Sacraments
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Baptism
Baptism is the initial sacrament into the paschal mystery of Jesus. Through it comes the forgiveness of sins, adoption into God's family, and membership into the body of Christ, the Church. Preparation for Baptism Parents are required to attend a baptism class, prior to the baptism of your child. Godparents are encouraged to attend. At least one godparent must be a confirmed and practicing Catholic. When: Classes are scheduled by request, baptisms are celebrated privately or at Mass Where: Baptisms are celebrated during Mass or following Mass |
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Confirmation
Confirmation is a sacrament that seals the baptized Christian with the gift of the Holy Spirit. Preparation for Confirmation This year, we are transitioning to a one-year Confirmation program. Instruction will be offered to both 9th and 10th graders, culminating in the reception of the sacrament at the Cathedral of Saint Paul. In addition to weekly classroom instruction, our program includes guest speakers, sponsor-student gatherings, service opportunities, a question/answer time with our pastor, and a tri-parish retreat for confirmation candidates in November. Learn more on our Faith Formation page. When: Confirmation preparation is a two-year process, celebrated in May Where: Classes in Activities Building, celebrated at Basilica of Saint Mary |
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Holy Communion
The Eucharist is the sacrament of thanksgiving to God, which constitutes the principal Catholic Christian liturgical celebration of our participation in communion with the paschal mystery of Jesus. The Eucharist is the true presence of Jesus Christ and is the source and summit of our Catholic worship. Through our participation in the Eucharist, we grow in communion with God and one another. Preparation for First Holy Communion Children prepare for the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion in the second grade as part of our Faith Formation program. Learn more on our Faith Formation page. When: First Holy Communion preparation starts in January, and is celebrated in April or May Where: Home Study and Learning Stations in the Activities Building |
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Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA)
OCIA is the process of welcoming non-baptized adults or adults baptized in another faith tradition into our Catholic family. We come together in a small group weekly to learn more about our faith. Normally at the Easter Vigil, participants receive all of the Sacraments of Initiation that they have not received already: baptism, confirmation, and holy communion. We also offer sacramental preparation for children who have not been part of a regular faith formation program but would like to receive the sacraments of initiation. We accompany them as they prepare to receive the sacraments in a small group weekly. When: September-April |
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Reconciliation
Reconciliation is the sacrament which confers God’s mercy and forgiveness. The faithful are encouraged to make a regular examination of conscience — even daily — and to pray for forgiveness whenever aware of personal sin, particularly an Act of Contrition. When: Wednesday: 8-8:20 a.m.; Friday: 8-8:20 a.m.; and Saturday: 3:15 - 4 p.m. Where: In the Church Preparation for First Reconciliation Children prepare for the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion in the second grade as part of our Faith Formation program. Learn more on our Faith Formation page. Learn more on our Faith Formation page. When: First Reconciliation preparation begins in the fall, celebration in January Where: Home Study and Learning Stations in the Activities Building |
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Anointing of the Sick
Anointing of the sick provides a spiritual healing by which sins are forgiven and the person receives the Holy Spirit’s gifts of peace and courage to deal with the health difficulties that lie ahead or are being experienced – and, if it be God’s will, the person is aided in the physical ailment. There is no need to wait until a person is at the point of death to receive this sacrament. A careful judgement about the nature of the illness or upcoming procedure is sufficient. When: By request, call the parish office. |
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Marriage
The sacrament of marriage is a covenant or partnership of life and commitment. By exchanging one's consent in the presence of God, with the witness of clergy, family and friends, two people enter into the sacrament of marriage. This sacrament is a visible sign to the world of God’s love, and through it a couple receives the grace needed to live out this sign. On their wedding day, a couple promises to be faithful to one another, be open to the gift of children and care for the good of his/her spouse for a lifetime. Preparation for Marriage Engaged couples begin the marriage preparation process at least six months before their wedding date. This process aims to help couples understand their marital relationship as a sacrament. At Saint Bonaventure, this process involves meeting with the pastor, an engagement retreat, and a sponsor couple. Learn more here. |
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Holy Orders
Holy orders is the Sacrament by which men are ordained to be of service to the Church as deacons, priests, and bishops. While all of the baptized are 'ordained' to a life of service and commitment to Jesus Christ, the Church calls upon some of its members to serve the community through ordination. These ordained servants administer sacraments, confer blessings and offer proclamations specifically for the Kingdom of God. |