Sacraments
Signs of Grace
The Church recognizes the existence of seven Sacraments. The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines the Sacraments as follows: "The Sacraments are efficacious signs of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, by which divine life is dispensed to us. The visible rites by which the sacraments are celebrated signify and make present the graces proper to each sacrament. They bear fruit in those who receive them with the required dispositions." (CCC #1131) Learn more about the seven Sacraments below. Contact the parish office to learn more about Sacrament preparation at St. Joseph Parish.
Baptism
Through the Sacrament of Baptism, we receive new life in Jesus Christ and begin our journey as Christians. We joyfully celebrate Baptisms during most of our weekend Masses. Adults desiring to be baptized and to enter into the Catholic Church participate in OCIA, Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. If you wish to be baptized or for your child to be baptized at St. Joseph Parish, contact the parish office.
Reconciliation
No sin is greater than the mercy of God
Through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, we receive the grace of God’s mercy and forgiveness and are strengthened anew to live out our Christian life. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered on Saturdays from 3:00-3:30pm and Wednesday evenings from 4:30-5:30pm. Additional opportunities are provided during the Advent and Lenten Seasons. If you wish, you may also make an appointment with the pastor to celebrate this Sacrament by contacting the parish office. To learn more about preparing for Reconciliation, view the Faith Formation section and additional resources below.
Eucharist
Source & Summit of the Catholic Faith
As Catholic Christians, we believe that the Sacrament of the Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith. Jesus is fully present in the Eucharist that we receive in Holy Communion at Mass. We are blessed to have daily Mass on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 8:00am and Wednesdays at 6:00pm. Saturday Vigil Mass is at 4:00pm and Sunday Masses are at 8:30am and 10:30am. Eucharistic Adoration occurs on Wednesdays from 4:30-6:00pm before Mass and every first Friday of the month from 9:00am-4:00pm in the chapel.
First Communion
Typically, children who are in 2nd grade prepare for their First Holy Communion alongside preparing for their First Reconciliation. Adults who wish to receive their First Communion participate in OCIA, Order of Christian Initiation for Adults. Learn more about sacramental preparation in the Faith Formation section.
Confirmation
The Sacrament of Confirmation provides the grace of strengthening our commitment as Christian disciples and equips us for participation in Christ’s Mission through the gifts of the Holy Spirit. It is through this Sacrament that our initiation as Christians is complete. Generally, teens entering sophomore and junior year of high school will seek the Sacrament of Confirmation through St. Joseph Youth Discipleship Minsitry. Adults who wish to be confirmed in the Catholic Church or desire to convert from a different religious tradition participate in OCIA, Order of Christian Initiation for Adults. Learn about sacramental preparation in the Faith Formation page.
Matrimony
Matrimony is the sacrament where a covenant relationship is established through the free, informed consent of one man and one woman. The couple promises to unconditional love and lifelong faithfulness in the sight of witnesses and in the house of God as a sign of their faith and total commitment. To schedule a wedding at St. Joseph Parish, couples must contact the parish office at least six months in advance of the desired wedding date in order to ensure the preparation requirements are able to be met. More details can be found in the St. Joseph Parish Marriage Guidelines Booklet or by contacting the parish office.
Holy Orders
Holy Orders is the sacrament by which, through the authority of the Church, the imposition of a bishop’s hands confers on a man the grace and spiritual power to celebrate the Church’s sacraments, to preach the faith, and help govern the Church. There are three forms of this sacrament: diaconate (deacon), presbyterate (priest), and episcopate (bishop). One sacrament, celebrated three times with successively higher sacramental effects. Men who are interested in becoming a priest or deacon are welcome to contact the pastor or view additional resources below.
Anointing of the Sick
Through the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, those struggling with illness are provided spiritual care, healing, and forgiveness. This sacrament is administered for those who are suffering from any physical or mental illness, preparing for major surgery, debilitated by the aging process, or are in the active dying process. Anointing of the Sick can be administered anywhere including at home, in the hospital, in a nursing home, or in a hospice center. If you would like a priest to administer this sacrament or you have a sacramental emergency, call the parish office at any time of day.
