The seven sacraments—Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Communion, Confession, Marriage, Holy Orders, and the Anointing of the Sick—are the life of the Catholic Church. Each sacrament is an outward sign of an inward grace. When we participate in them worthily, each provides us with graces—with the life of God in our soul. In worship, we give to God that which we owe Him; in the sacraments, He gives us the graces necessary to live a truly human life. For more information, click on the sacraments below.
Baptism
Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua),4 and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons 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.”5
First Holy Communion
The Sacrament of Holy Communion is the third of the Sacrament of Initiation. 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).
Confirmation
Confirmation, together with Baptism and Eucharist, form the Sacraments of Initiation that are all intimately connected. In the Sacrament of Confirmation, the baptized person is “sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit” and is strengthened for service to the Body of Christ.
Reconciliation
The Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation (commonly called Confession, Reconciliation or Penance) is one of seven sacraments of the Catholic Church, in which the faithful obtain divine mercy for the sins committed against God and neighbour and are reconciled with the community of the Church (Cf. Vatican II, Lumen Gentium 11 §2; CCC 1422).[1] By this sacrament Christians are freed from sins committed after Baptism.[2]
Marriage
Marriage, a lifelong union between a man and a woman for procreation and mutual support, is a natural institution, but it is also one of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church. It reflects the union of Jesus Christ and His Church.
Anointing of the Sick
Anointing of the sick is celebrated when someone is seriously ill or before major surgical procedures. If you or a loved one would like to receive this sacrament, please call the parish office at (813) 752-8251 Monday thru Friday between 8am-4:30pm. If you reach the office after hours, press 8 and you will be transferred to our answering service and the priest on call will be paged.
Holy Orders
All Christians are called to ministry by virtue of their baptism. Ordained priests are baptized men who are called by the Church to serve the community in priestly service. If you wonder if the Holy Spirit might be calling you to this vocation click on Holy Orders or contact the Vocation Office at the Diocese at (727) 344-1611, ext. 347.