Sacraments
Anointing of the Sick
The Catholic Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, formerly known as Last Rites or Extreme Unction, is a ritual of healing appropriate not only for physical but also for mental and spiritual sickness.
Baptism
Our parishes rejoice when a new member is added to our Catholic Family through the Sacrament of Baptism. The Sacrament of Baptism is the first step in a lifelong journey of commitment and discipleship. Child baptisms are a cause for celebration not only for the baby's family but for the parish and the Church as a whole. Parents should have their children baptized shortly after birth. (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1250). Whether we are baptized as infants or adults, Baptism is the Church's way of celebrating and enacting the embrace of God.
Confirmation
Before Jesus ascended into heaven, he told his disciples to wait in Jerusalem so that they could be baptized by the Holy Spirit (Acts of the Apostles 1:5). When about 120 of Jesus' disciples were gathered the Holy Spirit came in the form of wind and fire. Filled with the Holy Spirit, the disciples understood that God was anointing them for a special mission. In receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation, the Christian's relationship with God is made stronger. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are strengthened: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and fear of the Lord. In this way the Christian is equipped to become a better witness to Christ in the world.
Holy Communion
In the Eucharistic Celebration, Catholics gather at the table of the Lord. During every Mass we thank and praise the Father, celebrate the memorial of Christ's sacrifice on the cross, and recognize the presence of Christ by the power of His Word and His Spirit (see Catechism of the Catholic Church 1358). We believe that in the Holy Eucharist, Christ is truly and fully present. Enlightened by this faith, we celebrate the liturgy with joy and receive Communion with reverence.
Holy Orders
The Sacrament of Holy Orders is the continuation of Christ's priesthood, which He bestowed upon His Apostles. The three levels of the sacrament are the episcopate, the priesthood, and the diaconate.
Marriage
The celebration of this sacrament between two Catholics or one Catholic and his/her future spouse usually takes place during Mass or Liturgy of the Word service. It is appropriate "that the spouses should seal their consent to give themselves to each other through the offering of their own lives by uniting it to the offering of Christ for his Church" (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1621). A year's notice is preferred to reserve the church at St. Joseph or at St. Paul.
Reconciliation
The Catholic Sacrament of Reconciliation (also known as Penance, or Penance and Reconciliation) has three elements: conversion, confession and celebration. In it we find God's unconditional forgiveness; as a result we are called to forgive others. Reconciliation is held weekly at 3:00-3:30 p.m. before Mass on Saturday evenings.
The Catholic Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, formerly known as Last Rites or Extreme Unction, is a ritual of healing appropriate not only for physical but also for mental and spiritual sickness.
Baptism
Our parishes rejoice when a new member is added to our Catholic Family through the Sacrament of Baptism. The Sacrament of Baptism is the first step in a lifelong journey of commitment and discipleship. Child baptisms are a cause for celebration not only for the baby's family but for the parish and the Church as a whole. Parents should have their children baptized shortly after birth. (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1250). Whether we are baptized as infants or adults, Baptism is the Church's way of celebrating and enacting the embrace of God.
Confirmation
Before Jesus ascended into heaven, he told his disciples to wait in Jerusalem so that they could be baptized by the Holy Spirit (Acts of the Apostles 1:5). When about 120 of Jesus' disciples were gathered the Holy Spirit came in the form of wind and fire. Filled with the Holy Spirit, the disciples understood that God was anointing them for a special mission. In receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation, the Christian's relationship with God is made stronger. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are strengthened: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and fear of the Lord. In this way the Christian is equipped to become a better witness to Christ in the world.
Holy Communion
In the Eucharistic Celebration, Catholics gather at the table of the Lord. During every Mass we thank and praise the Father, celebrate the memorial of Christ's sacrifice on the cross, and recognize the presence of Christ by the power of His Word and His Spirit (see Catechism of the Catholic Church 1358). We believe that in the Holy Eucharist, Christ is truly and fully present. Enlightened by this faith, we celebrate the liturgy with joy and receive Communion with reverence.
Holy Orders
The Sacrament of Holy Orders is the continuation of Christ's priesthood, which He bestowed upon His Apostles. The three levels of the sacrament are the episcopate, the priesthood, and the diaconate.
Marriage
The celebration of this sacrament between two Catholics or one Catholic and his/her future spouse usually takes place during Mass or Liturgy of the Word service. It is appropriate "that the spouses should seal their consent to give themselves to each other through the offering of their own lives by uniting it to the offering of Christ for his Church" (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1621). A year's notice is preferred to reserve the church at St. Joseph or at St. Paul.
Reconciliation
The Catholic Sacrament of Reconciliation (also known as Penance, or Penance and Reconciliation) has three elements: conversion, confession and celebration. In it we find God's unconditional forgiveness; as a result we are called to forgive others. Reconciliation is held weekly at 3:00-3:30 p.m. before Mass on Saturday evenings.
