- Home
- Contact & Staff
- Daily Mass Schedule
- Event Schedule
- Ministry Schedule
- Examination of Conscience
- Religious Education (CCD)
- Adult Faith Formation
- O.C.I.A.
- Sacraments & Sacramentals
- O.L. Assumption Arena
- Mt. Calvary Cemetery
- Knights of Columbus 1128
- Catholic Daughters
- Time & Talent Ministries
- History
- Scholasticum
- Parish Forms
- Mardi Gras 2026
Outward signs of inward realities (St. Augustine)
The Seven Sacraments of God's Church
"Adhering to the teaching of the Holy Scriptures, to the Apostolic traditions, and to the consensus of the Fathers," we profess that "the Sacraments of the New Law were all instituted by Jesus Christ our Lord." -Council of Trent, DS1600-1601
"Let us then with confidence draw near to the Throne of Grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." -Hebrews 4:16
What is a Sacrament?
A sacrament is a visible sign instituted by Jesus Christ through which invisible grace and sanctification are communicated to us. Christ instituted seven Sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Eucharist, Penance (Reconciliation), Extreme Unction (Holy Anointing), Holy Orders, and Matrimony.
From where do we derive the ceremonies which, with the signs instituted by Christ, are used in administering the Sacraments? From the Church which, with the assistance of the Holy Spirit, has ordained these ceremonies to increase our reverence and respect while imparting the Grace of God.
For more on the Sacraments of Jesus in the Holy Church, pease reference the current Catechism of the Catholic Church #1113-1134 (which also has Biblical & Traditional footnotes). An on-line version is available: https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/_INDEX.HTM
The Seven Sacraments
Baptism
BAPTISM is the Sacrament by which we are "born again by water and the Holy Spirit (Jn.3)" into the life of Grace. Baptism cleanses original sin, restores original Grace, regenerates one into the life of the Church, and imparts an indellable mark as a son or saughter of God.
(Matthew 28:18-20; John 3:3-5; Mark 16:15-16; Luke 7:29-30; Acts 10:47-48; 1 Corinthians 12:13)
Holy Communion
THE HOLY EUCHARIST is the true Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Who is really and substantially present under the appearances of bread and wine for the nourishment of our souls. By reception of Holy Communion in the Mass we offer the "New and Eternal Covenant" to God the Father and become intimately united with Christ bon earth; while at the same time becoming united as One Mystical Body of Christ, the Church.
(All of John 6; 1 Corinthians 11:26; Acts 2:42-43; John 15:4; Ephesians 4:4-7; and all the accounts of the Last Supper)
Confirmation
CONFIRMATION is the Sacrament by which, through the laying on of the Bishop’s hands, prayer, and Anointing, those who have been Baptized are strengthened by the Holy Spirit so that they may firmly profess their Faith and sincerely live up to it. "Baptism gives the Christian a treasure; Confirmation urges him to fight to preserve it against the three great enemies: the world, the flesh, and the devil (Sheen)," by a life of penance, Christian witness, teaching, and even martyrdom for the Church.
(Acts 8:14-17; Acts 19:5-6; Hebrews 19:1-2; Ephesians 4:30)
Holy Matrimony
"The Sacrament of MATRIMONY is not a pious extra added to the marriage contract; it is rather the elevation of a natural marriage contract to the order of Grace, in which the husband loves the wife, as Christ loves the Church, and the wife loves the husband as the Church loves Christ (Sheen."
Through Matrimony, a single man and a single woman are united in as a new creation and receive grace from God to fulfill the duties of their state faithfully until death. This sacrament imposes on the married couple the duty to live together in peace and love and conjugal fidelity, to bring up as Christians the children God may send them, and cheerfully share one another’s joys and sorrows.
(The Books of Ruth and Tobit are great examples of married love; Matthew 19:6; Genesis 2:18-25; Ephesians 5:21-33)
Marriage Prep requires at least 6 months (500.7.1)
Holy Orders
Priestly ORDINATION is the Sacrament by which the Priestly power and office is conferred on the candidate; together with a special grace to discharge its sacred functions, at the hands of his Bishop... "The purpose for which any High Priest is chose from among his fellow men, and made a representative of men in thir dealings with God, is to offer gifts and sacrifices in expiation of their sins (Hebrews 5:1; Sheen)."
(Matthew 18:18-22; Matthew 9:9; Mark 3:13-14; Mark 6:7-13; 2 Corinthians 5:20; 1 Timothy 1:18-20; Luke 10:16; Hebrews 5; and the Last Supper Accounts)
Reconciliation/Confession
CONFESSION is the Sacrament by which the Priest, as the representative of God and His Church, forgives sins when the sinner is heartily sorry for them, confesses them sincerely, and is determined to do penance for them. All have sinned and need God's mercy. This Sacrament allows us to recieve it, unconditionally.
(Proverbs 24:16; 2 Corinthians 5:18; John 20:21-23; Luke 4:16-21; Isaiah 43:25; Hebrews 5; Leviticus 19)
Anointing of the Sick
EXTREME UNCTION (Last Rites) is called such, for it is the last Anointing we typically receive in the order of Anointing (Catechumens before Baptism, Christ after Baptism, and Infirmed when sick). This Anointing is the Sacrament by which the grace of God is imparted to the sick for the welfare of the body, mind, and soul. Through the Anointing we ask God for the strength to unite our suffering to Christ's Cross and grant us a return to health, if it be His will. Confession heals the soul, Extreme Unction seeks bodily or spiritual healing by strengthing the soul for the Cross.
(James 5:14-17; Mark 6:13; Matthew 8:17)
If there is an emergency need for the Sacrament of Anointing, please call Father ASAP or alert hospital staff.