Sacraments
Jesus gave us the sacraments through the Church to remind us of who we are: We belong to God and each other!
The Seven Sacraments are better understood in 3 distinct categories:
There are three Sacraments of Initiation:
The first sacrament of our Catholic Tradition is the Sacrament of Baptism. Through Baptism, we are officially welcomed into the Family of the People of God. This sacrament is generally shared with infants and toddlers. If a child is above the age of reason, religious education is required. Please call Fr. Leo at (510) 530-4343.
The Sacrament of Holy Communion is the central sacrament of our faith. Through the Eucharist, we are nourished with our Lord’s Body and Blood so that we may become better disciples of his love. Children generally receive their First Communion in the 2nd grade when they are enrolled in the Family Faith Formation Program. Older children and teens may receive the sacrament after a period of religious education.
The Sacrament of Confirmation completes our initiation into the Catholic Tradition. Empowered with the gifts of the Holy Spirit, we are inspired to live what we profess to believe: We belong to God and each other! This sacrament is generally offered to teenagers after two years of preparation, beginning in the ninth grade.
Adults who would like to receive any of the Sacraments of Initiation are invited to participate in the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults, better known as R.C.I.A.
There are two Sacraments of Healing:
The Sacrament of Penance is better known as the Sacrament of Reconciliation, because it affords us the opportunity to reconcile ourselves with God and each other. This is the sacrament that reaffirms our belief that God’s love for us is greater then our sinfulness. Through his mercy and our humility we are healed of the wounds of separation. Children are prepared to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation in age appropriate ways in the second and fourth grades. To sign up for the Sacramental experience, register for Family Faith Formation.
Members of our Parish Family may receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation every Saturday afternoon between 4:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. in the Church Reconciliation Room, or by making an appointment with Fr. Leo at (510) 530-4343.
Through the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, the Holy Spirit is invoked to strengthen in body and spirit those who are ill. The infirm are anointed with the Oil of the Sick in acknowledgement that his/her body is a temple of the Lord. If someone needs to receive this Sacrament of Healing, please call Fr. Leo at (510) 530-4343.
There are two Sacraments of Vocation:
In the Sacrament of Matrimony, the couple commit themselves to each other in marriage in the presence of the community. The community in turn promises to support the couple in their union of love. The couple must meet with Fr. Leo for six months prior to their wedding date to properly prepare to receive the Sacrament of Matrimony. For more information, please contact our Business Manager, Judy Hilgert, at: judyhilgert@yahoo.com and Fr. Leo at (510) 530-4343.
The Sacrament of Holy Orders is celebrated at the Diocesan level.