Sacraments


Baptism
The Sacrament of Baptism is the first step in a lifelong journey of commitment to the Catholic faith and way of life.  Whether we are baptized as infants or adults, the principal effects of Baptism are purification from sins and a new birth in the Holy Ghost. For infants the Church requires formation and catechesis for parents in preparation for the baptism of their children. Only one meeting is required and the church recommends baptism early in a child’s life. Adolescents and adults are prepared for Baptism through a process known as the . Parents are required to meet with father for instruction for the baptism of their first child. Adults will be prepared for baptism through a convert program.

Eucharist
Christ’s presence among us in the Eucharist has been a constant teaching of the Catholic Church that dates to the Last Supper. The Holy Eucharist is the center of the Christian way of life. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, is offered at least once daily in our parish. 
​The actual initiation of the Eucharist begins with the First Holy Communion.  Second grade students are prepared for their First Communion through the Parish Catechism Program.  Adults are prepared through the ​convert program. Home bound parishioners can make arrangements to receive weekly Communion in the home by calling the parish office.

Confession
Confession or Penance is the sacrament in which Christ forgives our sins and reconciles us to the Church. In the sacrament of confession, the sinner is showing his sorrow by acknowledging his sins and the priest's words of forgiveness and reconciliation in Christ's name.
​Catholics are required to receive this sacrament at least once per year. Anyone knowing they have committed a serious sin (mortal sin) must make a good confession before receiving Holy Communion. Confession is offered before each mass during the week. 

Confirmation.
Confirmation is the second sacrament after Christian baptism. It is an essential rite that strengthens, or “confirms” the baptismal grace when a Catholic reaches an age of maturity. It is associated with the gifts of the Holy Ghost; and evidence of its importance is conveyed by the fact that confirmation is almost always performed by a bishop of the Catholic Church.
​The importance of Confirmation is also substantiated by a rigorous preparation and education process. For youth who were baptized as infants, the training is done through our Catechism class. Adults will also be prepared through Catechism classes .

Marriage.
Marriage, or Matrimony, is the sacrament by which Christ joins a Christian man and woman in a grace-giving lifelong union.  Any Catholic young adult (18 years and older) may be married in the Catholic Church.
​Any couple planning to be married must contact the pastor no later than six months prior to the planned ceremony.  This allows time for preparations including instructions, and counseling.

Holy Orders.
Holy Orders is the sacrament by which a man is made a bishop, a priest or a deacon and thus dedicated to be an image of Christ. The three degrees are referred to as the episcopate, the presbyterate and the diaconate.                                         
Young men considering a religious vocation should contact the pastor for counseling and suggestions for pursuit of that vocation.   Likewise, young women contemplating entry into a convent should also contact the pastor for encouragement and instruction.

Extreme Unction.
The sacrament of Extreme Unction, also called Anointing of the Sick has as its purpose the conferral of a special grace on the Christian experiencing the difficulties inherent in the condition of grave illness.
The Extreme Unction is appropriately requested by those who are not only ill or in danger of death.
​Please contact the pastor or parish office to schedule a time to receive the sacrament of extreme Unction.  In the event of sudden accident or illness requiring this sacrament, contact Father Francis Dominic directly at 904-742-9781, And he will promptly return your call.