SACRAMENTS

THERE ARE SEVEN SACRAMENTS IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH…

Sacraments are “efficacious signs of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, by which divine life is dispensed to us.” (CCC #1131) In easier-to-understand terms, sacraments are outward signs instituted by Christ to give grace. There are visible (i.e., water, oil, bread, and wine) and invisible (i.e., grace) elements to each sacrament.

There are seven sacraments, but we categorize them into smaller groups which helps us to understand their purpose.

Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation

Sacraments of Healing: Reconciliation (Confession), Anointing of the Sick

Sacraments of Vocation: Matrimony, Holy Orders

Baptism

We offer the Sacrament of Baptism to all parish families. Baptisms may be scheduled after any weekend Mass provided a priest or deacon is available. Please call the parish office to check availability. One or more children may be baptized after any given Mass. For more information, click on the picture.

Reconciliation

We offer the sacrament of reconciliation/confession regularly on Tuesday evenings from 6-7 pm, on Saturday mornings from 8:45-9:30 am, and Saturday afternoons from 3:30-4:20 pm. Confession is also available by appointment by calling the parish office at 815-398-0853.

Come be forgiven and receive God’s love and mercy!

Eucharist

We believe that when the priest says, “This is my body.” and “This is my blood.” at the moment of consecration, that the bread and wine become the body and blood, soul and divinity of Jesus Christ. This is called transubstantiation. For Mass times, click here. For more information on the Mass, click here.

Confirmation

Confirmation is the third Sacrament of Initiation in the Catholic Church. We confirm our students in 8th grade through our School and Religious Education programs. Contact the parish office for information on how to be confirmed as an adult.

Matrimony

Marriages need to be arranged through a parish priest at least six months prior to the wedding. Please call the parish office at 815-398-0853 to schedule an appointment and to set the wedding date. Marriage preparation includes a mentoring program called Fully Engaged and attending a Gift of Self Seminar through the Diocese of Rockford.

Holy Orders

If you’re a man who thinks he may have a calling to the priesthood, please click the picture to check out our Vocations Office for the Diocese of Rockford.

Anointing of the Sick

If you or someone you know is in need of a priest for the anointing of the sick, please get in touch with the office at 815-398-085. Anointing of the Sick is, along with confession/reconciliation, a sacrament of healing. It is typically celebrated when people are dying, terminally ill, preparing for surgery, or experiencing a major sickness.