A "Sacrament" is defined as an outward sign, instituted by Christ, that gives grace.
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In the Catholic Church Tradition, there are seven Sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Eucharist, Confession, Anointing of the Sick, Matrimony, and Holy Orders.
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Below is listed the various Sacraments available at the parish level and information regarding requirements and registration.
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If your child does not attend Catholic School but is of elementary or junior high age, especially if they are old enough to receive one of these sacraments, your child may join our religious education classes in CCD.
These classes span from August to May and you can register here:
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If you are an adult who wishes to become Catholic, or if you just want to learn more about the Faith, you can sign up for adult formation in RCIA by registering here:
Confirmation
Confirmation is the second Sacrament of Initiation, though often the third to be received. Receiving this Sacrament completes the process begun in Baptism. After you are confirmed, you are considered an adult in the Church, and receive the rights and duties of a fully initiated Catholic.
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At St. Joseph, we celebrate Confirmation every three years. If you have a child who is in 5th-7th grade, he or she can receive this Sacrament when it comes to the parish. Click the link below for more information about requirements, or the link in the description to retrieve a CCD Registration form. Contact us with other questions.
Baptism
Baptism is the first Sacrament of Initiation. This is the first time we receive God's grace, wiping away original sin, and granting us rights and duties within the Church.
If you would like to baptize your child, or wish to know more, click the links below, or feel free to contact us.
Holy Communion
John 6: 53 reads, "Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life within you." This is the third Sacrament of Initiation, though often the second that is received, and it is the source and summit of our faith. When we receive the Eucharist, Jesus lives physically within us, giving us life and strength.
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This Sacrament is the reason for all other Sacraments. It is the center of our world as Catholics, the manifestation of our unity in the Church. Wherever you go in the world, it is the same Jesus we receive.
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Children as young as 7 can receive our Lord! All they need to do is receive their formation, which begins in the home. Outside of the home, they can receive their formation at any of the Catholic schools or they can attend CCD/Catechism classes. Register by clicking the link above.
Adults who wish to become Catholic and receive this most awesome gift can register for RCIA classes by clicking the link above and downloading the form.
Marriage
Marriage, or the Sacrament of Matrimony, is a gift from God that joins man and woman in a bond known as a sacred covenant. A "covenant" is a vow that is so strong that it establishes a relationship that can only end in death. The practice of forming covenants goes back to ancient times and would often join tribes or warriors together. This practice continues to this day and is sanctified by God in the marriage covenant, joining man and woman in a lifelong relationship, forming the family, the first school of society. It is in the home that we find the beginnings of real education, which comes about from the lessons taught by parental example. Marriage preparation is a process by which man and woman are lead to know each other on an even deeper level, allowing them to evaluate their readiness to fulfill the rights and duties found within marriage.
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Click the links below for more information and for various registrations, and contact the pastor to begin your preparation process.
Anointing of the Sick
Anointing of the Sick is one of the Sacraments of Healing. Often called "Extreme Unction," this Sacrament is employed to aid the sick person in his recovery and spiritual peace. It is not only for those who are dying, but is for anyone who is suffering from a serious ailment. It can be received before a surgery, in the midst of a serious illness (like cancer or a dangerous strain of influenza), or after a serious accident.
If you or someone you know is in need of the Anointing of the Sick, simply contact your parish priest.
Confession
Another Sacrament of Healing, this Sacrament alleviates the guilt of sin on the soul. We confess our sins to Christ through the person of the priest, and through the priest receive God's mercy. When sin is removed, it is replaced by sanctifying grace, and we are given the strength to move forward and resist temptation, resolving not to let past sins ensnare us.
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We enter sinful yet free of judgment, and exit liberated from guilt and oppression.
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Check the home screen for Confession times.
