Sacraments

A Sacrament is defined as "an outward sign of inward grace" which was instituted by Christ Himself and receives its power from God, through the merits of Christ.

The 7 Sacraments (The Holy Mysteries)

Baptism and Penance are known as the “Sacraments of the Dead” because before receiving them when needed, we are dead in sin.

Confirmation, Holy Eucharist, Extreme Unction, Holy Orders, and Matrimony are known as the “Sacraments of the Living” because one must be in a state of grace to receive them licitly and receive their fruits; they give additional grace to souls already spiritually alive.

Matrimony and Holy Orders are known as the “Social Sacraments” because they are designed primarily for the benefit of society and confer a social status.

Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders are the three Sacraments which leave an indelible mark on the recipient’s soul and can never be repeated.

The Sacrament Process is a family process. Preparing for the celebrating the Sacraments affects not only the participant, but also their immediate family and our parish family. The immediate family learns and grows in faith alongside the participant. The parish community is there to support, pray for, and be a faith witness for each participant and family. They, too, learn and grow closer in their relationship with the Lord through this process.

Follow the links below to learn more about St. Joseph Parish offerings.

Baptism

In Baptism we receive sanctifying grace and also a continuing chain of graces enabling us to preserve and extend that grace by the practice of the virtues of faith, hope, and charity.

Confirmation

Confirmation increases our basic vitality (sanctifying grace) but also establishes a permanent fund of actual graces (sacramental grace) upon which we may draw in order to be strong and active and productive exemplars of Christian living.

Eucharist

The Holy Eucharist is the greatest of all the sacraments. The Holy Eucharist, whose special sacramental grace is growth in supernatural charity (love for God and neighbor). The nature of the Holy Eucharist itself as the Real Presence of Christ.

Penance (Confession, Reconciliation)

The Sacrament of Reconciliation—inoculation against sin—whose special sacramental grace is to cure us of the spiritual illness of sin and to help us resist temptation.

Saturdays: 3:00 – 3:45 PM | Wednesdays: 5:45 – 6:45 PM,  in the Reconciliaton Chapel (north vestbule colonnade).

Matrimony

There are also the two great states in life which impose upon us grave responsibility for the souls of others: the priesthood and marriage. The two sacraments of Holy Orders and Matrimony give to their recipients each its own sacramental grace, which will enable priests and spouses to discharge, creditably before God, the sometimes heavy burdens of their state in life.

Holy Orders

There are also the two great states in life which impose upon us grave responsibility for the souls of others: the priesthood and marriage. The two sacraments of Holy Orders and Matrimony give to their recipients each its own sacramental grace, which will enable priests and spouses to discharge, creditably before God, the sometimes heavy burdens of their state in life.

Extreme Unction (Annointing of the Sick)

The Anointing of the Sick strengthens us in sickness or prepares us to meet death with confidence. Its sacramental grace comforts us in our sufferings and, by supporting us in any final temptations that may assail us, enables us to face eternity unafraid.

Requestng Anointng, please contact Fr. Nick Baumgardner at 262-375-6500, x103.