Sacraments
Baptism
Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit… –Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1213 Before the baptism of their first child parents must attend a Baptismal preparation program. Godparents are also invited to attend the program. The program is created to assist parents and godparents in … Continue reading Baptism
Confirmation
While symbolically, on our foreheads and senses, our bodies are anointed with this oil that we see, our souls are sanctified by the holy and life-giving Spirit. – St. Cyril of Jerusalem Confirmation is one of the three sacraments of initiation. It increases and deepens baptismal grace, unites the recipients more firmly to Christ, intensifies … Continue reading Confirmation
Eucharist
The Eucharist is the heart of the Catholic Faith. It was instituted by Christ at the Last Supper, and makes present again the sacrifice of the cross in an unbloody manner. It intensifies our union with Christ who is truly and substantially present in the Holy Eucharist. Catholics are urged to celebrate and receive the … Continue reading Eucharist
Marriage
Marriage was established by God in the creation of a man and a woman. Christ raised the institution of marriage to a sacrament when he attended the wedding feast of Cana and through his preaching when he taught on the union of a man and woman in marriage. The Sacrament of Marriage establishes an indissoluble … Continue reading Marriage
Holy Orders
The Sacrament of Holy Orders was instituted by Christ at the Last Supper. The grace of the sacrament imprints an indelible character on the soul of the recipient and configures him to Christ. The Sacrament of Holy Orders is a sacrament at the service of communion in the Church. It is received so that the … Continue reading Holy Orders
Reconciliation
The Sacrament of Reconciliation was instituted by Christ on Easter Sunday when he breathed on the Apostles and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.” (John 20: 22-23) The Sacrament of Reconciliation is also called the Sacrament of Conversion, of Penance, … Continue reading Reconciliation
Anointing of the Sick
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is a continuation of the Lord’s compassion for the sick. Christ so identified with the sufferings of the sick that he made their sufferings his own. The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick – heals and saves the baptized person from sin, – unites the suffering … Continue reading Anointing of the Sick