About Catholic Sacraments

There are seven sacraments. They were instituted by Christ and given to the Church to administer. They are necessary for salvation. The sacraments are the vehicles of grace which they convey. They are validly administered by the carrying out of the sign with the proper intention. Not all are equally qualified to administer all the sacraments. The validity of the sacrament is independent of the worthiness of the minister. Three sacraments imprint an indelible character These are Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Orders.

Baptism
Baptism is a true sacrament instituted by Christ. It is administered by washing with natural water and at the same time invoking the Most Holy Trinity. Since it confers grace by the signs' being properly carried out children can and should be baptized even while still infants. Baptism is necessary for salvation. Baptism effects the remission of original sin and actual sins and of all punishment due to sin; it confers sanctifying grace, membership in Christ and in the Church and the obligation to obey the Church's laws, and give an indelible character.

Parents are required to attend a one-time training program prior to the Baptism of their child. These classes are usually held the 2nd Thursday of every other month and may be taken during the pregnancy as well as after the baby is born. Baptisms are scheduled on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month following the 12 o'clock Mass. Under special circumstances, baptisms may be scheduled on other days and times.

First Penance and First Communion
Children making their First Penance and First Holy Communion need to be participating in the Faith Formation Program, the Family Catechesis program, or attending Catholic school. These sacraments are normally celebrated during the 2nd grade year. See Faith Formation for more information.

Confirmation
Confirmation is a true sacrament instituted by Christ and different from baptism. It is administered by laying-on of hands and anointing with chrism accompanied by prayer. The chrism is blessed by the bishop and the bishop administers the sacrament. All baptized persons can and should be confirmed. The effect of the sacrament of confirmation is to give strength in faith and for the confession of faith and to impress an indelible character.
In the Diocese of Arlington, Confirmation is offered to young people who are at least 13 years of age and in at least the 8th grade. Beside regular attendance in the Faith Formation program, participatinf in the Family Catechesis program, or attneding Catholic school, the candidate wil need to do service hours and attend a retreat. We are striving to help the students realize that choosing to be Confirmed means continuing their reliigious education and full practice of the Catholic Faith. Adults who have not yet been confirmed should contact the parish office. There will be preparation for them at the parish and then Adult Confirmations take place at the Diocesan Cathedral on Pentecost Sunday.

Matrimony
Plans must be made with the priest or deacon at least six months prior to the wedding. Diocesan guidelines require an extensive pre-marriage preparation. It is advised that the wedding date not be set before seeing the priest or deacon.

Holy Orders
See Vocations

Anointing of the Sick
Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament for the one who is approaching a serious operation or suffering a serious illness or nearing the end of life. It gives health to the soul and sometimes help to the body as well.

Communion Calls
If a parishioner is housebound due to illness/disability, please call the Parish Office to arrange for a communion call. Fr. Mike does Communion calls on First Fridays and our Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist will be happy to make Communion Calls at other times.