The Sacraments of the Catholic Church are signs of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, by which divine life is dispensed to us.
The visible rites by which the sacraments are celebrate signify and make present the graces proper to each sacrament.
There are seven sacraments in the Church: Baptism, Reconciliation, Confirmation, First Eucharist, Anointing of the Sick, Matrimony and Holy Orders.
Baptism
Parents desiring to have their children baptized at Holy Family must be registered parishioners. At least one parent must be a practicing Catholic. You may pick up a baptism registration form from the parish office or by downloading it from our Publications and Forms page. After the completed form is returned, we sign up parents and primary godparents for a Baptismal Preparation class. After completion of the class, a Baptism date is chosen.
Preparation for the sacrament of Baptism for students in Grades 1 through 8 is conducted on an “as needed” basis. There are special classes (in addition to regular Faith Formation classes) for students preparing for this sacrament.
Reconciliation
Children preparing for the Sacrament of Reconciliation must have a minimum of one year formal religious education prior to the period of formal Reconciliation catechesis. This sacramental prepration is offered for students in second grade and older.
Confirmation
Students preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation must have a minimum of one year of formal religious education prior to the period of formal Confirmation catechesis. This sacramental preparation is offered for students in second grade and older. In the rare case your child has missed the Sacraments of Eucharist, Reconciliation or Confirmation please contact the parish office. Each situation will be delt with on a individual basis.
First Eucharist
First Holy Communion or Eucharist is the source and summit of Christian Life. The other sacraments, indeed, all the ministries and apostolic works of the Church, are bound up with the Eucharist and are oriented toward it. For in the blessed Eucharist is contained the whole spiritual good of the Church, namely, Christ Himself.
Requirements for First Eucharist:
- Baptized children who are 7 years of age (second grade).
- Must have a minimum of one year of formal religious education prior to the period of formal First Eucharist catechesis.
- Family must commit to home-based lessons with parent or guardian (work on lessons in the text).
- Parents must attend Mandatory Preparation Meeting.
Anointing of the Sick
Anointing of the sick is a sacrament that is offered to those undergoing serious illness, hospitalization, or people who have grown weak under the burden of years. If you wish to be anointed, please contact the parish office to arrange a convenient time to visit you in your home, nursing home or hospital. A person need not be in danger of death to receive the grace this sacrament offers.
Marriage
The Catholic Church cares deeply about marriage. Therefore, the Church takes marriage preparation very seriously. We believe that proper preparation for the Sacrament of Marriage is vital to developing the skills and attitude required for making a commitment that is free, fruitful and faithful. We want couples to be happily married...for life. Couples must make arrangements at least 4 months prior to the date of marriage, and meet all sacramental requirements. The couple must also attend a marriage preparation weekend.
Holy Orders
Holy Orders is the sacrament in which men commit their lifelong service as ordained priests or deacons. Anyone interested in the priesthood, diaconate, or religious life should make an appointment with the Pastor to aid in the discernment and to receive information.