The Holy Sacraments

Baptism and Confirmation

The Sacrament of Baptism is the door to a new and spiritual life that frees us from original sin, confers sanctifying grace, and makes us members in Christ and in His Church.

In the Sacrament of Confirmation, God bestows an increased presence of the Holy Spirit on us so that we may work with deep faith and with abiding charity, and that we may help to bring to the world the fruits of reconciliation and peace.

Baptisms in the Melkite tradition include the Sacrament of First Communion & Confirmation. Contrary to the Roman Catholic tradition, confirmation is often done at Baptism in the Melkite tradition.

Parents who are seeking Baptism for their child, as well as adults who wish to be baptized, are asked to book their baptism date 2 month in advance.  Baptisms are typically done on Saturday or Sunday afternoon, but can also be done during the week as well.

To arrange for a meeting with the Pastor, who will assist in the preparation for this Sacrament, please call the Parish office.

Solemn Communion

Although the official Solemn (First) Communion is usually given at baptism in the Melkite Tradition, the celebration of the first communion is still done when the child reaches seven years of age.

Preparation of children for Solemn Communion takes place during Saturday Catechetical School.   A sacramental team of teachers and parents also assists the priest in preparing the children for this sacrament.  The program begins in October and ends in May.  Children ages 5 to 12 can participate in Catechetical School.  The Solemn Communion program is for children 8 years old and above.

Preparation program for the parents of children receiving Solemn Communion are hosted by the Parish. The purpose of these programs is to instruct the parents on the meaning of the sacrament, its history, importance, and value, as well as to familiarize them with their role in the program.

Registration for the Solemn Communion program is typically done a year in advance.  For more information about the Solemn Communion program or the Catechism School, please contact the Parish office.

Church School Registration Form

Confession and Reconciliation

“Receive the Holy Spirit. For those whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven; for those whose sins you retain, they are retained” (John 20:23)

It was by these words and through His death and resurrection that our Savior reminds us of the fundamental gift of our redemption and the power given to the Church to forgive sins. The Sacrament of Confession and Reconciliation not only bestows on us the gift of having our sins forgiven, but also reconciles us with God.

There is no sin that cannot be forgiven, if we approach the throne of mercy with humble and contrite hearts. No evil is more powerful than the infinite mercy of God.

Confession is typically done half-hour before the Mass starts. Ask for the Priest upon arrival. Confession can also be done during the week.  Call the Parish office to schedule your appointment.

Holy Eucharist

The blessed Eucharist is the most venerable sacrament in which Christ the Lord becomes present, and is offered and received, and by which the Church continually lives and grows. The Eucharistic Sacrifice, the memorial of the death and resurrection of the Lord, is the summit and source of all worship and Christian life.

“I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry; he who believes in me will never thirst” (John 6:35)

It is during mass that the wheat bread and grape wine are transubstantiated by the priest into the flesh and blood of Christ. Christ is really present in the Holy Eucharist. The sacrament effects union with Christ; it is nourishment for the soul, gives increase in grace and remits venial sin and punishment.

Please refer to Mass times here.

Marriage

In the Sacrament of Matrimony, a man and a woman pledge themselves to one another in an unbreakable alliance of total mutual self-giving. It is a total union of love, a love that is not a passing emotion or temporary infatuation, but a responsible and free decision to bind oneself completely, “in good times and in bad,” to one’s partner. Such love is proclaimed before the eyes society. It is unconditional.

You are required to complete a Marriage Preparation Course before you can receive this sacrament in the Catholic Church. The Parish offers this course in March of every year and it runs for three Sundays in a row from 1:30PM to 5:30PM. It is facilitated by a married couple and it is designed to prepare young couples for the challenges that they will be facing in their new life together.

It is best to book your wedding nine months to one year in advance.  Please contact the Parish office for exact details as the dates and times may change from year to year.

Blessing of the Home

When any of the faithful wish to mark their moving into a new home with a religious celebration, the parish priests will gladly cooperate. This occasion provides a special opportunity to mark the joyful event and to thank God, from whom all blessings come, for the gift of a new home.

The Priests are available all year long to bless your homes and businesses.  Please call the Parish office to schedule a preferred time for a visit.

Anointing of the Sick and Last Rites

Anointing of the Sick is given to anyone who is seriously ill or grown weak with age.  It is also appropriate for someone preparing for serious surgery.  If there is the slightest and remotest danger of death, the Sacrament should be given.

The Last Rites, on the other hand, are the last rites a person receives on this earth.  The Last Rites can include three Sacraments: Penance (Confession), Anointing of the Sick, and Eucharist. Anointing within the Last Rites is less for physical healing than it is for spiritual healing and strength.  It brings the forgiveness of sins.

Please notify the Parish office concerning any hospitalization or lengthy sickness at home.