Sacraments are moments of grace that celebrate our union with God and God’s people.
While my primary assignment is to serve the St. Austin’s community, I’m happy to celebrate sacraments for friends and family elsewhere in collaboration with your local parishes. We believe we live our union with God through our union with others, so it is important to stay close to your parish community as you grow in faith.
Baptisms
Baptism preparation is typically done at your home parish community. If you don’t belong to St. Austin’s, I may be able to celebrate your child’s baptism at St. Austin’s with the written permission of your pastor. If you are part of another Catholic parish, or I can travel to your parish if my schedule permits and your pastor gives me permission.
Weddings
The Church’s preparation process is rather intensive since marriage is such a major commitment. The preparation process must be handled by your local parish and is tailored to your circumstances. With the permission of your pastor, I may be able to celebrate the wedding here at St. Austin’s or visit another church for the wedding.
Funerals & Graveside Services
It is a profound honor to pray for those who have died, and the Church has many beautiful texts that express our grief and our hope. The Church offers prayers for a Vigil at funeral homes, a Funeral Mass at a parish or a liturgy of the word at a funeral home, and the Final Commendation at the graveside. I’ve seen families choose different combinations of these options depending on their circumstances.
In the Church’s liturgy the divine blessing is fully revealed and communicated. The Father is acknowledged and adored as the source and the end of all the blessings of creation and salvation. In his Word who became incarnate, died, and rose for us, he fills us with his blessings. Through his Word, he pours into our hearts the Gift that contains all gifts, the Holy Spirit.
Paolo Puccini, CSP 