1. BAPTISM: The sacrament of
Baptism gives us sanctifying grace, and it also makes us adopted children of
God and heirs of heaven. Through Baptism we become members of the Church; we
are marked permanently, and therefore Baptism cannot be repeated. It requires preparation of the parents
and sponsors.
The normal time of baptism is at one
of the weekend Masses. Baptism incorporates the child into the Body of Christ,
the Universal Church, but specifically the local Parish.
|
2. SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION
There is a close relationship between the sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation. While Confirmation is a distinct and complete sacrament in its own right, its purpose is to perfect and complete in us what was begun in Baptism. It is called confirmation, because it confirms and strengthens the grace of baptism. Those who receive confirmation need to be in a state of grace, to be cleansed spiritually by the sacrament of Penance; to have the intention of receiving the sacrament, and to be prepared to show in their lives that they are Christians. The candidate receives a minimum of two years of instruction (7th and 8th grade religious education), and are invited to attend Sunday Mass, Holy Day liturgies and participate actively in the Parish; Parents are also asked to participate in celebrations and to be active in the church. In our parish the Sacrament of Confirmation is generally conferred at the end of the 9th grade.
|
3. SACRAMENT OF THE EUCHARIST
This is the sacrament which completes Christian initiation. It is the perpetuation of the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, and a banquet in which Christ himself is consumed. The Eucharistic sacrifice always includes prayers, Bible readings, and the consecration of wheat bread and grape wine. Transubstantiation is the teaching that during the Mass, at the consecration in the Lord's Supper (Communion), the elements of the Eucharist, bread and wine, are transformed into the actual body and blood of Jesus. They are no longer bread and wine, but only retain their appearance of bread and wine. The celebration in which we first receive the Eucharist is known as First Communion. Those who receive First Communion need to be in a state of grace, to be cleansed spiritually by the sacrament of Penance; to have the intention of receiving the sacrament, and to be prepared to show in their lives that they are Christians. The candidate receives a minimum of two years of instruction of religious education, and is invited to attend Sunday Mass, Holy Day liturgies and participate actively in the Parish. Parents are also asked to participate in the celebrations and to be active in the church. Formal preparation for First Eucharist (Communion) takes place in the second grade.
|
|
SACRAMENTS AT THE SERVICE
OF COMMUNION:
4. MATRIMONY: Marriage is defined
and understood as an indissoluble union between a man and a woman. Apart from
the requirements, such as freedom of consent, which it sees as applicable to
all, the church has established certain specific requirements for the validity of
marriages by Catholics.
For Matrimony, the couple should begin by contacting the
parish priest or deacon at least 4 to 6 months prior to the actual scheduled
date for the marriage to take place, and should follow the Diocesan Guidelines
for Marriage.
|
Ordination is a sacrament in three degrees or orders, episcopate (bishops), presbyterate (priests) and diaconate (deacons), which consecrates and deputes some Christians to serve the whole body by these specific titles. The Church has defined rules on who may be ordained into the clergy. In the Latin Rite, the priesthood and diaconate are generally restricted to celibate men. All clergy, whether deacons, priests or bishops, may preach, teach, baptize, witness marriages and conduct funeral liturgies. Only bishops and priests can administer the sacraments of the Eucharist, Reconciliation (Penance) and Anointing of the Sick. Only bishops can administer the sacrament of Holy Orders, which ordains someone into the clergy.
|
6. SACRAMENT OF PENANCE: The Sacrament of Penance (also called Reconciliation, Forgiveness, Confession, and Conversion) exists for the conversion of those who, after baptism, separate themselves from Christ by sin. Essential to this sacrament are acts both by the sinner (examination of conscience, contrition with a determination not to sin again, confession to a priest, and performance of some act to repair the damage caused by sin) and by the priest (determination of the act of reparation to be performed and absolution). The priest is bound under the severest penalties to maintain the “seal of confession”, absolute secrecy about any sins revealed to him in confession. Sacrament of reconciliation at OMOS Saturday: 4:00 p.m. - (or by appointment) and HCC first Thursday: 6:00 p.m. Communal reconciliation: Seasonally.
|
While chrism is used only for the three sacraments that cannot be repeated (baptism, confirmation, ordination), different oil is used by a priest or bishop to bless a Catholic who, because of illness or old age, has begun to be in danger of death. This sacrament: known as the Anointing of the sick, is believed to give comfort, peace, and courage, and if the sick person is unable to make a confession, even forgiveness of sins. Although it is not reserved for those in proximate danger of death, it is often administered as one of the Last Rites. For the anointing of the sick, please call the Church office and request the Priest to visit and anoint
|
|
Liturgical worship is the most practical expression of the faith of the community. The liturgy of the Church is the lifeblood of the parish and to be properly expressed requires the help of parishioners in several ministerial roles. Those who believe that they are called to serve in these ministries should receive training and education for that specific ministry. Ministers must complete a confidential online application with the Diocese of Austin and attend the Ethics and Integrity in Ministry training.
|
|
