Sacraments“The sacraments are efficacious signs of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, by which divine life is dispensed to us….They bear fruit in those who receive them with the required dispositions.” Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1131
Baptism “Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life…and the door which gives access to the other sacraments.” Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1213 Infant Baptism is generally scheduled during a weekend liturgy, except during the Seasons of Advent and Lent. Baptism is a communal celebration, as are all sacraments. The process of welcoming new members into the faith involves the participation of the parish community who, as part of the rite, promise to be credible witnesses of the faith for those individuals entering the faith through waters of Baptism. Baptism of persons other than infants is celebrated following the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). Contact person: Deacon Aloysius Oliver at (989) 835-7121 Confirmation “For ‘by the sacrament of Confirmation, (the baptized) are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit. Hence they are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed.’ (LG 11; cf OC, Introduction 2)” Confirmation normally occurs during the Easter season. More often than not, Confirmation is celebrated together with Eucharist with individuals (usually children) who are completing sacraments of initiation. However, occasionally, there are individuals who have been baptized and have received Eucharist but have not been confirmed and request to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. After a period of preparation, the sacrament is celebrated during the Easter Season and through the reception of this sacrament, Christian Initiation is completed. Contact person: Anne Marie Graham at (989) 835-8831 Eucharist “…the Eucharist is the sum and summary of our faith: ‘Our way of thinking is attuned to the Eucharist, and the Eucharist in turn confirms our way of thinking.” Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1327 Celebration of First Eucharist for children usually takes place during the Easter season. Preparation of the celebration of Eucharist is held concurrently with preparation for the sacrament of Confirmation. Children will celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation prior to the reception of First Eucharist in accordance with the Catholic Diocese of Saginaw norm. Children thereby are fully initiated into the Catholic Church upon the celebration of the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist. Contact person: Anne Marie Graham at (989) 835-8831 Reconciliation “During his public life Jesus not only forgave sins, but also made plain the effect of this forgiveness: he reintegrated forgiven sinners into the community of the People of God from which sin had alienated or even excluded them” Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1443 Celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation takes several different forms including individually the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month at 9:00 AM (Check current parish calendar) and also communally. The communal form usually is celebrated during the seasons of Advent and Lent. Private appointments can also be arranged by contacting the parish office. Anointing of the Sick “Heal the sick!” (Mt 10:8). The Church has received this charge from the Lord and strives to carry it out by taking care of the sick as well as by accompanying them with her prayer of intercession.” Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1509 The sacrament of the anointing of the sick is available for those who wish (at home, at the hospital, or after any liturgy). A mass with the Anointing of the Sick is celebrated annually. Sacraments in Service to Communion Matrimony “The consent by which the spouses mutually give and receive one another is sealed by God himself. (Mk 10:9) From their covenant arises ‘an institution, confirmed by the divine law, …even in the eyes of society.’[GS 48§1]” Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1639 Holy Orders “This sacrament configures the recipient to Christ by a special grace of the Holy Spirit, so that he may serve as Christ’s instrument for his Church.” Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1581 Those interested in more information regarding vocations should contact the Diocesan office: http://saginaw.org/vocations/main/ |
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