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Sacraments
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What are Sacraments?As Catholics, we believe that the sacraments are, as St. Augustine put it, outward and visible signs of inward and invisible grace. Outwardly, the sacraments involve words and physical matter and actions, while inwardly they are the direct means by which we experience God’s grace in our lives. The sacraments are far more than mere rituals, or symbols of events that happened long ago; rather, they are a vital source of the help that God freely offers to aid us in our journey of faith.
Each of the seven sacraments was instituted by Jesus Christ, and they are the primary way for us to engage in our faith and grow in our relationship with God. The Father gave his Son out of absolute and perfect love for us, and in the sacraments we encounter the Son’s self-giving love. As we participate in the Church’s liturgies and receive the sacraments, the Holy Spirit works in us to make us more like Jesus.
The sacraments are at the heart of our Catholic faith, and we want to encourage you to receive the sacraments as often as you are able. If you have any questions or would like to receive any of the sacraments, please contact the parish office and we would be happy to assist you.
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BaptismThe Sacrament of Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, making us sons and daughters of God and members of the Body of Christ and freeing us from sin. Through Baptism, we are welcomed into the Catholic Church, the community of faith. When we are baptized, the Holy Spirit comes to live in us. Baptism enables us to receive the other sacraments and to grow in the life of the Risen Christ.
Many Catholics receive this sacrament as infants. Before infants are baptized, the parents (and often the godparents as well) receive preparation for their child’s sacramental faith journey. Adults and teenagers who have not been baptized and who wish to become Catholic usually participate in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. After this period of formation, they receive the Sacraments of Initiation, which include Baptism.
Register for a Baptism
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