Sacramental Life

Baptism is the first of the seven sacraments and the doorway into the Catholic Church. It washes away Original Sin, unites us to Christ and His people, and leaves a permanent mark on the soul that can never be undone. Whether received as an infant or an adult, Baptism makes a person an adopted child of God and opens the door to every other sacrament.

Signs & symbols

• Water — poured or immersed, recalling the Israelites' escape through the Red Sea and Jesus' own baptism in the Jordan. It signifies cleansing from sin and rising to new life.
• The Sign of the Cross — traced on the forehead, marking the person as belonging to Christ.
• A white garment — a sign of new life and the purity Christ gives.
• A baptismal candle, lit from the Paschal (Easter) candle — a reminder to keep the light of Christ burning throughout life.
• Sacred Chrism — holy oil marking the newly baptized as priest, prophet, and king, and sealing them with the Holy Spirit.

Why we baptize infants

Just as an infant cannot yet understand the values a parent instills, the Church believes a child can still receive the grace of Baptism through the faith of their parents and godparents, who commit to raising the child in the practice of the faith until they can embrace it for themselves.

Confirmation completes the grace begun in Baptism. Through the laying on of hands and anointing with Sacred Chrism, the Holy Spirit strengthens the confirmed to live and share their faith boldly as adult members of the Church. In the earliest centuries, Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist were celebrated together in a single rite; over time the Western Church separated them so that Confirmation could mark a more mature, personal commitment to faith.

What it means

Confirmation isn't a graduation from faith formation — it's a commissioning. Just as Jesus asked Peter three times, "Do you love me?... Then feed my sheep" (John 21:15–17), those confirmed are called into active discipleship: to visit the sick, welcome the stranger, and bring Christ into everyday life, wherever that leads them.

Signs & symbols

• Sacred Chrism — the bishop or priest anoints the forehead with holy oil while saying, "Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit."
• Laying on of hands — recalling the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
• A sponsor — usually a Catholic in good standing who supports the candidate's ongoing faith journey.

The word Eucharist comes from the Greek for "thanksgiving." At every Mass, the community gathers to remember Christ's saving death and resurrection and to share in His Body and Blood under the appearance of bread and wine — a true sacrifice, not merely a symbolic meal, fulfilling Jesus' command at the Last Supper: "Do this in remembrance of me" (Luke 22:19; 1 Corinthians 11:24–25).

Four ways Christ is present

• In the person of the priest presiding at the Mass
• In the Word of God proclaimed
• In the assembly gathered as the Body of Christ
• Most especially, in the Eucharistic meal of bread and wine

Guidelines for receiving Communion

Catholics are encouraged to receive the Eucharist devoutly and frequently, properly disposed in mind and soul. Those conscious of grave sin are asked to seek the Sacrament of Reconciliation first, or at least make an act of perfect contrition, before receiving (Code of Canon Law, canon 916). All are welcome to join us at Mass; those not yet able to receive Communion are warmly invited to come forward for a blessing.

Also known as Confession or Penance, Reconciliation is where we bring our sins honestly before God, through the ministry of a priest, and receive real forgiveness. Jesus tells this sacrament's story best through the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11–32): no matter how far we've wandered, our Father runs to meet us, embraces us, and celebrates our return.

What to expect in the Reconciliation Room

• Sit quietly beforehand and examine your conscience.
• Begin with the Sign of the Cross and the words, "Bless me, Father, for I have sinned." Share how long it's been since your last confession.
• Tell your sins honestly. The priest may talk with you and offer guidance before giving you a penance.
• Pray an Act of Contrition (see below), and receive absolution.

Act of Contrition

"My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against You whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with Your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In His name, my God, have mercy."

Leaving the Reconciliation Room, a great weight is lifted — your soul washed clean and welcomed home, just like the Father welcomed his son.

Once known as "Last Rites" or Extreme Unction, this sacrament was restored by the Second Vatican Council (1974) to its fuller, original purpose: a sacrament of healing for anyone facing serious illness, surgery, advanced age, or ongoing physical, mental, or emotional struggle — not only those near death.

What happens

A priest lays hands on the sick person's head in silence, then anoints their forehead and hands with the Oil of the Sick, praying: "Through this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit." The person responds, "Amen," and the priest continues, "May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up," to which all respond, "Amen."

This sacrament can be received privately at home or in the hospital, or communally at a Healing Mass, where the whole parish gathers to pray with and for those who are suffering.

Through Holy Orders, a baptized man is consecrated and configured to Christ to serve the Church as a bishop, priest, or deacon. It's conferred by a bishop through prayer and the laying on of hands, and — like Baptism and Confirmation — it marks the soul permanently.

Three degrees

• Bishops hold the fullness of Holy Orders and lead the Church in doctrine, sacramental ministry, and pastoral governance.
• Priests share in the bishop's priesthood and, as his co-workers, may confer all the sacraments except Holy Orders itself.
• Deacons minister through service, charity, and works of mercy, and assist in proclaiming the Gospel, blessing marriages, baptizing, and presiding over funerals.

Formation includes years of seminary study — philosophy, theology, and Scripture — alongside spiritual direction, retreats, and pastoral experience, so a man discerning this vocation is well formed before ordination.

Nurturing vocations

Vocations are often first discovered at home. Parents and caregivers can help by praying with their children, letting them see faith lived out daily, being generous with time, and simply being open to wherever God may be calling them — to priesthood, diaconate, religious life, marriage, or single life.

Marriage is both a civil and a sacramental reality. Civilly, it grants a couple legal recognition and protections. Sacramentally, it's something more: a lifelong covenant in which husband and wife receive the grace of the Holy Trinity itself — love, strength, and perseverance — to help them stay honest, faithful, generous, and welcoming to one another and their community.

A daily decision

As the Second Vatican Council reminded us, marriage isn't a one-time event but a decision renewed every single day. Christ is present within the couple, and the grace of the sacrament gives them the reserve of hope and strength they need to forgive, grow, and start fresh when marriage inevitably has its hard seasons.

Preparing for marriage here

• At least one member of the couple must be a baptized Catholic in good standing.
• A recent baptismal certificate is required for any Catholic party.
• All couples complete a marriage preparation program before their wedding date.