Baptism

Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God. We become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: "Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word." (1)

Adults - The Sacrament of Baptism is offered and encouraged for anyone wishing to enter into a new life of faith according to the Catholic tradition. Adults should make an appointment with the parish priest to set up a program of adult initiation. This typically may take up to one year to complete.

Infants - Active parishioners are encouraged to bring their children for baptism. Parents and Godparents are asked to attend a baptismal preparation session prior to the baptism. This preparation session provides a spiritual recourse to inform and educate parents and godparents in the baptismal ceremony and the profound Grace of this Sacrament. These sessions are held by appointment only.

Whether you are interested in baptism as an adult or for a newborn, please contact the parish office for details.

^{The Baptism of Jesus}

^{The Holy Spirit}

Confirmation

The Sacrament of Confirmation (or Chrismation) is a rite confirming an individual's Baptism. This Sacrament strengthens a Christian and helps him enter into a more intimate union with Christ. It is a Sacrament which opens one to the powerful gifts of the Holy Spirit as we strive to lead a Christian life and bring others to the knowledge and love of God. (2)

Confirmation for 7th and 8th grade classes is administered each even year. Parents of parish children not enrolled in St. Joseph School should contact the parish office for information.

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me; He has anointed me, and sent me out to preach the gospel to the poor, to restore the brokenhearted; to bid the prisoners go free, and the blind to have sight; to set the oppressed at liberty, to proclaim a year when men may find acceptance with the Lord." -  Luke 4:18-19

Anointing of the Sick

The anointing of the sick (with oil) and prayers for healing is celebrated with those who are seriously ill, preparing for surgery, or frail and elderly. At any time a Catholic may request this Sacrament. With a days notice, the Sacrament can be made available. Our Pastor regularly visits the convalescent homes in the area and offers the Sacrament. He will also make individual visits to the sick to confer this Sacrament. (5)

If you or someone you know is in need of this Sacrament, please contact the parish office for arrangements.

"Is anyone among you sick? He should summon the presbyters of the church, and they should pray over him and anoint (him) with oil in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven." - James 5:14-15

^{Jairus' Daughter}

^{Sacred Ordination}

Holy Orders

The Sacrament of Holy Orders imparts a special indelible character, a mark that God can see, on the human soul. Like the Holy Eucharist itself, the character of Holy Orders utterly transforms a man interiorly while leaving his outer appearance unchanged. That character remains on his soul for all eternity, identifying him as one of God’s ordained servants. (6)

If you are a young man interested in answering the call of the Sacrament of Holy Orders, please contact the parish office.

"It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you." - Mark 15:16