What is a Sacrament?
Sacraments are sacred rites instituted by Jesus Christ during his life. There are seven sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Reconciliation (Confession), Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony. Each sacrament is an interaction with and a visible sign of God’s grace. By participating in the sacraments, we grow in holiness and deepen our relationship with God and the Church."
Baptism
"Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age." - Matthew 28:19-20
Holy Baptism marks the beginning of the Christian journey, welcoming individuals into the life of the Church and initiating them into the family of God. To schedule a baptism for an infant or child, please contact the parish for scheduling and information.
For adults seeking baptism, attending RCIA classes is a prerequisite. Adult baptism takes place at the Easter Vigil.
If baptism is needed in the case of an emergency or extenuating circumstances, please contact the parish staff immediately. Contact info can be found on the About Us page.
Confirmation
"But the one who gives us security with you in Christ and who anointed us is God; he has also put his seal upon us and given the Spirit in our hearts as a first installment." - 2 Corinthians 1:21-22
Confirmation completes the initiation into the Catholic Church and strengthens individuals with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Preparation classes for youth and adults are offered annually beginning in September. For details, visit the RCIA Classes section of the Conversion page or inquire with the parish office.
Confirmation is generally performed during the Easter Vigil. For extenuating circumstances, please contact the parish staff. Contact info can be found on the About Us page.
Eucharist
"While they were eating, Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and giving it to his disciples said, 'Take and eat; this is my body.' Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, 'Drink from it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed on behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins.'" Matthew 26:26-28
The Eucharist, also known as Holy Communion or the Lord's Supper, stands as the central sacrament of our faith. During its celebration, bread and wine undergo a miraculous transformation into the body and blood of Jesus Christ through the mystery of transubstantiation. This profound change is at the heart of our belief.
The Eucharist serves as sustenance for the faithful on their spiritual journey, bestowing grace and strengthening their connection with God and each other. It acts as a source of spiritual nourishment, offering forgiveness, healing, and the grace required to lead a Christian life.
Children baptized into the faith typically begin preparing for this sacrament around the ages of 7 or 8. For more details, please reach out to our parish staff.
Adults who are not baptized or confirmed must undergo the RCIA process to receive First Communion.
If you are not baptized or confirmed in the Catholic faith, you are welcomed and encouraged to attend Mass and participate in the liturgy. During the Communion procession, if you're not receiving Communion, you may approach the priest with your arms crossed over your chest in an "X" shape. This gesture signals to the priest that you are not partaking in Communion, and he will offer you a blessing instead.
Confession
"I tell you, in just the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance." - Luke 15:7
Confession, also known as the Sacrament of Reconciliation, presents a profound opportunity for renewal and peace. By confessing our sins to a priest, we receive God's forgiveness and the grace to continue our journey of faith with a renewed heart. This sacrament heals and strengthens us, drawing us closer to God and our community.
Confession is available on Sundays before the English Mass when the priest is available, on Thursdays after the 9:00 AM Mass, and by appointment when needed.
Marriage
"He said in reply, 'Have you not read that from the beginning the Creator made them male and female and said, 'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, no human being must separate.'" - Matthew 19:4-6
Marriage is a beautiful sacrament where two people vow to love and honor each other as long as they both shall live. This sacred union, blessed by God, reflects the commitment and love that Christ has for the Church. As a sacrament, marriage is a source of grace, helping couples to grow in holiness and fidelity throughout their lives together.
To receive the Sacrament of Marriage, you must complete a class to prepare for marriage offered by our parish. This class will help you understand and appreciate marriage as a sacrament and understand what it means to be married in the church. You can coordinate this class with the priest or parish staff.
Once you are eligible for marriage in the church, you will coordinate the date and arrangements with the priest.
Anointing of the Sick
"Is anyone among you sick? He should summon the presbyters of the church, and they should pray over him and anoint [him] with oil in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven." - James 5:14-15
The Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament of healing and comfort, intended for those who are seriously ill, undergoing major surgery, or suffering from the frailty of old age. Administered by a priest, it offers God's grace to strengthen and bring peace during times of suffering.
This sacrament can also be part of the Last Rites, which prepare individuals who are nearing death to meet the Lord. Last Rites typically include confession, anointing, and the Eucharist, providing spiritual nourishment and the assurance of God’s presence in the final journey.
To coordinate this sacrament, please speak with our priest directly. In emergencies or for Last Rites, please use the contact information found on the About Us page to get in touch as soon as possible.
Funerals
"We do not want you to be unaware, brothers, about those who have fallen asleep, so that you may not grieve like the rest, who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose, so too will God, through Jesus, bring with him those who have fallen asleep." 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14
In the tender moments of bidding farewell to a beloved member of our parish family, the Funeral Rite serves as a sacred ceremony to honor their life, commend their soul to God's mercy, and provide solace to those left behind.
With reverence and compassion, our parish priest guides the community through prayers, scripture readings, and rituals that offer comfort and support to grieving hearts. The Funeral Rite is a testament to the richness of Catholic tradition, offering a space for remembrance, reflection, and prayerful farewell.
While not a sacrament in itself, the Funeral Rite holds profound spiritual significance within our faith community. It is a time to gather in solidarity, to offer prayers for the deceased, and to seek solace in the hope of the resurrection and the promise of eternal life.
To arrange for the Funeral Rite for your loved one, we encourage you to reach out to our parish office. Our pastoral team is here to provide guidance, support, and assistance during this difficult time, ensuring that your loved one is honored with dignity and respect as they journey into God's eternal embrace.