Sacraments
A Sacrament is an outward sign instituted by Christ to give us grace. This definition, which many of us learned is still a good working definition for what the Sacraments are all about. More recently, this definition has been expanded upon by the Catechism of the Catholic Church as follows: "Sacraments are efficacious signs of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, by which divine life is dispensed to us (CCC # 1131)."
The book, Catholicism for Dummies states that 13th century philosopher St. Thomas Aquinas pointed out that seven stages of human development occur in the realm of nature, so it makes sense that God created the Sacraments to correspond with each of the following events:
We are born: Baptism
We are fed: Holy Eucharist
We grow: Confirmation
We need healing: Penance
We recover: Anointing of the Sick
We need family: Matrimony
We need leaders: Holy Orders
Holy Family's Sacramental Requirements
Baptism
Baptism for infants through age 6 should be arranged by calling the Pastoral Associate three months before the desired date.
First Reconciliation
First Reconciliation is usually received in grade 2 or several months before First Eucharist. Candidates should register in August and are instructed in religion classes.
First Holy Communion
First Holy Communion is usually received in grade 2 or at age 7, whichever comes first. First Holy Communion is usually received in conjunction with the Easter Vigil. Candidates should register in August and are instructed in religion classes.
Confirmation
For those already baptized, Confirmation is usually received in grade 8 or above and is administered by the Bishop in the Spring. Candidates should register in August and are expected to attend the Confirmation Preparation program in the Parish.
Baptized Catholics who have not received Reconciliation, Eucharist, or Confirmation should contact the Pastoral Associate for more information.
R.C.I.A.
R.C.I.A. is the abbreviation for Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. This is the process for adults and children age 7 and older to become members of the Catholic Church. R.C.I.A. is for:
For Children:
Adaptations are made to meet the child's needs and to help the child understand the process.
For Teens:
Contact the Parish Office for additional details.
Marriage
One of the parties seeking marriage should be a registered member of this Parish, be active by attending Mass regularly, participate in stewardship of their time, talent and treasure and be in good standing with the Church. Contact the Pastor six months or more in advance of the desired date to discuss fulfilling diocesan requirements. An exact date must be decided in agreement with the Pastor.
Holy Eucharist
Adult First Communion is conducted as part of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (R.C.I.A.) process.
Communion is offered at both Saturday and Sunday Masses. Communion for the sick and shut ins who are not able to attend Mass may be arranged by contacting the Parish Office.
Penance
First Confession is conducted prior to the scheduled First Communion date.
Confessions are heard each Saturday at 3:30 PM or by appointment.
Holy Orders
If one is interested in the Diaconate, Priesthood, Brother or Sisterhood, contact the parish office or the Jackson Diocese for further information. Pray daily for increased religious vocations.
Anointing of the Sick
Anointing of the Sick and Communion is available to all hospital or homebound and those preparing for major surgery, age seven or older. A family member should contact the Parish Office as soon as one becomes seriously ill or knows the date one will enter the hospital.
A Sacrament is an outward sign instituted by Christ to give us grace. This definition, which many of us learned is still a good working definition for what the Sacraments are all about. More recently, this definition has been expanded upon by the Catechism of the Catholic Church as follows: "Sacraments are efficacious signs of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, by which divine life is dispensed to us (CCC # 1131)."
The book, Catholicism for Dummies states that 13th century philosopher St. Thomas Aquinas pointed out that seven stages of human development occur in the realm of nature, so it makes sense that God created the Sacraments to correspond with each of the following events:
We are born: Baptism
We are fed: Holy Eucharist
We grow: Confirmation
We need healing: Penance
We recover: Anointing of the Sick
We need family: Matrimony
We need leaders: Holy Orders
Holy Family's Sacramental Requirements
Baptism
Baptism for infants through age 6 should be arranged by calling the Pastoral Associate three months before the desired date.
First Reconciliation
First Reconciliation is usually received in grade 2 or several months before First Eucharist. Candidates should register in August and are instructed in religion classes.
First Holy Communion
First Holy Communion is usually received in grade 2 or at age 7, whichever comes first. First Holy Communion is usually received in conjunction with the Easter Vigil. Candidates should register in August and are instructed in religion classes.
Confirmation
For those already baptized, Confirmation is usually received in grade 8 or above and is administered by the Bishop in the Spring. Candidates should register in August and are expected to attend the Confirmation Preparation program in the Parish.
Baptized Catholics who have not received Reconciliation, Eucharist, or Confirmation should contact the Pastoral Associate for more information.
R.C.I.A.
R.C.I.A. is the abbreviation for Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. This is the process for adults and children age 7 and older to become members of the Catholic Church. R.C.I.A. is for:
- Persons who have never been baptized as Christians
- Persons who have been baptized in another Chrisitan faith and are interested in the Catholic tradition.
- Persons who were baptized in the Catholic tradition but were not raised as Catholics.
For Children:
- Same rituals of initiation are used with children involved in the process.
Adaptations are made to meet the child's needs and to help the child understand the process.
For Teens:
- Same set of rituals used for teens involved in the process. Special care is taken to make the process important to those who are no longer children, but do not have an adult understanding of R.C.I.A.
Contact the Parish Office for additional details.
Marriage
One of the parties seeking marriage should be a registered member of this Parish, be active by attending Mass regularly, participate in stewardship of their time, talent and treasure and be in good standing with the Church. Contact the Pastor six months or more in advance of the desired date to discuss fulfilling diocesan requirements. An exact date must be decided in agreement with the Pastor.
Holy Eucharist
Adult First Communion is conducted as part of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (R.C.I.A.) process.
Communion is offered at both Saturday and Sunday Masses. Communion for the sick and shut ins who are not able to attend Mass may be arranged by contacting the Parish Office.
Penance
First Confession is conducted prior to the scheduled First Communion date.
Confessions are heard each Saturday at 3:30 PM or by appointment.
Holy Orders
If one is interested in the Diaconate, Priesthood, Brother or Sisterhood, contact the parish office or the Jackson Diocese for further information. Pray daily for increased religious vocations.
Anointing of the Sick
Anointing of the Sick and Communion is available to all hospital or homebound and those preparing for major surgery, age seven or older. A family member should contact the Parish Office as soon as one becomes seriously ill or knows the date one will enter the hospital.