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sacraments

The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us that "The whole liturgical life of the Church revolves around the Eucharistic sacrifice and the sacraments" (#1113).

 

Guided by the Holy Spirit, the Church recognizes the existence of Seven Sacraments instituted by the Lord.  They can be grouped together in the following way:

 

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SACRAMENTS of INITIATION

BAPTISM

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA):
Adults (and children 7 years old and above) who are unbaptized or baptized in another Christian denomination, and who wish to become sacramental participants in the Catholic Church through Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist are invited to contact

Mark Hoggard.

Baptism of Children          Parents seeking Baptism for a child under the age of 7 should have complete our parish registration process and attend a parent preparation session prior to the Baptism of their child. Contact Mark Hoggard for more information. Children who are age 7 or older who are not baptized or who are baptized in another Christian denomination enter into a catechumenate process similar to that celebrated by adults. Parents of these children should contact Mark Hoggard

CONFIRMATION      In the Diocese of Richmond, preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation for youth baptized as infants takes place in grade 10 or above. For more information, contact Yaylin Aponte.

EUCHARIST                                                            In the Diocese of Richmond, First Eucharist (Communion) for children baptized as infants is typically prepared for and first celebrated in the second grade or later.  Preparation for First Reconciliation (Penance) must take place before preparation for First Eucharist.  For more information, contact Mark Hoggard.

SACRAMENTS of HEALING

RECONCILIATION            Sins committed after Baptism are forgiven in the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Penance), continuing Jesus' mission to forgive sins.  This sacrament is celebrated every Saturday at our parish, or you may make an appointment with the priest.  If you haven't celebrated this sacrament of forgiveness in a while, or have questions, you may find this video helpful: (click HERE).                                                  Preparation for Baptized Children who have not celebrated the Sacrament of Reconciliation typically takes place in the 2nd Grade or above.  For information on how to prepare your child for First Reconciliation,  contact Mark Hoggard.  

ANOINTING OF THE SICK                                

The Anointing of the Sick continues Christ's ministry of Healing.  It is not a sacrament for those only who are at the point of death.  On the contrary, it may be celebated muliple times in the course of a person's life, including times of serious illness, or before surgery.  Moreover, the Rite of Anointing itself notes that the "elderly may be anointed if they are in weak condition, even if no dangerous illness is present" (#11).

 

For more information on this sacrament, click HERE.

 

Please call the parish office to arrange for Anointing of the Sick, Communion, or when someone is ill, in the hospital, or in need of help in any way.

SACRAMENTS of VOCATION

MARRIAGE                                

By their marriage, the couple witnesses Christ's spousal love for the Church.

To prepare for their Catholic wedding, registered parishioners must contact the parish at least 6 months in advance of making plans for their marriage. Contact Fr. Nixon Negparanon.                            

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Click on the video HERE to watch an overview from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops on Catholic Weddings and the Sacrament of Marriage.

HOLY ORDERS                          

Like Marriage, the Sacrament of Holy Orders belongs to the Sacraments at the Service of Communion. This means they are primarily directed toward the salvation of others. In addition to ordained orders (deacons, priests, and bishops), women and men may also enter into vowed religious orders, where they live in community with others of their order, or as a lay ecclesial minister on a parish staff or in a religious institution.

If you are considering a vocation to holy orders or religious life, or just want to know more, you might want to visit the Diocese of Richmond Office of Vocations website HERE.

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If you are considering a vocation to lay ecclesial ministry, visit the Lay Ecclesial Ministry Inistitute site HERE.

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