The life of the Catholic Church are the seven sacraments — Baptism (a sacrament of Christian initiation), Confirmation (a sacrament of Christian initiation), Eucharist (a sacrament of Christian initiation), Reconciliation (a sacrament of healing), Anointing of the Sick (a sacrament of healing), Marriage, and Holy Orders. Learn more about the seven sacraments in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) online.

Sacraments of Christian Initiation:

Baptism:
Baptism is the first Sacrament of Initiation. “Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua), 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 her mission.” (CCC 1213) Read more at CCC 1213-1284.

Infant Baptisms are celebrated at weekend liturgies throughout the year. Preparation is required. Please contact the Parish office or Fr. Brian Johnson three months prior to birth. Adults wishing to receive the Sacrament of Baptism should also contact the Parish office or Fr. Brian Johnson.

Confirmation:
The second Sacrament of Initiation completes the action of baptism. Confirmation increases and deepens baptismal grace. Through this sacrament, the recipient is rooted more deeply in the Trinity, unites one more firmly to Christ, increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit, perfects our bond with the Church, and gives us the strength of the Holy Spirit to spread and defend the Catholic Christian faith. (CCC 1303). Read more at CCC 1285-1321.

Communion/Eucharist:

With the reception of Holy Eucharist, the Sacraments of Initiation are completed—we are fully initiated members of the Church. “The Eucharist is ‘the source and summit of the Christian life.’ The other sacraments, and indeed all ecclesiastical ministries and works of the apostolate, are bound up with the Eucharist and are oriented toward it. For in the blessed Eucharist is contained the whole spiritual good of the Church, namely Christ himself.” (CCC 1324) Through the God-given powers of bishops and priest, Catholics believe that the bread (host) and wine are actually changed into the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ in all aspects except form. When Eucharist is received, the actual Body and Blood of Jesus is consumed and gives strength and unity to the Church. Read more at CCC 1322-1419.

Eucharist is celebrated at every Mass. See Faith Formation to find out more about making your First Holy Communion or contact the Parish office.

Sacraments of Healing:
Reconciliation:
Reconciliation is one of the two Sacraments of Healing. Through this sacrament we encounter a forgiving Christ. The priest/bishop represents Christ and the community of the Church and allows us to receive forgiveness for our sins. The sacrament forces us to confront our sinfulness and plead for mercy. Through the grace of forgiveness, we can continue our journey and follow the way of God. Read more at CCC 1422-1498.

The first Friday of each month following Eucharist Adoration: 9 a.m. Communal reconciliation is celebrated twice a year. Also, by appointment. Contact Fr. Brian Johnson.

During the Covid-19 Pandemic, what do you do if you can not go to confession?

Please read the Confession and Indulgence document for more information.

Anointing of the Sick:
The second sacrament of healing is Anointing of the Sick in which a priest anoints the sick with oil blessed specifically for that purpose. “Illness and suffering have always been among the gravest problems confronted in human life. In illness, man experiences his powerlessness, his limitations, and his finitude. Every illness can make us glimpse death. The Anointing of the Sick is not a sacrament for those only who are at the point of death. Hence, as soon as anyone of the faithful begins to be in danger of death from sickness or old age, the fitting time for him to receive this sacrament has certainly already arrived.” (CCC 1500, 1514). Read more at CCC 1499-1532.

The Sacrament is available to all those who are physically or emotionally ill or infirmed, or prior to surgery.
Contact Fr. Brian Johnson: (270)395-4727 or Brian.Johnson@pastoral.org

Other Sacraments:

Marriage:
“The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life, is by its nature ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring; this covenant between baptized persons has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament.” (Canon Law 1055) This sacrament provides the grace for the spouses to fulfill the mission of building up the Church. Read more at CCC 1601-1666.

Couples are asked to call the parish office for an appointment. Weddings must be scheduled at least six months prior to the proposed date of marriage. Please contact the office or Fr. Brian Johnson.

Holy Orders:
Through this sacrament, men are ordained to the service of the faithful. The three degrees of orders are deacon, priest, and bishop. Through the laying on of hands and anointing, the bishop confers the sacrament on men to continue the mission of Christ and building communion among the faithful. The bishop receives the fullness of the sacrament, making him a member of the body of successors of the Apostles, and giving him the mission to teach, sanctify, and govern, along with the care of all the Churches. Read more at CCC 1536-1600.

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