Sacraments 1
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Baptism is the first and foundation of all the sacraments. We cannot receive the other sacraments until we first receive baptism. Baptism is conferred upon a person (infant, child or adult) by the pouring of water over the head three times with the minister proclaiming, “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
Baptism does three primary things for us:
- It heals the wound of original sin (a spiritual “genetic defect” passed down to all people making it difficult at times for us to know God, to know God’s will and to make good and healthy decisions in our lives).
- It gives us the gift of the Holy Spirit. After baptism, the Holy Spirit (God’s life and Spirit) begins to live within us—to guide and strengthen us throughout life.
- It makes us members of God’s family, the Church. With baptism, we become God’s daughters and sons and are invited to receive the fullness of the blessings and gifts God wishes to give to his people.
Baptism is conferred by a deacon or priest (or anyone in the case of an emergency).
For an infant baptism the parents must be actively practicing the Catholic faith.
Sponsor information: For a person to be a “Sponsor” at Baptism or Confirmation, that person must be at least 16 years old, a confirmed Catholic, and in good standing. “Good standing” means to be attending Mass weekly, the Sacrament of Reconciliation regularly, an active member of a parish. If the sponsor is married, the marriage must be validated in the Catholic Church. If there are two sponsors, they must be male and female.
There is only a requirement for one (1) sponsor: An active, baptized Christian from another faith may act as a “Non-Catholic Witness” to the baptism, and assume the role of godparent. However, there is still a requirement for a Sponsor. If the Sponsor is not from the Church of the Baptism, they would need a “Sponsor certificate” from their own Pastor to verify that they meet all the requirements of Baptism.
Anyone wishing for more information please contact the Rectory Office: Phone: 814-723-4222 -
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What is Reconciliation?
The Christian is brought into profound relationship with God and with his/her brothers and sisters in the Church through the sacraments of initiation. This relationship is harmed or even broken through sin. Through the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation, the sinner approaches God and the Church, acknowledging and confessing sins, expressing regret and sorrow for them and receiving forgiveness through the mercy of God at the hands of a priest.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is celebrated every Saturday afternoon from 3:00 to 4:00 pm, or other times by appointment. The faithful are required to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation at least once a year.
Anyone wishing for more information please contact the Rectory Office: Phone: 814-723-4222 -
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At the Last Supper, on the night before he died for us, Jesus instituted the Eucharist, and entrusted to the Apostles its celebration throughout the centuries. Even today at the celebration of the Lord’s Supper (more commonly referred to as the Mass), the Risen Jesus is truly present in the readings from the Bible, in the group of assembled people, and in the consecrated bread and wine. In some beautifully mysterious way, through the action of the Holy Spirit, the ordinary bread and wine become the real presence of Jesus, in a form which we can consume. It becomes a spiritual food that nourishes our spirit, soul and body.
Jesus’ presence in the Eucharistic celebration is one of the most sublime mysteries of the universe. The most intimate moment of the Eucharistic celebration is the reception of Holy Communion. God comes to us in the simple form of bread and wine so that he can continue to nourish us, drawing us spiritually closer to him and to our neighbor. Catholics typically receive their first communion in third grade, or at the time of their baptism (if older than 7 years). Catholics are obligated to participate in the celebration of the Eucharist (Mass) every weekend and on holy days of obligation.
Anyone wishing for more information please contact the Rectory Office: Phone: 814-723-4222 -
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Confirmation gives us a fuller and deeper gift of the Holy Spirit. It is a spiritual “software upgrade” of sorts. Confirmation takes the gift of the Holy Spirit given to us at baptism and enhances it, giving us more spiritual resources needed to live our adult lives in a holy and healthy way. Confirmation is usually conferred by the bishop to people who are between the ages of 7 and 16. In the Diocese of Erie, confirmation is normally celebrated in 11th grade. When adults are baptized, they also receive confirmation and first Eucharist at the same time in the same ceremony.
Anyone wishing for more information please contact the Rectory Office: Phone: 814-723-4222
