Sacraments

The seven sacraments - Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Marriage, and Holy Orders, - 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, 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.”

First Holy Communion

The Sacrament of Holy Communion (Eucharist) is a Sacrament of Initiation.  In the Eucharist, 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 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 neighbor and are reconciled with the community of the Church. By this sacrament Christians are freed from sins committed after Baptism.

 

Anointing of the Sick

Anointing of the sick is given when someone is seriously ill or before major surgical procedures. If you or a loved one desire 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.

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 sacraments of the Catholic Church. It reflects the union of Jesus Christ and His Church.

Holy Orders

All Christians are called to ministry by virtue of their baptism. In addition to the priesthood of all believers, Christ called some to a special priesthood of service to all believers. The Church ordains men to the ministry of Deacon and Priest through the Sacrament of Holy Orders.

“The Sacrament of Holy Orders is the sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to his apostles continues to be exercised in the Catholic Church. Those who receive the sacrament of Holy Orders – as a deacon, priest, or bishop – are consecrated in Christ’s name to ‘feed the church by the word and grace of God.’” (Catechism of the Catholic Church).  If you wonder if the Holy Spirit might be calling you to this vocation, contact the Vocation Office at the Diocese at (727) 344-1611, ext. 347.