Sacraments

ANNOINTING OF THE SICK

Formerly known as “Last Rites,” and performed immediately prior to death, this sacrament is appropriate not only for those at the point of death, but also for those who are seriously or chronically ill. If possible, then, please do not wait until a person is incapacitated or in hospital, but contact the Parish Office as soon as possible to schedule an anointing. Learn more about the sacrament of ANOINTING OF THE SICK from United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)

BAPTISM

Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God, we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in his mission: “Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word” (CCC 1213).

Baptism – infants – we celebrate the sacrament of Baptism on the second and fourth Sundays outside of Lent. In this sacrament of initiation and welcome, we ask parents and Godparents to attend a informative pre-baptism class as part of a discernment and preparation process before Baptism. Parents must be registered members of Sacred Heart Parish.

One person for the child (Godparent) must be a practicing, confirmed Catholic, over 16 years of age, and if married, must be married in the Catholic Church. The other person for will be a sponsor. Both must be Christian. If you have questions about your little one needing Baptism, please call!

Baptism – children age 5 – 7 will attend a session (parents can join) to help them prepare them for their baptism. The session is brief and will help them understand and appreciate the sacrament. Children should be attending either a faith formation program or Catholic school.

Baptism – children 8 and older – takes place through the RCIA process.
For more information, please call the Faith Formation Director at 541-4447.

SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION

Those who have been baptized continue on the path of Christian Initiation through the Sacrament of Confirmation. In this sacrament they receive the Holy Spirit whom the Lord sent upon the apostles on Pentecost. This giving of the Holy Spirit conforms believers more fully to Christ and strengthens them so that they may bear witness to Christ for the building up of his Body in faith and love. (Rite of Confirmation #1 and #2.)

Families with children preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation need to be registered in the parish and be participating in regular classes either in the Faith Formation program or the Catholic school. In addition, immediately prior to reception of the sacrament, the child and parent need to attend sessions to prepare them for reception of the sacrament. It is a diocesan policy that sacramental programs be a two year process. At Sacred Heart, this sacrament is usually conferred in the eighth grade.

If you are over seventeen years old, and are interested in preparing for and receiving this sacrament, call the Director of Faith Formation at 541-4447.

The sacrament of confirmation is found in Bible passages such as Acts 8:14–17, 9:17, 19:6, and Hebrews 6:2, which speak of a laying on of hands for the purpose of bestowing the Holy Spirit.

SACRAMENT OF THE EUCHARIST

Families with children preparing for First Eucharist need to be registered in the parish and be participating in regular classes either in the Faith Formation program or the Catholic school. In addition, immediately prior to reception of the sacrament, the child and parent attend sessions to prepare them for reception of the sacrament. It is a diocesan policy that sacramental programs be a two year process.

For more information, please call the Faith Formation Director at 541-4447.

Jesus said, “‘I am the living bread which came down from heaven; if any one eats of this bread, he will live for ever; and the bread which I shall give for the life of the world is my flesh ” (John 6:51–52).”

SACRAMENT OF HOLY ORDERS

Those who receive the sacrament of Holy Orders are consecrated in Christ’s name “to feed the Church by the word and grace of God.” Holy Orders is the sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to his apostles continues to be exercised in the Church until the end of time: thus it is the sacrament of apostolic ministry.

There are three ranks of clergy: bishops (episcopate), priests (presbyterate or ‘elders’), and diaconate. Bishops have the care of multiple congregations and appoint, ordain, and discipline priests and deacons. Priests have the responsibility of teaching, governing, and providing the sacraments in a given congregation (1 Tim. 5:17; Jas. 5:14–15). Deacons are the assistants of the bishops and are responsible for teaching and administering certain Church tasks, such as the distribution of food (Acts 6:1–6).  Learn more about the Sacrament of Holy Orders from the US Conference of Catholic BishopsA Deacon’s Ministry and Life after Ordination.
A deacon is ordained for the service of a diocesan church. The deacon stands in a direct relationship with his diocesan bishop, in communion with whom and under whose authority he exercises his ministry. Deacons exercise their distinct ministry in communion not only with the bishop but also with priests. Deacons become members of the clergy, with the rights and responsibilities that follow from that position. Deacons should consider it an important part of their ministry to promote and inspire participation in the life and activity of the Church, which the laity have a right and duty by virtue of their baptism and charisms.

As the deacon’s role in the Ministry of Service, the deacon is to inspire, promote, and help coordinate the service that the whole Church must undertake in imitation of Christ. He has a special responsibility to identify to the Church those in need, those who are without power or voice at the margins of our society. He is the representative figure in whom the Church reaches out to the needy.

MATRIMONY

Importance and Dignity of the Sacrament of Matrimony

Married Christians, in virtue of the sacrament of matrimony, signify and share in the mystery of that unity and fruitful love which exists between Christ and his Church. They help each other to attain to holiness in their married life and in the rearing and education of their children; and they have their own special gift among the people of God.

Learn more about Weddings at Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Learn more about the SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY – United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

RECONCILIATION

Please check our Mass Schedule webpage for Reconciliation (confession) schedule
Advent and Lenten seasons: Sacred Heart celebrates a communal Penance Service (please check Mass schedule webpage

In the Sacrament of Penance the faithful “obtain from God’s mercy and pardon for having offended Him and at the same time reconciliation with the Church, which they have wounded by the sins and which by charity, example and prayer seek their conversion” (Rite of Penance #4).

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered every Saturday from 2:45 P.M. to 3:45 P.M. in the church. The parish also celebrates a communal Penance Service during the Advent and Lenten seasons.