BAPTISMS

Baptism is the foundation of Christian life. The parents of newborn infants are encouraged to present their children to the church soon after birth for the Sacrament of Baptism. In baptism the Catholic Church has always understood that the child, freed from original sin, becomes an heir to the Kingdom of God, receiving the virtues of faith, hope and charity and the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit. Through baptism the child has access to the other church sacraments.

Saint Peter explained what happens at baptism, “Do penance, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of your sins: and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” (Acts 2:38). He did not restrict this teaching only to adults, “For the promise is to you, and to your children, and to all that are far off, whomsoever the Lord our God shall call.” (2:39). Further, we also read: “Rise up, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, invoking his name.” (Acts 22:16). These commands of Baptism are universal, and not restricted to adults. They make clear the connection between baptism and salvation. “Our baptism is not a putting away of outward defilement; it is the test which assures us of a good conscience before God, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” (1 Pt 3:21)

Please call our parish office (506) 357-2593 1 month in advance to make arrangements for an infant baptism.

The Holy Ghost is given to those already baptized "In the Western Church the sacrament is usually administered by the bishop. At the beginning of the ceremony there is a general imposition of hands, the bishop meantime praying that the Holy Ghost may come down upon those who have already been regenerated: "send forth upon them thy sevenfold Spirit the Holy Paraclete." He then anoints the forehead of each with chrism saying: "I sign thee with the sign of the cross and confirm thee with the chrism of salvation, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost." Finally, he gives each a slight blow on the cheek saying: "peace be with thee". A prayer is added that the Holy Spirit may dwell in the hearts of those who have been confirmed, and the rite closes with the bishop's blessing." [source]

CONFIRMATIONS

Confirmation can be conferred only on those who have already been baptized and have not yet been confirmed. As St. Thomas says: “Confirmation is to baptism what growth is to generation. Now it is clear that a man cannot advance to a perfect age unless he has first been born; in like manner, unless he has first been baptized he cannot receive the Sacrament of Confirmation (Summa Theologiæ III.72.6).”

Confirmation can be conferred only on those who have already been baptized and have not yet been confirmed...

Confirmation imparts:

1. An increase of sanctifying grace which makes the recipient a "perfect Christian";
2. A special sacramental grace consisting in the seven gifts of the Holy Ghost, especially the strength and courage to boldly confess the name of Christ;
3. An indelible character, by reason of which the sacrament cannot be received again by the same person.

EUCHARIST

“Holy Communion assures me that I will win the victory..." - St. Faustina

MARRIAGES

"Whether as a state or as a contract whether from the viewpoint of religion and morals or from that of the social welfare, marriage appears in its highest form in the teaching and practice of the Catholic Church. The fact that the contract is a sacrament impresses the popular mind with the importance and sacredness of the relation thus begun. [...]" Source here

For Marriages, please contact our parish office (506) 357-2593 6 months in advance of date.

ANOINTING OF THE SICK

In the past, the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick was commonly administered to the dying for the remission of sins, spiritual strength, and the recovery of physical health. In modern times, its use has expanded to all those gravely ill or to those about to undergo a serious medical operation.

The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick goes back to biblical times. "This sacred anointing of the sick was instituted by Christ our Lord as a true and proper sacrament of the New Testament. It is alluded to indeed by Mark, but is recommended to the faithful and promulgated by James the apostle and brother of the Lord." (CCC 1511) When Christ sent His disciples out to preach, “they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them" (MK 6:13) “Is any man sick among you? Let him bring in the priests of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith shall save the sick man: and the Lord shall raise him up: and if he be in sins, they shall be forgiven him. (JM 5:14-15)

"Only Priests are ministers of the Anointing of the Sick" (CCC 1516). Received in faith and in a state of grace, the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick provides the recipient with a number of graces:

1. The uniting of the sick person to the passion of Christ, for his own good and that of the whole Church;
2. The strengthening, peace, and courage to endure in a Christian manner the sufferings of illness or old age;
3. The forgiveness of sins, if the sick person was not able to obtain it through the sacrament of Penance;
4. The restoration of health, if it is conducive to the salvation of his soul;
5. The preparation for passing over to eternal life.

(CCC 1532)