The Seven Sacraments
This page is from American Catholic.
Sacraments
The Latin word sacramentum means “a sign of the sacred.” The seven sacraments are ceremonies that point to what is sacred, significant and important for Christians. They are special occasions for experiencing God’s saving presence. That’s what theologians mean when they say that sacraments are at the same time signs and instruments of God’s grace.
If you learn more about the sacraments, you can celebrate them more fully. To learn more about the individual sacraments, please follow the links below. You’ll find easy-to-understand articles and a good sample of common questions and answers.
In addition to these links, don’t miss the special Sacraments issue of St. Anthony Messenger magazine.
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Although the Catholic Church welcomes babies to the font of Baptism, Adults can be baptized too!
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 and enacting the embrace of God.
At Holy Family
Baptism is usually celebrated during Sunday Mass. Please set up an appointment with Father to discuss Baptism for your child.
Having your child enter the faith through Baptism is a big responsibility! If you have been away from the Church for some time, we prefer that you begin your journey home by taking part in our Alpha series.
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.
At Holy Family
Reconciliation is offered 30 minutes prior to every Mass in the Parish.
If you require more time than usual, or would like an alternative appointment, please contact Father!
Eucharist
Catholics believe the Eucharist, or 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 also are nourished spiritually and brought closer to God.
Eucharist is celebrated on the weekends and during the week on Tuesday through Friday. Read the latest bulletin for exact times!
Looking for Grade 2 First Sacraments? Click HERE
Confirmation
Confirmation is a Catholic Sacrament of mature Christian commitment and a deepening of baptismal gifts. It is one of the three Sacraments of Initiation for Catholics. It is most often associated with the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
At Holy Family
Confirmation is celebrated once a year, usually in the spring. Confirmation is also celebrated for new converts at the Easter Vigil celebration.
Click HERE for more information or to register for Confirmation.
Marriage
For Catholics, the Sacrament of Marriage, or Holy Matrimony, is a public sign that one gives oneself totally to this other person. It is also a public statement about God: the loving union of husband and wife speaks of family values and also God’s values.
At Holy Family
Couples planning to be married in the Church must contact Father, preferably at least six months in advance of their wedding date.
Holy Orders
In the Sacrament of Holy Orders, or Ordination, the priest being ordained vows to lead other Catholics by bringing them the sacraments (especially the Eucharist), by proclaiming the Gospel, and by providing other means to holiness.
God calls many young men (and sometimes old men) to the priesthood. If through prayer and quiet discernment you feel a call to this vocation of service, it is often helpful to enlist the help of a priest to discern further.
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.
If you or a loved one is suffering from a serious illness, or about to undergo a serious operation or procedure, let us know. There are many testimonies of the power of this Sacrament!