Sacraments

Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua), and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as children of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: "Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word." CCC 1213

We are so looking forward to helping welcome your child into the Church!

Baptisms are held on the second Sunday of the month at each of our three Collaborative churches. Please contact the Collaborative Office (978-957-0322) to register your child.

Our 2025 dates are:

January 12

February 9

March 9

April 13

May 11

June 8

July 13

August 10

September 14

October 12

November 9

December 14

Reconciliation (officially called the Sacrament of Penance, and also known as Confession) is a Sacrament instituted by Jesus Christ in his love and mercy to offer us forgiveness for the times we have sinned and turned away from God. 

Every time we sin, we hurt ourselves, other people, and God. In Reconciliation, we acknowledge our sins before God and the Church. We express our sorrow in a meaningful way, receive the forgiveness of Christ and his Church, make reparation for what we have done, and resolve to do better in the future. 

Reconciliation is available every Saturday after the 9:00 am Mass at St. Rita's Church: 158 Mammoth Road, Lowell MA

You are also very welcome to make an appointment by calling: 978-957-0322

The purpose of Confirmation is to perfect in us that which was begun in Baptism. We are sealed in the Holy Spirit and receive a special grace by which our faith is deepened and strengthened.

Cardinal Sean O'Malley recently announced that the Archdiocese of Boston is changing its confirmation age from 10th grade to 8th grade, when students are about 13 to 14 years old.
Cardinal Sean has been consulting church leaders and families about the possible change for years, with the goal of strengthening young people's ties to the church. 

"It is very heartening to know how much interest there is in increasing the participating of our young people in the Church," as this process has revealed," O'Malley wrote in a letter to pastors.
"I believe the process itself also truly reflects the spirit of listening that Pope Francis has urged us to make a regular process of our life as an Archdiocese."
“I firmly believe that we will strengthen our eighth graders to handle the demands and challenges of adolescence by making the grace of this great Sacrament available to them," O'Malley said.
     Here in the Collaborative we are making plans to transition from the current program to the new before our 2027 deadline. In the 2024-2025 school year we anticipate that there will be a program for grade eight students, and a program for grades nine and ten students.
     If you would like to help share our Faith with young people, please contact Karen Desrosiers at 978-957-0322 or [email protected] We are currently looking for eighth grade classroom teachers, and table leaders to facilitate group discussion for high school students. 

To register your child or grandchild for any religious education program, please download a form below or stop by the Collaborative Offices.
 

Religious Education Registration Form

Congratulations! We are so pleased to help you plan for and celebrate the Sacrament of Marriage!

"Sacred Scripture begins with the creation of man and woman in the image and likeness of God and concludes with a vision of 'the wedding-feast of the Lamb.' Scripture speaks throughout of marriage and its 'mystery,' its institution and the meaning God has given it, its origin and its end, its various realizations throughout the history of salvation, the difficulties arising from sin and its renewal 'in the Lord' in the New Covenant of Christ and the Church." CCC1602

Please contact the Collaborative Office at least six months in advance of your intended wedding date. A Pre-Cana class is required. This is a wonderful opportunity for you and your future spouse to engage in conversations about important topics that you will face as a married couple.

The  Anointing of the Sick is administered to bring spiritual and even physical strength during an illness, especially near the time of death. 

This Sacrament is celebrated at all of our Collaborative Churches on the third Sunday (and preceding Saturday) of each month. If you are suffering from serious or chronic illness, are having surgery soon, or are elderly, please gather after Mass in the front pew on the left side of the church.

In the case of an emergency, please call the Parish Offices at 978-957-0322.