Sacraments
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Sacraments of Initiation
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The Sacrament of Baptism is often called "The door of the Church," because it is the first of the seven Sacraments not only in time, but also in priority. The reception of all other Sacraments depends on it. Baptism is the first of the three Sacraments of Initiation, the other two being the Sacrament of Confirmation and the Sacrament of Holy Communion. Once baptized, a person becomes a member of the Church.
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.- Acts 2:38
The Role of the Community
Baptisms are normally celebrated during Mass. Christian initiation is an ecclesial event - the sacramental act by which the community welcomes others into its life. Its presence and involvement constitute the basic shape of the sacramental sign.Baptism Preparation for Infants
Preparation for parents, including discussion of the signs, symbols and meaning of baptism, is required prior to the celebration of the Sacrament. To have your child baptized at our parish, please contact the parish office.
Baptism Preparation is held on the first Saturday of each month (with the exception of Lent and Advent) at 10:00 am.
The Sacrament of Baptism is celebrated on the first Sunday of each month (with the exception of Lent and Advent) at 11:30am. Baptisms are not scheduled during Advent or Lent.
The Sacrament of Baptism as described by Fr. Raphael Mary of the Catholic Newman Center at the University of Washington:
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The Sacrament of Eucharist, also known as "Holy Communion", is the third of the Sacraments of Initiation. Even though we are required to receive Communion at least once per year (our Easter Duty), and the Church urges us to receive Communion frequently (even daily, if possible), it is called a Sacrament of Initiation because, like Baptism and Confirmation, it brings us into the fullness of our life in Christ.In Holy Communion, we are eating the True Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, without which "you shall not have life in you" (John 6:53).
Because of the intimate connection of the Sacrament of Holy Communion to our life in Christ, we must be free of any grave or mortal sin before receiving it, as St. Paul explained in 1 Corinthians 11:27-29. Otherwise, as he warns, we receive the Sacrament unworthily, and we "eateth and drinketh damnation" to ourselves.
If we are aware of having committed a mortal sin, we must participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation first. The Church sees the two Sacraments as connected and urges us, when we can, to join frequent Reconciliation with frequent Communion.
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It is evident from its celebration that the effect of the Sacrament of Confirmation is the special outpouring of the Holy Spirit as once granted to the apostles on the day of Pentecost.
From this fact, Confirmation brings an increase and deepening of baptismal grace:
- it roots us more deeply in the divine filiation which makes us cry, "Abba! Father!" (Romans 8:15);
- it unites us more firmly to Christ;
- it increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit in us;
- it renders our bond with the Church more perfect;
- it gives us a special strength of the Holy Spirit to spread and defend the faith by word and action as true witnesses of Christ, to confess the name of Christ boldly, and never to be ashamed of the Cross:
Recall then that you have received the spiritual seal, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of right judgment and courage, the spirit of knowledge and reverence, the spirit of holy fear in God's presence. Guard what you have received. God the Father has marked you with his sign; Christ the Lord has confirmed you and has placed his pledge, the Spirit, in your hearts.
- Catechism of the Catholic Church 120
The Sacrament of Confirmation as described by Fr. Raphael Mary of the Catholic Newman Center at the University of Washington:
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Sacraments of Vocation
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At its most basic level, marriage is a union between a man and a woman for the purpose of procreation and mutual love and support.Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.
Ephesians 5:15
Marriage Preparation
Sacrament of Marriage: inquiries must be made at least 6 months in advance. Please register at the office.
The Diocese of Victoria is now offering a Marriage Preparation Course fully online. The cost is $80 per couple. Marriage preparation class is compulsory. For more information, please go to the Diocese of Victoria website:
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The Sacrament of Holy Orders is the continuation of Christ's priesthood, which He bestowed upon His Apostles; thus, the Catechism of the Catholic Church refers to the Sacrament of Holy Orders as "the Sacrament of Apostolic Ministry."
In the Sacrament of Holy Orders, a man is incorporated into the priesthood of Christ at one of three levels: the episcopate, the priesthood, or the diaconate.
The Sacrament of Holy Orders can be validly conferred only on baptized men, following the example set by Christ and His Apostles, who chose only men as their successors and collaborators. A man cannot demand ordination; the Church has the authority to determine eligibility for the Sacrament.
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Sacraments of Healing
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Through Reconciliation, Christians are freed from sins committed after Baptism. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is considered the normal way to be absolved from mortal sins which, it is believed, would otherwise condemn a person to Hell.
The Sacrament has four elements, three on the part of the penitent (contrition, confession and satisfaction) and one on the part of the minister of the Sacrament (absolution).
Catholics distinguish between two types of sin: Mortal sins are a grave violation of God's law that turns man away from God. Someone who is aware of having committed mortal sins must repent of having done so, and must confess them in order to benefit from the Sacrament. Venial sins, the kind that "does not set us in direct opposition to the will and friendship of God", can be remitted by contrition and reception of other Sacraments, but they too are rightly and usefully declared in confession.
Sacrament of Reconciliation: Fr. Alfie is available for Reconciliation in the church during the 1/2 hour before evening Masses on Saturday and Sunday, or by appointment. Please call the parish office to arrange.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation as described by Fr. Raphael Mary of the Catholic Newman Center at the University of Washington:
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Formerly known as Last Rites or Extreme Unction, the Anointing of the Sick a ritual of healing, appropriate not only for physical, but also for mental and spiritual sickness.Pastoral Care Ministry
For home or hospital visits by the pastor or Pastoral Care volunteers, please contact the parish office.Death & Grieving
When the moment of death seems near, the following prayer may be said:
I commend you, my dear brother (sister), to almighty God, and entrust you to your Creator. May you return to Him who formed you from the dust of the earth. May the holy Virgin Mary, the angels, and all the saints come to meet you, as you go forth from this life.
May Jesus, who was crucified for you, grant You His mercy and His peace. May Christ, who died for you, admit you into His heavenly Kingdom. May the Blood that He shed be your salvation and may He forgive you of all your sins and set you among those whom He has chosen. May you see your Redeemer face to face and enjoy the vision of God for ever. Amen.Burials & Funerals
Life is changed, not ended, and when the body of our earthly dwelling lies in death, we gain an everlasting dwelling place in heaven. This is possible because in Christ, who rose from the dead, our hope of resurrection has dawned. The sadness of death gives way to the bright promise of immortality.
Download the Guidelines for Funerals and Burials in the Catholic Church for general information on the help available to the Catholic community when a death occurs.
Please call the parish office to arrange a funeral at St. Joseph's.
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