Reconciliation can take place at any time, because God is always with us, although we are often far from God… Let us hear God telling us: “Come back to me, with all your heart, don’t let fear keep us apart…” Therefore be not afraid to get in touch with a priest before or after mass in Meryem Ana Church, or better, you can also make an appointment for a meeting during the week at a convenient time for you in Azize Tereza Church. During Advent and Lent, a special liturgy of reconciliation takes place in Meryem Ana Church.
Baptism is celebrated during Sunday mass, preferably during Easter time, with the whole community present. For the baptism of an infant, parents are invited to a preparation for the celebration with a priest, at a suitable time during one of the preceding weeks, reminding them of their responsibility to transmit their faith, hope and love to their child, with the help of the godparents – the only “precondition” for baptism. So, parents should plan two months in advance. For the baptism of a child or adult, please get in touch with a priest.
First communion is usually celebrated in May during a Sunday mass. Religious education for 7 year-old children starts in the beginning of October, after the Welcoming Mass has taken place near the end of September, a time when practical details are explained to all.
Confirmation is usually celebrated in May by the Apostolic Vicar of Istanbul during a Sunday mass. Religious education for 15 year-old teenagers starts in the beginning of October, after the Welcoming Mass has taken place near the end of September, a time when practical details are explained to all. For confirmation of an adult, please get in touch with a priest.
Marriage is the start of a new and beautiful adventure, the preparation of which needs some special care – not only for the celebration itself (with or without the Eucharist) but more especially to reflect about the life commitment the future spouses are planning to make. After a few meetings with a priest, they will be invited to write a “declaration of intention,” by which they will explain with their own words the meaning of a Church marriage and of its four pillars of freedom, fidelity, indissolubility and the welcoming of children. In Turkey, the religious wedding takes place after the civil one (in your home country, in your embassy, or with Turkish authorities). If one of the two partners is not a baptized Catholic, a dispensation from the bishop will be necessary. In order to do all that, time is needed. So plan your Church wedding at least four months in advance.
Anointing of the sick: “Anyone of you who is ill should send for the elders of the church, and they must anoint the sick person with oil in the name of the Lord and pray over him.” (James 5:14.). If you or one of your friends or relatives is seriously ill, contact a priest who can come, visit and pray with you.