The Sacraments
The liturgical life of the Catholic Church revolves around the Eucharistic sacrifice and the sacraments. There are seven sacraments in the Church: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance, Anointing of the Sick, Matrimony, and Holy Orders.
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The purpose of the sacraments are to make people holy, to build up the body of Christ, and finally, to give worship to God; but being signs, they also have a teaching function. They not only presuppose faith, but by words and object, they also nourish, strengthen, and express it; that is why they are called "sacraments of faith." The sacraments impart grace, but, in addition, the very act of celebrating them disposes the faithful most effectively to receive this grace in a fruitful manner, to worship God rightly, and to practice charity.
Our parish is a sacramental community, rooted in the Gospel values. Administering the sacraments is both our privilege and responsibility. Below you will find information on each of the seven sacraments and how to obtain reception of each.
Baptism
To be baptized or have a child baptized at Holy Family, please contact the Parish Office
Baptism is the gateway to life in the Spirit. It is the means through which we gain access to the other sacraments. Through baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as children of God. By baptism we become members of Christ and his church.
Reconciliation
The sacrament of reconciliation is available Saturdays at 3 PM or by appointment
Given that sin destroys our relationship with God and undermines our relationship with other human beings, 'reconciliation' designates that precise effect of Christ's redemption of the human race that restores our relationship with God and our human fellowship.
Christ breaks down the barriers that sin raises between us and God, and within the human community. Our conversion from sin and reception of divine mercy are continually renewed by confession. Serious sin separates us from the body of the church, and sacramental penance reconciles us with God and the community of his people.
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The Holy Eucharist
Please contact the Coordinator of Faith Formation regarding receiving First Holy Communion
The Eucharist completes Christian initiation. Through this sacrament of initiation we participate with the whole community of believers in the Lord’s own sacrifice. The Eucharist (from the Greek word eucharistia 'thanksgiving') is the sacrament of the body and blood of Christ in which he is present under the forms of bread and wine offering himself in the sacrifice of the Mass and giving himself as spiritual food to the faithful. At the Last Supper, the Lord instituted the eucharistic sacrifice of his body and blood. He did this in order to perpetuate the sacrifice of the cross throughout the ages until he should come again, and so to entrust to the church a memorial of his death and resurrection.
The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life.
Confirmation
Please contact the Coordinator of Faith Formation regarding receiving the sacrament of Confirmation
Confirmation brings to completion the grace received through baptism. By this sacrament the baptized are more perfectly bound to the church and are enriched by the strength of the Holy Spirit. This gift conforms believers more fully to Christ and strengthens them to bear witness to Christ for the building up of his body in faith and love.
Holy Matrimony
For more information regarding marriage in the Diocese of Greensburg, please contact the parish office
The marriage covenant prefigures the new and everlasting covenant between the Son of God and all mankind. Through this sacrament, Christians signify and share in the mystery of the unity and fruitful love that exists between Christ and his church. Christian couples are to strive to nourish and develop their marriage by undivided affection in good times and in bad.
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Anointing of the Sick
Please contact the parish office to reach a priest for annointing
The sacrament of Anointing of the Sick was instituted by Christ, who has a special place in his heart for those who suffer. There are special graces available through this Sacrament, and all faithful are encouraged to receive it when they are in need (we should remember that this sacrament can be received more than once, and is not only reserved for the elderly or dying). As the Catechism teaches, one who receives the sacrament receives 1) a particular gift of the Holy Spirit, which includes forgiveness of sins; 2) union with the passion of Christ, where one's suffering becomes a participation in the saving work of Jesus; 3) a preparation for the final journey which fortifies ourselves like a solid rampart for the final struggles before entering the Fathers house. Only a priest can administer this sacrament. So the next time you or someone you love is seriously ill, call a priest and allow the graces of the Sacrament to bring the healing touch of Jesus Christ.
Holy Orders
For more information regarding priestly vocations please contact the parish office.
God made you for a unique purpose. Even before you were born, he knew your vocation, your mission in life. And if you are a faithful Catholic man, God may be calling you for a higher purpose — to become a Catholic priest. Priests have a critical mission: to bring people to Jesus and Jesus to people. They are spiritual fathers to thousands of Catholics. They preach the Gospel and offer the sacrifice of the Mass. In short, priests are living witnesses of Christ in the world—men of strong character who stand out in our secular culture. A good priest is a spiritual hero, a man who sacrifices himself for the people of God. Is Jesus calling you to be his priest?
