Sacrament of Reconciliation
Recognizing our need for forgiveness at times in our lives, the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) is offered to all who request it. Please feel free to call the Chaplain, Fr. Joseph Flynn, OFM, Cap., at 914/654-5052 to schedule an appointment. 

Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick
Our mission as Church is to do what Jesus did. On nearly every page of the Gospels we read of Jesus' concern for the sick. In the course of time, the focus of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick shifted from healing to forgiveness of sins, and the time for receiving the sacrament was delayed to the person’s deathbed. "Over the centuries the Anointing of the Sick was conferred more and more exclusively on those at the point of death…” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, #1512). The Second Vatican Council wanted to remedy this situation by removing the privatization of the sacrament to those gravely ill. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that when the sick are anointed they should be "assisted by their pastor and the whole ecclesial community" (#1516). Our pastoral experience of the revised rite and the Church's desire for wider availability of the sacrament has helped the faithful realize that serious mental and spiritual illnesses are also opportunities to celebrate this sacrament.

In the sacrament, we pray that the sick be healed in body, in soul and in spirit. The Sacrament of Anointing does not remove the mystery of human suffering. Yet its celebration gives us a window into the mystery of our loving God. The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is celebrated on the second Sunday of Easter, Divine Mercy Sunday, at the 11 AM Mass in Holy Family Chapel. All who worship with us are welcome to take part in this anointing.

RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)
As the spiritual life is a dynamic and ever growing experience, the community is always open and welcoming to any who wish to know more of the Catholic faith. We respond to this by offering The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).

RCIA is the process for individuals to become fully initiated members of the Roman Catholic Church. Full membership requires a total formation culminating in the sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. Through RCIA, candidates are introduced to the community, beliefs, liturgy, and apostolic work of the Church.

This process is an opportunity for those desiring to become Catholic, or for Catholics seeking Confirmation. RCIA is also ideal for those seeking information and/or spiritual support. Students, faculty, and staff are all welcome to consider beginning this journey with the CNR faith community in recognizing and responding to the compassionate presence of God in our lives. The program begins on the First Sunday of Advent and concludes with the celebration of the Rites of Initiation (Baptism, Communion, and Confirmation) at the Easter Vigil.

The RCIA program is not about membership - something that is finite - but about the candidate’s relationship with God, an ongoing process. “The rite of Christian initiation… is designed for adults who… consciously and freely seek the living God and enter the way of faith and conversion as the Holy Spirit opens their hearts.” [RCIA, n.1] For more information or to register for either part of the RCIA program, please call the Chaplain, Fr. Joseph Flynn, at extension 5052.