Sacraments
The Sacraments are each "doors of faith," ushering us into the life of communion with God.
Baptism establishes union with God, Holy Communion strengthens that union, and Reconciliation offers us a means to repair a broken union. Each Sacrament unlocks a new element of our relationship with the living God.
Baptism
"Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons and daughters of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission" (CCC 1213).
Baptism is available to people of all ages. To schedule a Baptism, please contact the parish office.
Confirmation
Confirmation grants the special outpouring of the Holy Spirit as once granted to the apostles on the day of Pentecost and builds on the grace of Baptism:
It deepens our identity as sons and daughters of God the Father, unites us more firmly to Christ, increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit in us, renders our bond with the Church more perfect, and gives us a special strength of the Holy Spirit to spread and defend the faith by word and action as true witnesses of Christ, to confess the name of Christ boldly, and never to be ashamed of the Cross (CCC 1303).
Preparation for Confirmation typically takes place during the 8th grade year of CCD. An adult who missed out on this Sacrament can still receive it. Contact the parish office with any questions.
Holy Communion
Holy Communion is the Sacrament by which our union with Christ is made most perfect. It is the reception of the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ beneath the appearance of bread and wine.
Jesus taught: "Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him" (John 6:54-56).
Preparation for the reception of Holy Communion typically takes place during the 2nd grade year of CCD. An adult who wishes to receive first Communion should contact the parish office to meet with the pastor.
Reconciliation
"Jesus calls to conversion. This call is an essential part of the proclamation of the kingdom: 'The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the gospel'" (CCC 1427). While a person is first forgiven and washed clean of all sin in the Sacrament of Baptism, the call to conversion continues throughout a person's life. The Sacrament of Reconciliation heals our union with God if it is broken, forgives all personal sin, and grants the grace to overcome future temptation to sin.
This Sacrament is available before Saturday evening and Sunday morning Mass or by appointment.
Anointing of the Sick
The Anointing of the Sick is a Sacrament for anyone who is ill and in danger of death. "When the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is given, the hoped-for effect is that, if it be God's will, the person be physically healed of illness. But even if there is no physical healing, the primary effect of the Sacrament is a spiritual healing by which the sick person receives the Holy Spirit's gift of peace and courage to deal with the difficulties that accompany serious illness or the frailty of old age" (from the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults).
It is recommended that this Sacrament be received by anyone who has had a serious medical episode, anyone who will soon undergo a surgical procedure, or anyone who is in danger of death.
Holy Matrimony
By the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony, a man and a woman are united by God in a special bond. The Sacrament elevates the natural bond of marriage to a supernatural bond which is guarded and strengthened by God who is Love.
A couple who is engaged to be married should contact the pastor at least six months prior to the proposed date of marriage. It is possible for a Catholic to marry a non-Catholic in the Catholic Church. Please contact the pastor with any questions.
Holy Orders
"Holy Orders is the sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to his apostles continues to be exercised in the Church until the end of time: thus it is the sacrament of apostolic ministry. It includes three degrees: episcopate, presbyterate, and diaconate" (CCC 1536).
If you believe God may be calling you to be ordained a priest or a permanent deacon, please contact the pastor or visit www.comeandfollowme.org for more information.