Christian life means sacrifice - Pope John XXIII

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Sacraments

The Sacraments of Initiation

The Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation are known as the Sacraments of Initiation and are closely connected.  Each of these Sacraments connects the recipient more closely to the Christian community and bestows the Holy Spirit and His gifts. 

 

Baptism 

The Sacrament of Baptism is the gateway to all of the other Sacraments. This Sacrament is the foundation of all Christian life from which we receive grace, the gift of God’s own life. 
Baptism makes a person a member of the Body of Christ, the Church, and gives that person all of the rights and responsibilities of being a Catholic Christian.  A person is welcomed into the community and given a share in Christ’s mission, to be a living sign of the presence of God in thought, word and action.  This powerful Sacrament’s primary effect is the beginning of new life in Jesus Christ. 

If you have a baby or school-aged child whom you would like to have baptized, or would like to be baptized as an adult, please contact Fr. John at the parish office at 823-1090.  

Confirmation 

The Sacrament of Confirmation deepens and strengthens a person in his/her Baptismal commitment and unites a person more closely to Christ.  The Sacrament of Confirmation has two effects namely, that the person’s bond with the Church is strengthened and that one is enriched by an outpouring of the gifts of the Holy Spirit.  In order to be confirmed, one must wish to be confirmed and be a willing witness for Christ.  Following a period of preparation, the Sacrament of Confirmation is administered by the bishop at a special Mass.   

High school students who wish to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation should be enrolled in the Faith Formation Program.  Adults who have not been confirmed should contact Fr. John at the parish office at 823-1090. 

Eucharist  

 The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Catholic faith.  The Eucharist is the Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Jesus which comes to us through the ministry of a priest at Mass. Our Catholic belief in the real presence of Christ distinguishes us from all other Christians.  That is, when we celebrate Mass, we believe that the bread and wine truly become the Body and Blood of Christ.  Reception of the Eucharist at Mass recalls all that God has done for us in Jesus Christ.   
The Eucharist empowers Catholics spiritually to be the presence of Christ in the world and to participate in His mission.  Through this Sacrament, believers throughout the world are united and strengthened to resist temptation to sin. 

Parents of school age children who wish to receive their First Eucharist should be enrolled in the Faith Formation Program.  Adults who have not received Communion should contact Fr. John at the parish office at 823-1090.  


Sacraments of Healing

In reading the Gospels, a primary aspect of Jesus’ public ministry was his concern for those who were suffering and their need for healing.  Always aware of not only the physical pain of those he encountered but also their spiritual and emotional pain, Jesus instituted two sacraments of healing.  Through the ministry of the Church, Jesus continues to heal people through the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick. 

Reconciliation 

People generally receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time before they receive their First Eucharist.  Adults who wish to become Catholic may receive the sacrament after a period of instruction in the faith.  All members of the Church are encouraged to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation frequently in order to be strengthened in faith.   
This Sacrament of Healing restores the original grace of Baptism and places a person in the state of grace.  The desire for this Sacrament begins with each person’s acceptance that they have sinned and done wrong in the sight of God.  Sinful behaviors distance us from God and require healing. 

School age children should be enrolled in the parish Faith Formation program to prepare for this Sacrament as they grow in the journey of faith.  The Sacrament of Reconciliation is celebrated every Saturday at St. John XXIII Parish from 3:00 PM until 3:45 PM.  If you would like to receive the Sacrament at another time, please contact Fr. John at 823-1090. 

Anointing of the Sick 

In the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, Christ ministers to a person undergoing physical or mental suffering. It is recommended that persons who are seriously ill, preparing for surgery or advanced in years receive this Sacrament which helps one to unite their sufferings with the sufferings of Christ.  If a person is so seriously ill that death is imminent, a priest should be called immediately to administer the Sacrament.   

If you or one of your loved ones is in need of the Anointing of the Sick, please contact Fr. John at 823-1090.  The Anointing of the Sick is always offered on the third Saturday of the month following the 4:00 PM Mass.


Sacraments of Service 

God has a special plan for each person which includes a committed state of life that one is called to known as a vocation.  In answering God’s call, some people are called to become a priest or deacon, while others are called to be married or a member of a religious community.  The Sacraments of Matrimony and Holy Orders have been given to the Church as Sacraments of Service. 
Matrimony 

The Sacrament of Matrimony

Also called Marriage, this sacrament signifies the union of Christ with His Church, and demonstrates God’s unending love for all humanity through the permanent commitment made by spouses.  In a Sacramental Marriage in the Church, the unity of man and wife is strengthened and makes them a sign of God’s love.  Through this bond, the couple experiences unity and is open to new life through the gift of children. 

Marriage preparation is necessary for couples who wish to schedule their wedding at St. John XXIII Parish.  Please contact Fr. John at the parish office at 823-1090 to make the necessary arrangements. 

Holy Orders 

Some people are called to uniquely follow Christ through the ministry of priest or deacon.  The purpose of this ministry given by Christ is to serve the Christian community and to represent Christ in the community.  Because Christ is the head of the Church, this means ordained ministers exercise a leadership role in the liturgy and in community life.  Through the Sacrament of Holy Orders, a man is given special responsibilities in the Church in the areas of teaching, worship and governing the church.  Throughout the centuries, God has called men to serve as priests and deacons for the building up of his body, the Church. 

If you are a Catholic man and think that God may be calling you to the priesthood or deaconate, contact Fr. John at the parish office to discuss this possibility at 823-1090.