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The SacramentsBaptism Baptism is the foundation of all the other Sacraments in the Catholic Church. It is in the waters of Baptism that we are given new life in the Spirit and all the effects of original sin are washed away. Most Catholics are baptized as infants, so the Church depends on the parents, who want what is best for their child and who are the primary educators of the child, to make the decision on behalf of the child. In the celebration of the Sacrament of Baptism, the parents and the godparents are challenged directly to ask the Church for the gift of Faith for the child and must promise to raise the child according to the teachings of the Catholic faith. So it is in baptism that our faith journey begins. The same is true of adults who receive the Sacrament of Baptism (even after going through the necessary RCIA classes). It is the duty of every baptized Christian to continue to practice the faith and to grow in the faith through the aid of the family and community to which the newly baptized belong. This membership in the Body of Christ has both its privileges as well as its responsibilities. The mark of Baptism is indelible: there is nothing we can do to lose the promise of salvation gained for us in those holy waters. We gain access to the other Sacraments through this first Sacrament of Initiation. Infant Baptism is available by contacting the parish office (937-274-2107). There are brief preparation meetings necessary before the Baptism can be scheduled. As adults, after participating in the RCIA process (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults), Baptism in received at the Easter Vigil followed by the Sacrament of Confirmation and First Eucharist. Read more about the Sacrament of Baptism in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Reconciliation The Sacrament of Reconciliation in the Catholic Church is an ongoing process, a life-long journey of recognizing when we have not loved as we should or followed Jesus' way as expressed in the Gospels. Then it involves the desire to change, experience conversion and accept Jesus' forgiveness. After recognizing that we have sinned and desiring to change, then we go forth and celebrate in Church with a faith community of sinners, that God loves each of us. Catholics confess our sins to God through the priest so that we hear and experience the words of forgiveness. We receive the grace of God and gain strength to go forth renewed in our relationship with Jesus. Each time we go through the process of recognizing our shortcomings, celebrating God's love for us despite our sinfulness, and celebrating with other believers, we come closer to loving as God loves. First Reconciliation precedes the reception of First Eucharist. Sacramental Preparation classes for young people (usually 2nd grade at our churches) are available yearly beginning in January. Call the parish office for details. We have the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation weekly before our Saturday afternoon Mass. If this time is not convenient or you wish to speak to the priest at length, individual confessions may be heard by calling the parish office at 937-274-2107 and scheduling an appointment with Fr. Francis or Fr. Benoit for another day and time. Additionally, we have region-wide Reconciliation Services during the seasons of Advent and Lent. It is recommended that Catholics receive this Sacrament at least twice a year and certainly before Easter celebrations. Read more about the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Penance) in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Eucharist The Sacrament of the Eucharist (Holy Communion) is the source and summit of the Catholic faith. Through Eucharist we become united to Christ and to one another. As Catholics we believe that the bread and wine truly become the body and blood of Christ (transubstantiation) and we receive it as our spiritual nourishment. Along with Baptism and Confirmation, Eucharist is one of the Sacraments of Initiation of the Catholic Church. In addition to receiving Eucharist at Mass, the body of Christ is available to the sick and the shut-ins of the parish through our trained Eucharistic ministers. Parishioners requiring a visit from one of our Eucharistic Ministers may call 937-274-2107 x100 to make arrangements. First Eucharist is offered in two ways. Our second graders may receive it after participating in Sacramental Preparation classes which are held every year beginning in January. The children normally receive their First Communion in May. Adults may receive First Eucharist at the Easter Vigil after RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) classes are completed each year. Read more about the Sacrament of Eucharist in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Confirmation The Sacrament of Confirmation seals the mark of Baptism, perfecting the grace we have received, making us ready to withstand the challenges of living the Christian life. The gifts of the Holy Spirit that we receive at Confirmation bless us in a unique way to prepare us for a life marked by faithfulness to God. Along with Baptism and First Eucharist, Confirmation is a Sacrament of Initiation in the Catholic Church. Confirmation is received in one of two ways. As a youth, we celebrate Confirmation with our 7th and 8th graders every two years. Sacramental Preparation classes are required and begin in January. As an adult, Confirmation in celebrated during the Easter Vigil with the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) class along with Baptism (for those never baptized) and First Eucharist. For more information regarding Confirmation in our parishes, please call the parish center at 937-274-2107. Read more about the Sacrament of Confirmation in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Matrimony
The purpose of our Marriage Ministry is to assist you with the process of preparing to celebrate your Marriage as a public expression of your faith in God and your commitment to one another. The first step is to contact the Parish Office at 937-274-2107 ext. 3002 to see if the Church is available on your intended wedding day. At that time information will be taken so one of our Marriage Ministers can contact you, and walk you through the process. This contact should occur at least six months prior to the intended date of marriage; honestly a longer time of preparation reduces stress and allows you to approach the process in a relaxed fashion. Check the link below for a copy of our Marriage Guidelines. There is also a link to the Archdiocese of Cincinnati's Family Life Office to get information on the Pre Cana courses available here in the Dayton Area. Marriage Ministry Links: Archdiocese of Cincinnati Family Life Office Marriage Ministry Holy Orders
Are you hearing a call to the priesthood or diaconate?  A first step could be a consultation with Fr. Francis or Fr. Benoit to discuss vocations and their implications.  Our experienced deacon; Deacon Skip Royer can provide insights into the journey of the Permanent Diaconate.  There are also a number of Archdiocesan contacts and resources available to aid your discernment. Priestly Vocations Resources at CincinnatiVocations.org (These links will open in a new tab or window) Discerning Priesthood Reading List Permanent Diaconate Resources from the Office of Diaconate (CatholicCincinnati.org) These web pages also link to a host of additional helpful information in discerning God's call for you.
 Anointing of the Sick Anointing of the Sick offers a special grace to those who are ill. This grace is believed to calm their spirits and strengthen their souls allowing them to bear their illnesses with dignity and, if it is God's will, recover. The Sacrament connects those who are ill with the whole community and also with Christ. We offer Anointing of the Sick periodically either before or after Masses for those who are ill or facing surgery.  Please watch the bulletin for upcoming opportunities for this Sacrament. An appointment with the priest for a private anointing can also be made by calling the parish center at 937-274-2107. Read more about the Sacrament of Anointing in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. 07June2015 |
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