“The Sacraments are the manifestation of the Father's tenderness and love towards each of us.” -Pope Francis

The 7 Sacraments celebrated in the Catholic Church are Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Eucharist, Penance and Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Vocations, and Matrimony. These are divided into 4 categories - Sacraments of Initiation, Sacraments of Healing, Sacraments of Service and Sacrament of Communion.
 

Our Faith Formation, Religious Education and Clergy are available to guide you through each of these Sacraments.

Sacraments of Initiation. Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Communion – are called the Sacraments of Initiation because they are the first ones we celebrate chronologically, and invite us to a deeper faith-walk as Catholic Christians.

Baptism. The Baptism of your child is a privileged and joyous moment for your whole family Our entire parish rejoices with you as we welcome them into the Catholic faith. In this Sacrament, you make a promise to raise your child in the Catholic faith and the community promises to assist you with that responsibility.

Confirmation. The Sacrament of Confirmation unites us more firmly with Christ. The Holy Spirit gives us strength to spread and defend our faith through 7 gifts - Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety, and Fear of the Lord.

Sacraments of Healing. The two Sacraments of Healing are Penance and Anointingof the Sick. Penance allows for spiritual healing and absolution for people who have distanced themselves from God through sin. Anointing the Sick allows for both physical and spiritual healing.

Anointing of the Sick. This Sacrament helps us face illness with courage and invites us to join our suffering with the Passion and death of Christ. The Catechism of the Catholic Church says, "By the sacred anointing of the sick and the prayer of the priests the whole Church commends those who are ill to the suffering and glorified Lord, that he may raise them up and save them.” Anyone seriously or chronically ill, facing surgery, advanced in age, or near death, may receive the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick.

Reconciliation. The Sacrament of Reconciliation, (also called “Penance” or “Confession”),  heals and saves the baptized person through the forgiveness of any sins he or she has committed after Baptism.  In this Sacrament, a person celebrates God’s forgiving love and is reconciled to God and to His Church.  Whatever our sin, God is always faithful; He loves us and welcomes us back into a loving relationship with Him in a special way through this Sacrament. (Click here for Confession Times.)

Sacraments of Service. The Sacraments of Service – Matrimony (or “Marriage”) and Holy Orders (Vocations) – are both calls from Our Lord to share our lives with others in special ways.

Matrimony. The commitment made by a couple, through the Sacrament of Matrimony, is a sign of God’s love and faithfulness. We share their joy as they prepare to enter a new life together in the holy Sacrament of Marriage.  Sacramental matrimony celebrated in the Catholic Church affirms the importance of God in the lives of both husband and wife.

Vocations. The Sacrament of Holy Orders (or Vocations) is the Sacrament through which baptized men are called to serve in the name and in the person of Christ, the Head, in the midst of the community.  It is a Sacrament of Service through ordination to the priesthood and is celebrated only after considerable preparation.  Similarly, discerning a call to the Religious life is also a response to God’s call to serve His family in a special way.

Sacrament of Communion.
Eucharist. The celebration of the Holy Eucharist is the center and the heart of Christian life for all God’s people.  As Catholics, we believe that Jesus is truly present in the Eucharistic of Bread and Wine (Holy Communion), as well as in the Word (the Scriptures proclaimed), the priest-celebrant, and the assembly.
 

Please contact our clergy or staff if you would like to prepare for any of the the Sacraments at 413.773.3311 or [email protected]