Sacraments are “powers that come forth” from the Body of Christ, which is ever-living and life-giving. They are actions of the Holy Spirit at work in his Body, the Church. They are “the masterworks of God” in the new and everlasting covenant..” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1116)
Seven Sacraments of the Church
Baptism
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 children 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.” (The CCC, Article I, paragraph 1213)
| Anytime by appointment. |
Confirmation
It is through the sacrament of Confirmation that a person becomes fully initiated into the Catholic Church and receives the seal of the Holy Spirit. Confirmation provides an indelible spiritual mark on the soul, enabling a person to be a stronger witness for Jesus Christ through a lifetime of worship, prayer and service.
| Confirmation Two year program (Grade 9 & 10) Celebrated in Grade 10 Contact Torin Bourke at 203-735-7857 ext 32 Christian Initiation for Adults & Adult Confirmation Contact Fr. Gubbiotti at 203-735-7857 ext 18 |
Eucharist
Eucharist is the “source and summit” of our faith, the font from which all other sacraments flow. Catholics believe that in the Eucharist, Jesus Christ is most profoundly present with the Church. In the Eucharist, Jesus Christ fulfills His promise to the Church: ‘I am with you always, until the end of the age’ (Mt. 28:20)
The Celebration of the Eucharist (Mass) is the height and center of all the sacraments. It is the heart and soul of Catholic faith. It truly expresses who we are in our relationship with God while forming us into a people destined for eternal life with God. We gather each Sunday as a parish community to celebrate the liturgy. The Eucharist feeds us with the Word and with the Body and Blood of Christ. Sunday Mass is the foundation of parish life and weekly attendance is necessary to a healthy and vital relationship with God for the Catholic Christian. At the Table of the Lord, we share in His Body and Blood and so are called to become what we eat.
| First Communion Two year program (Grade 1 & 2) Celebrated in Grade 2 Contact Anne Lynch at 203-736-2663 |
Reconciliation
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is for our spiritual healing. It is also known as Confession or Penance.
According to the Gospels, after the Resurrection, Jesus appeared to the apostles, breathed on them, and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them; whose sins you shall retain, they are retained.” (John 20:22-23) That is why Jesus left us this sacrament, to heal our spiritual wounds, which we call sin. Receiving this sacrament pardons us from our sins through the mercy of God and reconciles us with the Church community.
| Two year program (Grade 1 & 2) Celebrated in Grade 2 Contact Anne Lynch at 203-736-2663 |
Holy Matrimony
For Catholics, the Sacrament of Matrimony is a sacred covenant between a man and a woman, initiated by God, and designed to be a primary place where God’s love is seen and known, since your love is meant to be as self-giving as the love that Christ Jesus has for His People, the Church.
When two baptized Catholics (or one Catholic and a baptized non-Catholic) publicly profess their consent to each other, they are conferring the Sacrament of Matrimony on each other. That’s right: YOU are the ministers of the sacrament, as you make these three solemn statements of consent to each other in the presence of God, the faith community, and family and friends.
- to take this step into marriage freely and with due reflection;
- to live faithfully as husband and wife as long as you both shall live;
- to be open to raising and preparing your children as Catholic Christians.
| Contact Fr. Gubbiotti at least six months in advance. 203-735-7857 ext. 18 |
Holy Orders
Holy Orders is the sacrament by which bishops, priests and deacons are ordained and receive the power and grace to perform their sacred duties. The sacred rite by which orders are conferred is called ordination. The apostles were ordained by Jesus at the Last Supper so that others could share in his priesthood.
Holy Orders, which was instituted by Christ himself, is administered by the laying on of hands by the Bishop, through which the priest is given the power to serve the Church through his preaching, teaching and celebration of the Sacraments.
| Contact Fr. Gubbiotti Or call the Vocations Office at 860-286-7670 Or visit: www.vocationshartford.org |
Anointing of the Sick
The Sacrament of Anointing is meant for those Christians whose health is seriously impaired by sickness and old age. Through the anointing the Church supports the sick in their struggle against illness, continuing Christ’s work of healing.
If possible, the sacrament should be requested at the beginning of a serious illness so the person can participate actively and fully. The presence of family members and others from the community highlight this prayer of the Church as a healing encounter with the Lord. Anointing may be repeated as dictated by the condition of the person, whether during the same or a different illness.
