The Sacrament of Baptism is about making him/her a child of God and an heir to the kingdom. It is the first Sacrament one receives, making him/her a member of the Church and of God's family. Baptisms of infants and children under the age of seven are scheduled after the parents have participated in a preparation class. Expectant parents are encouraged to participate in this class before the birth of the child. Please contact the parish office of the church where you worship for more details.

The sacrament of healing where sinners are reconciled to God, is also called Penance or confession. This may be done behind a screen, or face to face. 

Click here for a list of Confession times. 

"The Eucharist, the sacrament of our salvation accomplished by Christ on the cross, is also a sacrifice of praise in thanksgiving for the work of creation. In the Eucharistic sacrifice the whole of creation loved by God is presented to the Father through the death and the Resurrection of Christ. Through Christ the Church can offer the sacrifice of praise in thanksgiving for all that God has made good, beautiful, and just in creation and in humanity." - Catechism of the Catholic Church 1359

Preparation for First Communion takes place for baptized Catholics ordinarily at the age of seven, usually in the second grade. It's a celebration normally scheduled during the Spring season. St. Bernard and St. James Schools prepare the children for the sacraments; all others will prepare through the Parish School of Religion (PSR). It is expected that an individual be in a faith formation program prior to entering preparation for their First Communion. 

The Sacrament of Confirmation, together with Baptism and the Eucharist, is one of the Sacraments of Christian initiation. These three Sacraments form us more fully into the image of Christ making us "fully initiated" members of His Church. 

Candidates for Confirmation participate in classroom instruction, evening meetings, service projects and a retreat day. Parents and sponsors are expected to attend specific evening sessions with their candidate. The Sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated in the late winter. 

This sacrament of service and vocation strengthens committed couples as they strive to become one in life and love in the presence of Christ. Because of the serious nature of the commitment in marriage, couples must contact the parish office and set up a first meeting with a priest or deacon at least six months before the desired date for marriage. 

After an initial meeting with a priest or deacon, the wedding date can be set. 

This sacrament of healing provides Christ's healing presence to those who are experiencing serious illness, those undergoing surgery as well as those who regain health and then fall sick again. 

The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick may be repeated for those whose illness becomes more serious or for those who regain health and then fall sick again. 

All the men of the parish are encouraged to think and pray about whether God is calling them to be a priest or a deacon in the Church. The ministry of the priest is to be the leader of the faith community through service to God's people, especially in the celebration of the sacraments. The ministry of a deacon focuses on the proclamation of the Word of God and works of charity. 

We also encourage men and women in our parish to consider a vocation in the consecrated religious life. Being a member of a religious order offers many different ways of serving God's people. While being a religious sister or brother does not involve a sacrament, it is a calling from God to enrich His holy people. 

For help to discern a calling to vocations, contact Fr. Michael Willig in the Archdiocesan Vocation Office at 513-421-3131 or email [email protected]