Baptism
Through the Sacrament of Baptism, St. Edwards Parish welcomes your child into a faith-filled community. It is a time of special joy and blessings. It reminds us of our own faith and what it means to be a Catholic Christian.
Preparation: Parents wishing to celebrate the baptism of their child must be registered parishioners of St. Edward Parish.
First time Parents are strongly encouraged to make arrangements before the birth of their child.
Baptism sessions are required for all Parents and Godparents prior to the Baptism and are scheduled as requested.
- Session highlights the importance of involvement and commitment to the faith community.
- Session rediscovers the signs and symbols of the faith and their connection to the Sacraments.
Requirements for Godparents:
- Godparents must be at least 16 years old.
- One of the godparents must be Catholic. If there is a non-Catholic godparent he/she must be a baptized Christian.
- Any Catholic godparents must be confirmed.
- Any person who serves as a godparent should be actively practicing their faith.
- Catholic godparents who are not members of St. Edward Parish must submit proof that they are suitable for the role of godparent.
Reconciliation
The Sacrament of Penance provides Catholics with an opportunity to confess our sins and shortcomings and experience the forgiving graces of Our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Individual Sacrament of Penance
The individual Sacrament of Penance is held every Thursdays from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Reconciliation Room of the church. Appointments may be made for another day. Please contact the Parish Office to arrange an appointment. 616-374-7253.
First Reconciliation for Children
St Edward Parish prepares children to celebrate the Sacrament of Penance during the 2nd grade. During this period, students participate in several preparation sessions, as well as attending regular Sunday Faith Formation classes. Following the completion of these sessions, the children make their First Reconciliation with Fr. Tom before their First Communion.
Anointing of the Sick
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).
The parish offers a spring and a fall anointing mass for all who wish to be anointed. All who are ill or face upcoming surgery or are in need of anointing are invited to attend.
If homebound, hospitalized, or facing surgery, please contact the parish office or Father Tom at 616-374-7253 if in need of anointing.
http://www.usccb.org/about/justice-peace-and-human-development/upload/Anointing-of-the-Sick-handout.pdf
Marriage
Please contact the parish office at least six months in advance to begin the preparation process. Click the link for information regarding the process for preparing for marriage.
Confirmation
Confirmation is a Sacrament reflecting mature Christian commitment in which we deepen our baptismal gifts. It is during this Sacrament that Catholics receive the Holy Spirit and become full, adult members of the Church. Confirmation Preparation at St. Edwards prepares students to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation during the 7th, 8th and 9th grades. Throughout this period students from the Faith Formation classes participate in several preparation sessions and community outreach opportunities with their Confirmation sponsor both at St. Edward. Following the completion of these sessions and service opportunities, the students make their Confirmation with the Bishop of the Diocese of Grand Rapids.
The program used during these classes is Dynamic Catholic’s Confirmation Program.