The Sacraments
Jesus touches our lives through the sacraments. Our celebrations of the sacraments are signs of Jesus’ presence in our lives and a means for receiving his grace. The Church celebrates seven sacraments, which are divided into three categories.
***Sacraments of Initiation - These sacraments lay the foundation of every Christian life.
In Baptism we receive new life in Christ. Baptism takes away original sin and gives us a new birth in the Holy Spirit. Its sign is the pouring of water.
(Baptisms take place the second Sunday of each month, except during Lent, after the 11:00am Mass. Parents must be registered, active members of the parish for three months prior to their child’s baptism. Parents and godparents are required to attend one preparation workshop, unless there was a previous baptism within three years. Class will be held only four times a year: January, May, July, and October, the Monday before the baptism at 6:30pm. When scheduling your child’s baptism, arrange to attend the baptismal class prior to and closest to your chosen date of baptism. Class will be held in the Parish Office on Ritter Street in Center Line. Please call the Office if you have any questions.)
Confirmation seals our life of faith in Jesus. Its signs are the laying on of hands on a person’s head, most often by a bishop, and the anointing with oil. Like Baptism, Confirmation is received only once.
The Eucharist nourishes our life of faith. Its signs are the bread and wine we receive—the Body and Blood of Christ.
***Sacraments of Healing - These sacraments celebrate the healing power of Jesus.
Through Penance we receive God’s forgiveness. Forgiveness requires being sorry for our sins. In Penance we receive Jesus’ healing grace through absolution by the priest. The signs of this sacrament are our confession of sins and the words of absolution.
Anointing of the Sick
This sacrament unites a sick person’s suffering with that of Jesus and brings forgiveness of sins. Oil, a symbol of strength, is the sign of this sacrament. A person is anointed with oil and receives the laying on of hands from a priest.
(Please call the Parish Office for an anointing of a parish member or if Father is needed.)
***Sacraments at the Service of Communion - These sacraments help members serve the community.
Matrimony
In Matrimony a baptized man and woman are united with each other as a sign of the unity between Jesus and his Church. Matrimony requires the consent of the couple, as expressed in the marriage promises. The couple and their wedding rings are the signs of this sacrament.
(One member to be married must be registered and active in the parish six months prior to the wedding. Engaged couples must be registered under their own names. Applications should be completed six months prior to the wedding date for proper marriage preparation.)
Holy Orders
In Holy Orders men are ordained as priests, deacons, or bishops. Priests serve as spiritual leaders of their communities, and deacons serve to remind us of our baptismal call to help others. Bishops carry on the teachings of the apostles. The signs of this sacrament are the laying on of hands and anointing with oil by the bishop.