CHURCH OF ST MARTHA - SACRAMENTS INFORMATION

9301 Biscayne Blvd. Miami Shores Florida 33138 - (305) 751-0005 Sacraments
Archdiocesan regulations are followed for all Sacraments
Baptism
Please call the parish office to make an appointment for baptism instructions. Preparation for the Sacrament of Baptism should be made several months before the birth of the child. Please call the parish office at (305) 751-0005 to make an appointment for baptism instructions. Both parents and godparents should attend instructions. Only children of registered parishioners will be scheduled for baptism. Parishioners who want to baptize one of their children must have been registered in the parish for at least two months. At least one godparent must have received the sacraments of the Eucharistic and Confirmation, and is practicing the faith. Godparents must be mature enough to undertake this responsibility. (16 years old) Catholics publicly living in an invalid marriage are excluded from being lawful sponsors. Parents of the one to be baptized cannot be his or hers godparents. A validly baptized and believing Christian from a separated church may act as a Christian witness as long as there is also a Catholic godparent. A non-baptized person may never act as a godparent or Christian witness. A godparent who cannot be present in person can be represented by proxy. Requirements for proxy are the same as those for a godparent.
First Communion
Two years preparation time is required for both children and adults in order to complete the requirement for receiving the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. The Requirements are: All children receiving these Sacraments must be in grade level 2 and/or 8 years of age or older. Successful completion of at least two consecutive years of religious instruction and preparation. Child's regular weekly attendance at class with fewer than six absences/tardies during the year. Child's and family's regular weekly attendance at Mass. Parents' involvement with child's religious education. Attendance of parents at scheduled meetings. A basic understanding of the Sacraments. For Children ages 5 - 19 -> Linda Myers, Director of Religious Education. For Adults 20 and over -> R.C.I.A. Minister Click Here for Religious Education Year 2005-2006 Calendar

Confirmation
Two years preparation time is required for both children and adults in order to complete the Requirements for Receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation. The Requirements are: Students receiving this Sacrament must be in grade level 8 and/or 13 years of age or older. Successful completion of at least two consecutive years of religious instruction and preparation. Student's regular weekly attendance at class with fewer than six absences/tardies during the year. Student's completion of service hours and attendance at a retreat day. Student's and family's regular weekly attendance at Mass. Parents' involvement with Student's religious education. Attendance of parents at scheduled meetings. Click Here for Religious Education Year 2005-2006 Calendar
Marriage
Archdiocesan regulations on the Sacrament of Marriage are followed. One party must live within the parish boundaries and be a registered parishioner for three months. No date will be confirmed until the couple has completed the FOCCUS program. At least six months preparation time is required. Please call the parish office at (305) 751-0005 to begin this preparation. FOCCUS Program All couples seeking to be married at St. Martha are required to participate in the FOCCUS (Facilitating Open Couple Communication, Understanding & Study) program that is one part of the Church’s overall effort to better prepare Catholics for the sacrament of marriage. Together with the preparation done with the pastor and the couple’s training sessions given by the archdiocese, the FOCCUS program provides engaged couples, and the priest who will marry them, a comprehensive survey of the many complex issues they will face as a married couple. You’ll be meeting over two sessions with a married couple who are part of St. Martha’s pre-Cana ministry. At the first meeting (which will take about an hour) each of you will separately fill out a multi-question survey about issues ranging from family economics to child rearing. Don’t worry; there is nothing to study beforehand and we even supply the number 2 pencils. We’re looking for honest answers to questions that are sometimes humorous and sometimes very serious. At the second meeting (which also takes about an hour) you’ll discuss the test results with the same couple. Disagreement is expected and there are no passing or failing scores. It has been our experience that this session is fun and helps couples understand a few more things about their future spouse. The test results and comments are then passed on to our pastor who will help the engaged couple complete their marriage preparation. To start the FOCCUS process please contact Julie and Bob Williamson at 305-751-8991 (or e-mail at juliebobmiami@att.net) and leave a message with the names of both parties and your phone numbers. Please contact Julie or Bob at least three months before the wedding date so we’re not rushed. We know planning a wedding is enough work without having to rush to marriage preparation meetings.
Anointing of the Sick

If you, or someone you love, are ill and/or in need of a priest please call the office at (305)751-0005. Also call to make arrangements for Eucharistic Ministers to deliver communion to the ill and infirm residents of our Catholic community at home, hospital or nursing home.
Parish Hall
St. Martha's Parish Hall is available for rent. For Baptism, Communion and Wedding Receptions, Birthdays, Anniversaries and any other special event. Contact the Parrish office (305) 751-0005 for available dates and Reservations ahead of time, as our facilities server multiple purposes for Worship, Religious Education classes, etc.