The Sacraments: Gifts of Faith
The structure of Baptism demonstrates the critical importance of cooperation between Church and family in passing on the faith. Parents are called, as Saint Augustine once said, not only to bring children into the world but also to bring them to God, so that through Baptism they can be reborn as children of God and receive the gift of faith. Thus, along with life, children are given a fundamental orientation and assured of a good future; this orientation will be further strengthened in the Sacrament of Confirmation with the seal of the Holy Spirit.
The Eucharist is an act of remembrance, a making present of the mystery in which the past, as an event of death and resurrection, demonstrates its ability to open up a future, to foreshadow ultimate fulfillment. In the Eucharist, we learn to see the heights and depths of reality. The bread and wine [become] the Body and Blood of Christ, who becomes present in his passover to the Father. This movement draws us, body and soul, into the movement of all creation toward its fulfillment in God.
Excerpted from On Faith by Pope Francis.
The Seven Sacraments
Jesus touches our lives through the sacraments. Our celebrations of the sacraments are signs of Jesus’ presence in our lives and a means for receiving his grace. The Church celebrates seven sacraments, which are divided into three categories.
Sacraments of Initiation
These sacraments lay the foundation of every Christian life.
Baptism
In Baptism, we receive new life in Christ. Baptism takes away original sin and gives us a new birth in the Holy Spirit. Its sign is the pouring of water.
For more information on this Sacrament
Confirmation
Confirmation seals our life of faith in Jesus. Its signs are the laying of hands on a person’s head, most often by a bishop, and the anointing with oil. Like Baptism, Confirmation is received only once.
For more information on this Sacrament
Eucharist | Communion
The Eucharist nourishes our life of faith. Its signs are the bread and wine we receive—the Body and Blood of Christ.
For First Communion for K-6th Grades thru GIFT For more information
For First Communion for Middle School thru EDGE For more information
Sacraments of Healing
These sacraments celebrate the healing power of Jesus.
Penance | Confession
Through Penance, we receive God’s forgiveness. Forgiveness requires being sorry for our sins. In Penance, we receive Jesus’ healing grace through absolution by the priest. The signs of this sacrament are our confession of sins and the words of absolution.
For confession times
Anointing of the Sick
This sacrament unites a sick person’s suffering with that of Jesus and brings forgiveness of sins. Oil, a symbol of strength, is the sign of this sacrament. A person is anointed with oil and receives the laying on of hands from a priest.
For more information call the Parish Office (559) 439-0124
Sacraments of Service
These sacraments help members serve the community.
Matrimony
In Matrimony a baptized man and woman are united with each other as a sign of the unity between Jesus and his Church. Matrimony requires the consent of the couple, as expressed in the marriage promises. The couple and their wedding rings are the signs of this sacrament.
For more information
Holy Orders
In Holy Orders, men are ordained as priests, deacons, or bishops. Priests serve as spiritual leaders of their communities, and deacons serve to remind us of our baptismal call to help others. Bishops carry on the teachings of the apostles. The signs of this sacrament are the laying on of hands and anointing with oil by the bishop.
For more information on Vocations
