According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, ‘The sacraments are efficacious (effective) signs of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, by which divine life is dispensed to us’ (#1131).Saraments are moments of grace inwhich God freely gives unmerited favor and love to us, instituted by Jesus and entrusted to the Church, for the good of the person and of the Church. God comes in a special way to each recipient to save them and to make them holy.
The Church celebrates seven sacraments; Baptism, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Confirmation, Matrimony, Anointing of the Sick, and Holy Orders.
Baptism
“Baptism is the best gift we have received. Through it, we belong to God and we possess the joy of salvation.”
Pope Francis
“Go, therefore, make disciples of all nations; baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20).
Baptism is the sacrament of new life in Christ, washing away original sin and marking us as children of God. Through the waters of baptism, we are united with Christ, welcomed into His Church, and called to live as His disciples.
Reconciliation
“The Lord never tires of forgiving. It is we who tire of asking for forgiveness.”
Pope Francis
Saint Padre Pio encourages us to regular confession more than twice a year. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is God’s gift of mercy, restoring our relationship with Him through the forgiveness of sins. In this sacred encounter, we confess our sins with a contrite heart, receive absolution through the priest, and are strengthened by God’s grace to walk in His love. A good Catholic examination of conscience can be great help in making a new start in the life of faith and making an act of contrition daily.
Marriage
“If you want to change the world, go home and love your family.”
St. Teresa of Calcutta
Marriage is the sacred covenant between a man and a woman, reflecting Christ’s love for His Church. In this sacrament, husband and wife are united by God in an unbreakable bond, strengthened by His grace to love, honor, and serve one another in faithfulness and holiness.
Anointing of the Sick
The anointing of the sick can be administered to any member of the faithful who, having reached the use of reason, begins to be in danger by reason of illness or old age.”
(Canon 1004; cf. CCC 1514)
The Anointing of the Sick is the sacrament of Christ’s healing and strength, given to those suffering from illness or infirmity. Through prayer, anointing with oil, and the laying on of hands by a priest, the sick receive God’s grace for healing, peace, and spiritual renewal.
A new illness or a worsening of health enables a person to receive the sacrament a further time. For emergencies, please call the parish office.