Sacraments
The whole liturgical life of the Church revolves around the Eucharistic sacrifice and the sacraments. (CCC 1113)
While we believe that human life is infused with the sacramental goodness of God, the Catholic Church has defined seven sacraments - instituted by and through the life of Jesus Christ. It is through the experience of the sacramental ritual that we are infused with God’s grace. The Sacraments nourish and strengthen us as they express and build up our faith.
Sacraments of Initiation
Mysteries of Baptism & Chrismation (Confirmation)
Baptism and Chrismation are the first steps in the journey of faith, bringing us into God’s family, the Church. Through Baptism, we are cleansed from sin and reborn in Christ. Chrismation, often referred to as Confirmation, strengthens the grace of Baptism and bestows the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Scheduling Your Child’s Baptism
We celebrate with you as you welcome your child into the family of God! To ensure proper preparation, please:
Notify the Parish Office at least one month in advance to schedule a meeting and a date for the Baptism.
Arrange for the parents and godparents to meet with the Pastor before the baptism.
Godparents’ Role
Godparents are entrusted with a vital role in the spiritual life of the baptized. They are called to lead by example, regularly attending Mass, and supporting the spiritual growth of their godchild.
The Meaning of Baptism
Baptism is the foundation of the sacramental life, signifying new birth in Christ. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches: "By Baptism, all sins are forgiven, original sin and all personal sins... The baptized is incorporated into the Church, the Body of Christ, and made a sharer in the priesthood of Christ" (CCC 1279).
Emergency Baptisms
In extraordinary circumstances, anyone can baptize, provided they intend to perform the sacrament in the Church’s name and follow the proper form: “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” (CCC 1284).
Mass Intentions
Mysteries of Baptism & Chrismation (Confirmation)
The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is the Church’s most powerful prayer, uniting us with Christ’s redemptive work. Requesting a Mass intention is a meaningful way to entrust your prayers to God, whether for a loved one, a special occasion, or a personal intention.
Types of Mass Intentions
For the Deceased: Honoring the memory of a loved one and praying for their eternal rest.
For the Living: Prayers for healing, blessings, or special occasions such as birthdays or anniversaries.
For Special Intentions: Presenting your personal prayers to God, such as thanksgiving or guidance
A Tradition of Faith and Love
Offering a Mass intention is an ancient and cherished practice of the Church. It reflects our deep connection to one another as members of Christ’s body and allows us to place our prayers within the sacred celebration of the Eucharist. Whether for those who have gone before us or for the living, a Mass intention is a profound act of faith and trust in God’s love.
First Holy Communion
The celebration of First Holy Communion is a sacred and joyous moment in the life of our parish. It is a time when children take their first steps toward deeper participation in the Eucharist and remind us of the faith and love we are called to embody as members of Christ’s Church.
Requirements for Receiving Holy Communion For the Deceased:
To prepare for and receive First Holy Communion, the following steps are necessary:
Baptism
The recipient must be a baptized Catholic.
If your child has not yet been baptized, please contact the Parish Office to begin the process.
2. Proper Formation
Children must participate in First Communion preparation classes to learn about the sacrament and its significance.
Guiding Your Child on Their Faith Journey
As parents, you are your child’s first and most important teachers in faith. By living the commitment to attend Mass regularly and supporting your child’s sacramental journey, you help them grow closer to God and embrace their role in the Catholic community.
For more information or to begin the process of preparing for First Holy Communion, please contact the Parish Office. We are excited to walk this journey with you and your family!
Sacraments of Healing
Mystery of Reconciliation (Confession)
The Sacrament of Confession is a profound encounter with God’s mercy, offering forgiveness and peace to all who seek His grace. Whether it has been weeks or years since your last confession, we warmly welcome you to this healing sacrament.
Regular Confession Times
Saturdays: 4:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Sundays: 9.30 AM – 10:00 AM
Weekdays: Available after morning Masses (by request)
To schedule a confession outside of these times, please call the Parish Office at (916) 426-6280 or contact Fr. Kallas directly.
How to Go to Confession
Confession is simple and deeply rewarding. If you’re unsure about what to do, don’t worry—the priest will guide you through the process.
Anointing of the Sick
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick offers strength, comfort, and spiritual healing to those who are ill or facing significant health challenges. If you or a loved one are unable to attend church due to illness, please contact our Pastor for a visit and the opportunity to receive this sacrament.
Who Can Receive the Sacrament?
The Anointing of the Sick is available to anyone struggling with illness or facing health challenges, not just those near the end of life. The Second Vatican Council emphasized this sacrament’s role in providing healing and hope at any serious stage of illness. Pope Paul VI encouraged a broader use of this sacrament, extending it to times of serious but non-fatal illnesses. Ideally, the Anointing of the Sick is celebrated communally, allowing the faith community to surround the sick with prayer and support.
Spiritual Healing
The Anointing of the Sick brings spiritual strength and reminds us of God’s presence in our suffering. While physical healing is possible through God’s grace, this sacrament primarily offers spiritual renewal and peace.
The sacrament involves the anointing of the sick person with oil, accompanied by a special liturgical prayer invoking God’s grace and strength (CCC 1531).
Sacraments of Vocation
Mystery of Crowning (Marriage)
The Sacrament of Marriage is a sacred covenant reflecting God’s eternal love and the union of Christ and His Church. In marriage, a man and a woman commit to a lifelong bond of faithful, self-giving love, rooted in mutual respect and openness to new life.
Planning Your Wedding
We celebrate your engagement and look forward to helping you prepare for this beautiful sacrament! To ensure proper preparation and planning, please notify the Pastor at least six months in advance of your desired wedding date.
To begin the process:
Contact the Parish Office: Schedule an initial meeting with the Pastor to discuss your plans and assess your freedom to marry in the Church.
Marriage as a Covenant
The Sacrament of Marriage is modeled on God’s unbreakable covenant with His people. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches:
“The sacrament of Matrimony signifies the union of Christ and the Church. It gives spouses the grace to love each other with the love with which Christ has loved his Church; the grace of the sacrament thus perfects the human love of the spouses, strengthens their indissoluble unity, and sanctifies them on the way to eternal life” (CCC 1661).
This covenantal love calls spouses to:
Total self-giving and mutual love.
Faithfulness and permanence in their union.
Openness to the gift of children and commitment to raising them in the faith.
We pray for God’s blessings as you prepare for the Sacrament of Marriage. For more information or to begin the process, please contact the Parish Office.
Holy Orders
The Sacrament of Holy Orders continues Christ’s mission in the Church through ordained ministry. Deacons, priests, and bishops serve as vital instruments of God’s grace, continuing the work begun by the apostles. Through this sacrament, they are empowered by the Holy Spirit to teach, sanctify, and shepherd God’s people.
What is the Sacrament of the Holy Orders?
Holy Orders is the sacrament by which a man is ordained to serve the Church in one of three degrees:
Bishop: Oversees the local Church, teaches the faith, and ordains others.
Priest: Celebrates the Eucharist, administers sacraments, and shepherds the faithful.
Deacon: Assists bishops and priests, proclaims the Gospel, and serves the community.
The sacrament is conferred through the laying on of hands and a solemn prayer of consecration, which imparts the grace of the Holy Spirit for ministry. Ordination also imprints an indelible spiritual mark, signifying a lifelong dedication to Christ and His Church.
Who Can Receive Holy Orders?
The Sacrament of Holy Orders is conferred only on baptized men whose calling and suitability for ministry have been recognized by the Church. While the ordained priesthood is distinct from the priesthood of all believers, both are essential to the life of the Church.
Discerning a Vocation
Are you feeling called to a vocation in the religious life, the diaconate, or the priesthood? Discerning a vocation is a profound and prayerful journey of listening to God’s call. If you are considering this path, we encourage you to:
Pray for guidance and openness to the Holy Spirit.
Speak with Fr. Kallas, who is available to help you discern your calling and provide support during this important decision.
Be Open to God’s Call
Vocations to Holy Orders are a gift to the Church and a response to God’s invitation to serve His people. If you feel called, trust in the Holy Spirit to guide you on this journey of faith and service.
For more information or to begin a conversation about discerning your vocation, please contact the Parish Office or speak with Fr. Kallas after Mass.
