St. Theresa's ChurchCrawford · Tiruchirappalli

Encountering Christ

Liturgy & Sacraments

Holy Mass

The Source and Summit of Christian Life

The Holy Eucharist is the heart of our parish life. Through the celebration of the Holy Mass, we gather as God's people to hear His Word, offer thanksgiving, and receive the Body and Blood of Christ. The Eucharist strengthens our faith, nourishes our souls, and unites us as one family in Christ.

Holy Mass Intentions — the faithful may offer Mass intentions for thanksgiving, birthdays and anniversaries, special blessings, the sick and suffering, and the faithful departed.

"Do this in memory of me." (Luke 22:19)

Baptism

The Gateway to Christian Life

Baptism is the first sacrament of initiation through which a person becomes a child of God and a member of the Catholic Church. Through Baptism, original sin is washed away, and the baptized person begins a new life in Christ.

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them..." (Matthew 28:19)

Requirements: Child's Birth Certificate; Parents' Parish Registration; Godparents who are practising Catholics; Baptism Preparation Session.

First Holy Communion

Receiving Jesus in the Eucharist

First Holy Communion is a joyful milestone in the faith journey of a child. After adequate preparation through catechism and prayer, children receive Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist for the first time. This sacrament deepens their friendship with Christ and strengthens their participation in the life of the Church.

"I am the bread of life." (John 6:35)

Requirements: Catechism Classes; Sacramental Formation; First Reconciliation; Family Participation.

Confirmation

Strengthened by the Holy Spirit

Confirmation completes the grace of Baptism and empowers the faithful through the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Through this sacrament, Christians are strengthened to witness Christ courageously and actively participate in the mission of the Church.

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety, and Fear of the Lord.

"Receive the Holy Spirit." (John 20:22)

Reconciliation

Experiencing God's Mercy

The Sacrament of Reconciliation, also known as Confession or Penance, offers God's forgiveness and healing to those who repent of their sins. Through this sacrament, we are reconciled with God and the Church and experience the peace that comes from His mercy.

Benefits: forgiveness of sins, spiritual healing, renewal of grace, and peace of conscience.

"Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them." (John 20:23)

Marriage

A Covenant of Love

Christian Marriage is a sacred covenant in which a man and a woman unite in lifelong love before God. The Sacrament of Matrimony reflects the faithful love of Christ for His Church and serves as the foundation of Christian family life. The family is often called the "Domestic Church," where faith, prayer, and love are nurtured and passed on to future generations.

"What God has joined together, let no one separate." (Mark 10:9)

Requirements: Initial Meeting with Parish Priest; Required Church Documentation; Marriage Preparation Course; Canonical Procedures.

Anointing of the Sick

Christ's Healing Presence

The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick brings spiritual strength, peace, and healing to those who are seriously ill, elderly, or preparing for major surgery. Through prayer and anointing with holy oil, the Church entrusts the sick to the compassionate care of Christ.

The sacrament offers spiritual comfort, courage during illness, forgiveness of sins, union with Christ's suffering, and strength for recovery or peaceful passage to eternal life.

"Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the Church." (James 5:14)

Funeral Services

Commending Our Loved Ones to God

The Catholic Funeral Rite expresses our faith in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and our hope of eternal life. Through funeral prayers, Masses, and burial rites, the Church accompanies grieving families and entrusts the departed soul to God's loving mercy.

Funeral services include Funeral Prayers, Requiem Holy Mass, Final Commendation, and Cemetery Blessing.

"I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me will live." (John 11:25)

Eucharistic Adoration

Time in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.

Novena Services

Devotional prayers including the Kulanthai Theresal Novena.