Sacraments

The rite of Christian admission. This involves the baptismal candidate being submersed in, immersed in, or affused by water and receiving liberation from sin. It is one of the three sacraments that can be received only once in a Catholic's life.

While most baptisms for children take place following Mass, these are usually preceded by a Baptismal class in which the family of those being baptized will be instructed in the process. These are held at 10:00 AM on the second Sunday of the month in the Religious Education Wing. Please check the Calendar for the next scheduled offering. Also note that in order to attend this class, you are required to register beforehand. Contact the Parish Office to do so.

The restating of the baptismal promise, which is "confirmed" and sealed by the Holy Spirit.  It is the second of the three sacraments that can be received only once in a Catholic's life.

Confirmation is the beginning of life as a fully initiated Catholic Christian.  Received by those about to graduate the 8th grade, the candidate approaches the Bishop with their sponsor and gives their confirmation name.  The Bishop then bestows the Sacrament upon them.

The reception of the consecrated bread and wine, which are changed through transubstantiation into the Body and Blood of Christ.

First Communion for children occurs one month following the Easter celebration.

The confession of sins in order to receive absolution.  The penitent (the one who confesses the sins), who honestly and truthfully wishes to renounce sins committed, tells them to the confessor (the priest or member of religious orders who hears the confession), who absolves the sin, though usually gives a small task to help provide strength against further sin.  

First Reconciliation will be held early in the Lenten season.  Regular Reconciliation is held beginning at 4:15-4:45 PM on Saturdays.

A rite in which those in poor health, through illness or advanced age, are given blessing by consecrated oil by a priest.

The sacrament by which a man becomes a deacon, priest, or bishop in the Catholic Church.  This is the third sacrament that may be received only once...the bestowing of Holy Orders leaves an indelible mark or character on the soul, which cannot be removed.

That in which a man and woman, in a permanent bond, are sealed together in the eyes of God.  In Catholic teaching, this bond, once formed and consummated, cannot be broken by any means; only if the marriage is found to have been invalid can it be annulled.  This is quite different from divorce, which is a legal proceeding which does not affect the spiritual bonds created by a valid marriage.

If you are looking to be married within our parish, please make an appointment at the Parish Office to speak to our Pastor.  At the meeting, Father Norm will speak to both persons wishing to be married and help them begin the journey towards their lives together.  Further arrangements (dates and times, paperwork, and so forth) will be handled as the process continues.