Sacraments
Baptism is the gateway to life in the Spirit. It is the means through which we gain access to the other sacraments. Through baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as children of God. By baptism, we become members of Christ and his church. The Diocese of Greensburg has official qualifications of baptism sponsors, as well as the appropriate number of sponsors.
Reconciliation
Given that sin destroys our relationship with God and undermines our relationship with other human beings, reconciliation designates that precise effect of Christ’s redemption of the human race that restores our relationship with God and our human fellowship.
Christ breaks down the barriers that sin raises between us and God, and within the human community. Our conversion from sin and reception of divine mercy are continually renewed by confession. Serious sin separates us from the body of the Church and sacramental penance reconciles us with God and the community of his people.
The sacrament is also referred to as the sacrament of penance of confession.
Eucharist
The Eucharist completes Christian initiation. Through this sacrament of initiation we participate with the whole community of believers in the Lord’s own sacrifice.
The Eucharist (from the Greek word eucharista ‘thanksgiving’) is the sacrament of the body and blood of Christ in which he is present under the forms of bread and wine offering himself in the sacrifice of the Mass and giving himself as spiritual food to the faithful.
At the last Supper, the Lord instituted the Eucharistic sacrifice of his body and blood. He did this in order to perpetuate the sacrifice of the cross throughout the ages until he should come again and so to entrust to the church a memorial of his death and resurrection.
The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life.
Confirmation
Confirmation brings to completion the grace received through baptism. By this sacrament the baptized are more perfectly bound to the church and are enriched by the strength of the Holy Spirit. This gift conforms believers more fully to Christ and strengthens them to bear witness to Christ for the building up of his body in faith and love.
This sacrament is offered according to the guidelines established by the Code of Canon Law and the Diocese of Greensburg.
The diocese also has official qualifications of confirmation sponsors, as well as several guidelines and/or recommendations.
Anointing of the Sick
Through this sacrament, the whole church commends those who are ill to the Lord, that he raise them up and save them. By this sacrament, those who suffer are united to the passion and death of Christ. The Lord himself showed great concern for the sick and commanded his followers to do likewise. Through this sacrament, Christ strengthens the faithful who are afflicted by illness, providing them with the strongest means of support.
Anointing of the sick is available to those who are sick, elderly or infirm upon request. A family member should contact the parish office in case of serious illness or in an emergency.
Marriage
The marriage covenant prefigures the new and everlasting covenant between the Son of God and all mankind.
Through this sacrament, Christians signify and share in the mystery of the unity and fruitful love that exists between Christ and his church. Christian couples are to strive to nourish and develop their marriage by undivided attention in good time and in bad.
Visit www.foryourmarriage.org. Find daily marriage tips, quizzes, blogs, facts and figures, “must have conversations”, a personality audit, personal stories, the Biblical roots of marriage, prayers, church documents and information about marital sexuality and spirituality.
Contact the pastor as soon as possible to begin paperwork and to complete all requirements necessary in planning your wedding at one of our partner parishes.
Please review the marriage guidelines prior to your meeting with the pastor regarding your impending wedding.
Holy Orders
Holy Orders is the sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to his Apostles continues to be exercised in the church. It includes three degrees: diaconate, presbyterate and episcopate.
Episcopal consecration of a bishop confers the offices of sanctifying, teaching and ruling. Priests are consecrated to preach the Gospel and to shepherd the faithful, as well as to celebrate the Divine Liturgy.
Deacons share in Christ’s mission and grace. Among other tasks, deacons assist the bishop and priests in the celebration of the divine mysteries and in dedicating themselves to the various ministries of charity.
Learn more about vocations in the Diocese of Greensburg by visiting here or view video highlights here.