Sacraments

Baptism is the first of the sacraments of initiation and the gateway to life in the Spirit. Through the pouring of water and the invocation of the Holy Trinity, original sin is washed away and the person becomes a child of God and a member of the Church. Whether received as an infant through the faith of parents and godparents, or as an adult after a period of preparation, Baptism marks the beginning of a lifelong journey of faith. Our parish welcomes families and individuals seeking Baptism and invites you to contact the parish office to begin preparation.

Confirmation completes the grace begun in Baptism, sealing the believer with the Gift of the Holy Spirit and strengthening them for the mission of witnessing to Christ in the world. Candidates, typically prepared through a period of catechesis, receive the anointing with Sacred Chrism from the bishop or his delegate, along with the laying on of hands. This sacrament deepens our bond with the Church and equips us to live out our faith boldly in daily life. Parents and candidates interested in the Confirmation preparation process are encouraged to reach out to our Religious Education office.

The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life, in which Christ himself becomes truly present under the appearance of bread and wine. At every Mass, the community gathers to hear God's Word and to receive the Body and Blood of Christ, uniting the faithful more closely to him and to one another. Children preparing for First Communion, as well as adults entering the Church, undertake formation to understand and reverence this profound gift. We invite all who are properly disposed to join us in the celebration of this sacred mystery at our parish Masses.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation offers healing and forgiveness for sins committed after Baptism, restoring our relationship with God and the Church. Through honest confession, contrition, and absolution given by a priest, penitents experience the boundless mercy of God and are strengthened to grow in holiness. Regular reception of this sacrament is a source of grace and peace for the spiritual life. Confessions are heard at scheduled times each week, or by appointment with one of our priests.

Matrimony is the covenant by which a baptized man and woman establish a lifelong partnership, ordered toward their mutual good and the procreation and education of children, and elevated by Christ to the dignity of a sacrament. Through their vows, the couple receives the grace to love one another as Christ loves the Church, becoming a living sign of his faithful love in the world. Couples hoping to marry in the Church should contact the parish office at least six months in advance to begin the required preparation process. We are honored to walk with couples as they prepare for this sacred commitment.

The Anointing of the Sick brings the comfort, strength, and healing grace of Christ to those who are seriously ill, facing surgery, or weakened by age. Through the anointing with blessed oil and the prayer of the priest, the sick person is united with Christ's own suffering and entrusted to God's mercy, whether for physical healing or for peace in facing death. This sacrament may be received more than once and is available to anyone in need, not only those near death. Parishioners are encouraged to call the parish office whenever a loved one is hospitalized or gravely ill so that a priest may visit.

Holy Orders configures a man to Christ in service to the Church as a bishop, priest, or deacon, empowering him to teach, sanctify, and shepherd God's people. Through the laying on of hands and prayer of consecration, the ordained minister receives a permanent character and a particular share in Christ's own priesthood. This sacrament sustains the Church's sacramental life and pastoral care across generations. Men who sense a possible calling to the priesthood or diaconate are warmly invited to speak with our pastor or diocesan vocations office.