Baptism please contact the Parish Office at:
(352)753-0989.
First Eucharist is a child's second sacrament of initiation and sign of unity with our faith community. First Eucharist is traditionally celebrated at St. Timothy when the Communicant reaches the age of 7 in the second grade. Two years of catechetical preparation are required for one to receive this sacrament. The preparation program is part of our Parish Religious Education Program.
If you are interested in receiving the Sacrament of First Eucharist please contact the Parish Office at: (352)753-0989.
The Sacrament of Confirmation is a time when a young person is fully initiated into the church and receives a strengthening in the presence of the Holy Spirit. The Sacrament of Confirmation is traditionally celebrated when a student is 14 and in the Eighth Grade. Two years of Catechetical Preparation and a community service experience are encouraged prior to receiving this sacrament.
If you are interested in receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation please contact the Parish Office at: (352)753-0989.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a time when a child experiences God's forgiveness in a special way. First Reconciliation is traditionally celebrated when a child turns 7 years old in the Second Grade. Two years of Catechetical preparation is required prior to receiving the sacrament of Reconciliation.
If you are interested in receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation please contact the Parish Office at: (352)753-0989.
Confession Times
TUESDAY:
9:15 AM
SATURDAY:
1:00 PM to 1:45 PM
3:00 PM to 3:45 PM
Anointing of the Sick is the sacrament that is received by those who are ill or suffering. By the sacred anointing and the prayer of the priest, the whole Church commends those who are sick to Christ. The sick person receives the Holy Spirit’s gifts of strength, faith, peace, and courage, and his or her suffering is united with the suffering of Christ for the building up of the Church (Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC], nos.1520-23).
If you are interested in receiving the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick please call the Parish Office at: (352)753-0989.
Marriage Preparation
Couples planning to marry at St. Timothy will need to contact the parish at least four (4) months prior to their anticipated wedding date. Marriage in the Catholic Church is a sacrament and it is necessary to participate in a marriage preparation program. This includes meeting with the Director of Faith Formation from the parish; a pre-cana presentation or attend a weekend retreat, such as "Engaged Encounter" or a parish marriage preparation program. A recent copy of the baptismal certificate is required to show you are free to marry in the Catholic Church. Local customs vary regarding the wedding liturgy and music.
Second Marriages
Couples who marry for the second time bring some special issues to the relationship. These issues may be positive or negative, but, in either case, they need to be examined and shared prior to the marriage. Whether the previous marriage ended in divorce or death, it is important that individuals recognize and choose what they carry into the new marriage. Even if only one partner has been married previously, both persons need to complete a special section of FOCCUS (Facilitating Open Couple Communication, Understanding & Study). Both will be involved in dealing with the effects of the past relationships and the combining of households, resources, financial and child obligations. Even if a couple is older and children have moved out of the home, established patterns of relating to family will have an impact on the new couple's relationship.
If interested in the Sacrament of Marriage please contact the Parish Office at:
(352)753-0989.
Holy Orders is the sacrament by which the mission entrusted by Jesus Christ to his Apostles continues to be exercised in the Catholic Church through the laying on of hands. Within this one sacrament, there are the three sacramental orders of episcopate, priesthood, and deaconate. Bishops receive the fullness of the priesthood, are successors to the Apostles, and they alone have the sacramental power to ordain others. Priests are ordained with the power to celebrate the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, give absolution to penitents, administer the sacraments, and preach and teach the word of God. Deacons are ordained to a ministry of service, and in communion with the bishop and priests they serve in the liturgy, in proclaiming the word of God and in works of charity.