The Sacrament of Baptism

The Lord has blessed you and the parish with a beautiful gift — your child — the visible sign of your love for each other. You have played an important part in God’s plan of creation, and with Him have given life to a new member of His family. What more beautiful way can we welcome your child into God’s family than through the sacrament of baptism.

The rite of baptism for children puts emphasis on the role of parents in baptism, and on the preparation that should be a part of the celebration of this sacrament. The Introduction to the Rite states: “…it is of great importance for the baptism that parents moved by their own faith, and other members of the parish, should prepare to take part in the rite with understanding…
It is the duty of the priest to prepare families for the baptism of their children and to help them in the task of Christian formation which they have undertaken.

The Introduction to the Rite points out that the importance of the sacrament makes some preparation a necessary element for all involved. As parents, we prepare long and well for the arrival of our children. Now we need to prepare ourselves to help them for the life they will lead as children of God — the lifelong commitment of Catholic Christians.”

Through the pre-baptismal programme at our parish, we hope to deepen your understanding of the sacrament of baptism and make you ever more aware of the importance this sacrament plays in your life as a family of God.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation

Those who approach the sacrament of Reconciliation obtain pardon from God’s mercy for the offenses committed against Him, and are, at the same time, reconciled with the Church which they have wounded by their sins and which by charity, by example, and by prayer labors for their conversion.

First Holy Communion

First Holy Eucharist was instituted by Jesus at the Last Supper. Eucharist is a Greek word meaning “to give thanks.” It is a celebration of Christ’s gifts – especially the gift of worshipping God the Father as a community. Eucharist has held a central place of prominence in the Church for nearly 2,000 years. Every time we gather for Eucharist, we take part in the great mystery of faith. We believe that this sacred bread and wine are the body and blood of Jesus. When we eat His body and drink His blood, we will have eternal life.

Confirmation

Becoming a fully active member of God’s Family is a journey — a process of initiation involving the sacraments of Baptism, Holy Eucharist, and Confirmation. The process allows you time to discover your faith, to become involved with the community of faith, and to know Jesus — the cornerstone of that faith.

From its very beginning, the Christian community welcomed new members through a special period of training during which the faith of newcomers could grow and mature until they were ready for full commitment to Jesus. The same dynamic occurred between Jesus and his Apostles. The newfound faith of the Apostles after they first responded to the call of Jesus was not the same as the firm and joyous faith of Pentecost. In fact, as Luke points out in Acts, not even witnessing the risen Christ on Easter was sufficient for the Apostles to grasp fully the message of Jesus. Only after their special encounter with the Holy Spirit at Pentecost could they proclaim Jesus as Lord to the Jerusalem crowds.

Confirmation is your personal Pentecost. It is the time in your life when the Father empowers you in a special way with the Holy Spirit. Though it is unlikely that your experience will be of tongues of fire and a violent wind, you will be anointed with Holy Chrism, marked with the sign of the cross, and the bishop will say to you, “Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.”

Sacrament of Marriage

Vatican II gave married couples the title of “The Domestic Church” in recognition of the very special tasks with which God entrusted us.

The union of husband and wife can be compared to the union between Christ and His Church. The two become one flesh and share in the great union of Christ’s love.

A Christian marriage is a sacrament in which a baptized man and woman pledge their love through a deep and personal covenant. To celebrate this sacrament, the man and woman must be of mature age. There can’t be a previously existing valid marriage. And they must freely intend to enter a lifelong commitment.

Sacrament of Holy Orders

Holy Orders is a sacrament reserved for those who are entering the ministerial priesthood to serve the faithful. That includes Bishops, Priests, and Deacons. They receive special gifts to share the sacraments with the faithful. Holy Orders is a sacrament through which a person dedicates his life to God.

Anointing of the Sick

If anyone in your family has a serious illness, the parish would like to celebrate this sacrament of God’s healing love with that person. Please call the parish office to schedule this celebration. The priest will be happy to come to your home, the hospital, or wherever is most convenient for the ill person and the family. We encourage as many family members as possible to be present for this joyous celebration through which God heals, lifts up, and gives hope, peace and new life to His faithful people.