WHAT IS A SACRAMENT?
Sacraments are the "outward signs of inward grace" meaning that what we see happening externally is symbolic of the grace being bestowed on us and changing us from the inside out. Each sacrament is full of it's own rich, unique symbolism that teaches us more about God Himself and about His love for us.
WHY ARE SACRAMENTS IMPORTANT?
Sacraments are important because they help to illuminate our purpose, which is to know, to love, and to serve God. Each Sacrament draws us more deeply into a relationship with God and teaches us about who God is, how He loves us, and encourages our love in return. Out of this relationship, we can see more clearly where He is calling us and how we are being asked to live out our lives in service of God and others.
RECEIVING THE SACRAMENTS
Baptism
Baptism is the first step toward becoming a part of Christ's church. We baptize people of all ages from infants to adults. To help prepare individuals and families prepare for this sacrament the Church offers various forms of formation. If you are interested in being baptized, or having your child baptized, at Our Lady of Peace please fill out the form below.
First Eucharist (First Communion)
We believe that the bread and wine we receive at Communion are really and truly the body and blood of Jesus Christ. Preparing those who come to the table of the Lord for the first time is a significant moment in their lives and the life of the community. Registration for sacramental preparation is available in early Autumn.
Click here to learn more and register for First Reconciliation and First Communion.
*Recipients must be baptized in order to receive Holy Communion.
Reconciliation (Confession)
The Sacrament of Reconciliation, or Confession, is available every Saturday from 3-4 PM. Due to the pandemic, confession is currently being held in the rear of the main body of the church. You may enter through door #4 which is on the corner of 11th Avenue S and W 54th Street.
Children preparing to receive their First Communion also prepare and participate in their First Reconciliation in late Autumn or early Winter.
Confirmation
Confirmation marks a renewed beginning in the Christian life. Preparation to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation seeks to strengthen participation in the Eucharist, increase understanding of the life of discipleship proclaimed in the Sacrament of Baptism, and encourage practices of prayer and faith sharing.
Confirmation preparation is available for teens in 8th-12th grade and registration is available in the early Autumn.
Click here for more information and to register.
If you are an adult and would like to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, please select the "Becoming Catholic" tab below.
Marriage
Congratulations on your decision to give yourself to one another in Christian Marriage! We look forward to helping you prepare tor the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony and pray God will abundantly bless you both in this time of anticipation and preparation!
At least six months are needed to prepare for your lifelong commitment to each other and to complete all the necessary steps.
Anointing of the Sick
The Church celebrates the Anointing of the Sick for four reasons:
- To offer the grace of the Holy Spirit which heals and saves the sick person in body and spirit.
- To pray that the sick person will have the special help of God's grace in the anxiety that sickness creates.
- To open the opportunity for forgiveness and Christian penance which may be offered through physical illness.
- To signify our solidarity as Church with the sick person who may be tempted to brokenness of spirit of lack of trust in God because they struggle with illness.
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is celebrate communally in November and individually through an arrangement with Father Ellis. This sacrament is not reserved only for the dying, but for those who suffer with serious or chronic illness. Illness can be psychological, mental, physical, or any combination of the three.
Becoming Catholic
One of our greatest joys as a church is welcoming new people into our community and into the faith! If you are thinking about becoming Catholic we invite you to enter a process called the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA). This process allows you to learn more about the faith as members of our community walk with you through the discernment process, formation, and initiation.
Funerals
The death of a loved one is a sad and difficult moment in each of our lives; yet because of our faith, we know there is no greater source of comfort than to proclaim our "sure and certain hope" in the resurrection, and to celebrate the life of the one who has died in the Lord.
Our community at Our Lady of Peace holds you and your loved one in prayer, and our Pastoral Staff takes seriously their call to support you in times of sorrow.
To take the first steps in planning a funeral liturgy, please contact the parish office (612.824.3455) and follow the prompts for a funeral or emergency.