Sacraments
“A Sacrament is a visible sign, instituted by Christ, to give grace.”
Baptism
For Catholics, the Sacrament of Baptism is the first step in a lifelong journey of commitment and discipleship. Whether we are baptized as infants or adults, Baptism is the Church’s way of celebrating new life in Christ.
If you are a registered member of the parish and would like to begin preparation for your child’s baptism, please contact the parish office at 386-427-4530.
**Please contact the office to schedule the date of baptism at least 2 months in advance. This will allow us the necessary time to work with you in preparing for the sacrament!**
Eucharist
“God dwells in our midst, in the Blessed Sacrament of the altar.” (St. Maximilian Kolbe)
The Eucharist is at the center of the Christian life. Catholics believe the Eucharist (often called Communion), is both a sacrifice and a meal. We believe in the real presence of Jesus, who died for our sins. As we receive Christ’s Body and Blood, we are nourished spiritually and brought closer to God.
Our 2nd grade Faith Formation class includes preparation for the Sacrament. If your child would like to make his or her First Communion, please contact the parish office.
**Please Note: In order to receive First Communion, your child must participate in the entire year of sacramental preparation, which is integrated into the 2nd grade Faith Formation class on Sundays. If your child has already completed part of his or her formation at another parish or if you have recently relocated to the area, please contact Sarah Schmidt at the above email for more information.
Confirmation
Before Jesus was put to death, He promised His followers that He would send His Spirit to comfort and strengthen them. When we are confirmed, we receive the Holy Spirit, through the anointing with oil and the laying on of hands by the bishop or a priest appointed by him. When we receive this sacred seal we show that we belong to God; we become part of the priesthood of all believers, witnesses to Christ and heirs to His Kingdom.
Our Confirmation program follows the Chosen program (Ascension Press) and all 8th grade+ students are welcome! Classes take place on Monday nights from 6:00-7:30pm.
If you would like more information on registering for the Chosen program, please contact the parish office.
**Please Note: Students in the 8th grade (or older) must complete the full year of sacramental preparation in order to be confirmed. We also require that they attend at least one year of Faith Formation prior to entering into preparation for the sacrament.
Reconciliation/Penance
The Sacrament of Reconciliation gives us the opportunity to express our sorrow for things we have done wrong, to heal broken relationships, to forgive, and to open our hearts to the mercy of God. Confession is above all a place of healing, not a place of judgment or punishment. When we make our confession to a priest in complete confidentiality we experience healing and liberation, discovering again and again how much we are loved by God, how precious we are to Him, and how great is our dignity as His children.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available every Saturday from 3:15-3:45pm in the Reconciliation Room of the church or by appointment through the parish office.
Anointing of the Sick
A significant part of Jesus’ ministry was to heal the sick and he went about curing those who were ill or disabled. By the sacrifice of himself, he took hold of suffering and death and eliminated their power to separate us from each other or from God. Through Jesus’ suffering and death, God joins His suffering to that of human beings. And by doing this, He transforms it and gives it a new meaning. The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick brings us healing and peace and reassures us of God’s healing love.
If you would like to make arrangements for you or a loved one to receive Anointing of the Sick, please contact the parish office.
Holy Matrimony
All love comes from God, and all love mirrors the love that God has for His creation. The Sacrament of Marriage is, first and foremost, a sign and symbol of this love. It is a sacrament of the self-giving love which two people offer to each other. This love is passed on to their children and to those around them, becoming a source of life, hope and comfort in the world.
Please contact the parish office at least 6 months prior to your wedding date to make arrangements and begin marriage preparation.