Sacraments are outward expressions of God's love for His people. Christ instituted the seven sacraments of the new law:

Baptism
For Catholics, the Sacrament of Baptism is the first step in a lifelong journey of commitment and discipleship. Whether we are baptized as infants or adults, Baptism is the Church’s way of celebrating and enacting the embrace of God.

St. Stephen offers the Sacrament of Baptism every Sunday at 2 p.m. except the fifth Sunday of the month. Parents are required to attend a Baptism preparation class, which is offered on the first Wednesday and the third Saturday of the month. Please contact the church office to make arrangements. 



Confirmation

                  

Confirmation is one of the Sacraments of Initiation. With proper Religious Education preparation, St. Stephen's children receive the sacarament in March of 8th grade. For more information about the Confirmation preparation program at St. Stephen's, please visit www.saintstephenreled.org or contact the Religious Education Office at 845-986-2231 or reledoffice@gmail.com. 

Holy Communion
As Catholics, we believe the Eucharist (holy Communion) is the real presence of Jesus Christ and that He lovingly offers Himself as spiritual nourishment with each celebration of the Mass. This intimate exchange with our Lord strengthens us spiritually and brings us closer to God. It also increases our capacity to love one another more fully and to live in Christian community.

Children may receive the sacrament of first Eucharist in the spring of second grade or older. The Archdiocese of New York requires at least one full year of formal religious education (Catholic school or faith formation) prior to receiving the sacrament of first reconciliation, and at least two full years of formal religious education prior to receiving the sacrament of first holy Eucharist.

For more information, contact the Religious Education Office at 845-986-2231. 

For older children and teens who are interested in receiving the sacraments of initiation (baptism, reconciliation and/or first holy Communion), please contact the Director of Religious Education, Lydia vandDuynhoven at 845-986-2231. 

Adults who are interested in receiving the sacraments of initiation (baptism, reconciliation and/or first holy Communion), please contact Coordinator of the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) Deacon Tom MacDougall at 845-986-4028. 


 
Reconcilliation
"So whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold, the new things have come. And all this is from God, who has reconciled us to himself through Christ and given us the ministry of reconciliation ... We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God."    2 Corinthians 5: 17-19, 20

The Catholic Sacrament of Reconciliation (also known as Penance, or Penance and Reconciliation) has three elements: conversion, confession and celebration. In it we find God’s unconditional forgiveness; as a result we are called to forgive others.

Reconcilliation is held each Saturday from 3:30pm-4:30pm or by appointment. Please contact the church office at 845-986-4028. 

Matrimony
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.

Couples wishing to get married must contact one of the priests at least six months prior to the desired date of the wedding. Call the parish office to schedule an appointment at 945-986-4028. 

Holy Orders
Holy Orders is the sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to His apostles continues to be exercised in the Church until the end of time. In the Sacrament of Holy Orders, or Ordination, the priest who is 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.

Are you interested in becoming a priest, religious or deacon or have questions? Contact Fr. Jack Arlotta. 



Sacrament of the Sick
“Heal the sick!” The Church has received this charge from the Lord and strives to carry it out by taking care of the sick as well as by accompanying them with her prayer of intercession. She believes in the life-giving presence of Christ, the physician of souls and bodies. This presence is particularly active through the sacraments and in an altogether special way through the Eucharist, the bread that gives eternal life and that St. Paul suggests is connected with bodily health. (Catechism 1509)

Formerly known as Last Rites or Extreme Unction, Anointing of the Sick is not just for those at the point of death, but may be received by anyone in danger of death from sickness or old age. This ritual of healing is available not only for physical but also for mental and spiritual illness.

To receive the Sacrament of the Sick, please contact the church office at 845-986-4028.