Sacraments

Baptism

Baptism marks the entry of the believer into the Christian community. Along with Confirmation and Eucharist, it is one of the Sacraments of Initiation, giving access to the full sacramental life of the Church. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and joined with Christ, sharing in His divinity and destined for eternal life. Baptism leaves us permanently changed, no longer the person we once were, but a new person, dying to death and sin, and rising to new life in Christ. The rite consists of pouring water over the head while saying the Trinitarian formula. Anyone can baptize in an

Reconciliation

The Sacrament of Reconciliation gives us the opportunity to express our sorrow for things we have done wrong, to heal broken relationships, to forgive ourselves and others, and to open up the channels of communication between ourselves and God. Confession is above all a place of healing, not a place of judgment or punishment. When we make our confession to a priest in the confidentiality of the confessional or reconciliation room, we experience healing and liberation, discovering again and again how much we are loved by God, how precious we are to Him, and how great is our dignity as

Eucharist

The Eucharist is the sacrament in which we receive the Body and Blood of Christ. The Church teaches that Christ is really present in the bread and wine that have been consecrated by the priest at Mass. Although the bread and wine still look and taste like bread and wine, the substance, what is actually there, has changed. It is called Eucharist, or “thanksgiving,” because at its institution at the Last Supper Christ “gave thanks,” and by this fact it is the supreme object and act of Christian gratitude to God. First Eucharist Children Children who were baptized as infants

Confirmation

When we are confirmed, we receive the Holy Spirit, through the anointing with oil and the laying on of hands by the bishop or a priest appointed by him. Those already baptized are strengthened by the Holy Spirit in order that they may steadfastly profess the faith and faithfully live up to their profession. Children Children who were baptized as infants prepare for this sacrament in the eighth grade. The child being confirmed must be attending Sunday Mass as part of the preparation process in order to be confirmed. Eighth graders preparing for this sacrament are asked to write a

Marriage

All love comes from God, and all love reflects the love that God has for His creation. The Sacrament of Marriage is, first and foremost, a sign and symbol of this love. Marriage is a sacrament of the self-giving love which two people offer to each other. The love which a couple have for each other mirrors the love God has for men and women. The minister of the Sacrament of Marriage is the couple themselves. The priest serves as a witness. Marriage Preparation Please contact the Parish Office one year in advance of your planned marriage date. Contact: Leslie Duff

Holy Orders

Those who receive the sacrament of Holy Orders — as a deacon, priest or bishop — are consecrated in Christ’s name “to feed the Church by the word and grace of God.” The priest’s special calling is first and foremost to preach the Good News of God’s love and humanity. In offering himself as a candidate for the priesthood, he must give evidence of wisdom and spiritual maturity, as he is called to lead the Christian community with patience and kindness. The priest celebrates Mass and administers the Sacraments, taking an active role in offering Christ’s gift of Himself. From

Anointing of the Sick

The anointing of the sick is the sacrament that is received by those who are ill, suffering or about to undergo surgery. It is administered to bring spiritual and even physical strength during an illness and continues the healing ministry of Christ. This sacrament is a rite that is performed to convey God’s grace to the recipient, through the power of the Holy Spirit. Please contact the Parish Office when a relative or fellow parishioner is sick or hospitalized. Contact – Parish Office 345-4343

A visible sign, instituted by Christ, to give grace