THE SACRAMENTS OF
CHRISTIAN INITIATION
As the Catechism of
the Catholic Church teaches us "The sacraments of Christian initiation -
Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist - lay the foundations of every
Christian life. The sharing in the divine nature given to men through the grace
of Christ bears a certain likeness to the origin, development, and nourishing
of natural life. The faithful are born anew by Baptism, strengthened by the
sacrament of Confirmation, and receive in the Eucharist the food of eternal
life. By means of these sacraments of Christian initiation, they thus receive
in increasing measure the treasures of the divine life and advance toward the
perfection of charity" (Catechism of the Catholic Church). First Holy
Communion is the common name for a person's first reception of the sacrament of
the Eucharist. Roman Catholics recognize the importance of this event as the
Eucharist is the central focus of the sacramental life of the Catholic Church.
First Communion is not practiced in the Eastern Catholic Churches, which
practice Infant Communion. First Communion is traditionally also a festive
occasion for families of the First Communicant. Traditions surrounding First
Communion usually include large family gatherings and parties to celebrate the
event. Special clothing is usually worn. The clothing is often white to
symbolize purity. Girls often wear fancy dresses and a veil attached to a
headdress, as well as white gloves (long or short). In other communities girls
commonly wear dresses passed down to them from sisters or mothers, or even
simply their school uniforms plus the veiled headdress and gloves.
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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.
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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 (8th and 9th grade religious education) and are required 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.
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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 first and second grades.
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4. SACRAMENT OF 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.
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5. SACRAMENT OF HOLY ORDERS
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.
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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 offered at OMOS Saturdays from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30pm or by appointment. Communal reconciliation is offered seasonally during Advent and Lent.
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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.
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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.
OMOS
& HCC MINISTRIES
CCD
Teachers
Lectors
Eucharistic
MHC
Homebound
Altar
Society
Flower
Committee
Choir
Ushers
Liturgy
Altar
Servers
Prison
Ministry
St.
Ann’s Sewing Sisters
Knights
of Columbus
Adult
Formation & Bible Study
Youth
Ministry
St
Martha Group
OMOS
Thrift Store
HCC
Food Pantry
Social
& Hospitality
Festival
Committee
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RCIA considering to become a Catholic? Wanting to learn more about our Catholic Faith? Know someone who might?
Please call the parish for more information. Si usted esta considerando ser Catolico, conoce alguien que desea convertirse a Catolico o desea saber mas de su Fe. Por favor contacte a la oficina de la iglesia para mas informacion.
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