Anointing of the Sick
Anointing of the Sick
The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is how God gives us spiritual strength to persevere through the challenges of severe illness or impending death. The Anointing of the Sick is a healing sacrament which unites our physical suffering with the pain and suffering experienced by Jesus during his earthly life. The graces of this sacrament bring peace and courage to overcome the difficulties that come our way.
The elderly, the gravely ill and those facing surgery or other serious health challenges are encouraged to receive this sacrament. If you or a loved one would like to receive Anointing of the Sick, please contact the parish office and we will be pleased to assist you.
In case of emergency, or to request a hospital visit, please contact our parish office so we may assist you or connect you with the appropriate hospital chaplain.
Bringing spiritual and, sometimes, physical strength in times of illness or impending death.
Common Questions - Anointing of the Sick
Is this sacrament reserved only for old people, or those who are at the point of death?
“The Anointing of the Sick ‘is not a sacrament for those only who are at the point of death. Hence, as soon as anyone of the faithful begins to be in danger of death from sickness or old age, the fitting time for him to receive this sacrament has certainly already arrived.’ If a sick person who received this anointing recovers his health, he can in the case of another grave illness receive this sacrament again. If during the same illness the person’s condition becomes more serious, the sacrament may be repeated. It is fitting to receive the Anointing of the Sick just prior to a serious operation. The same holds for the elderly whose frailty becomes more pronounced.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1514-1515].
What is another name for this sacrament?
The Anointing of the Sick was traditionally referred to as Extreme Unction or Last Rites, perhaps giving the illusion that the sacrament is meant only for those who are at the point of death.
What is "Viaticum"?
“In addition to the Anointing of the Sick, the Church offers those who are about to leave this life the Eucharist as viaticum. Communion in the body and blood of Christ, received at this moment of ‘passing over’ to the Father, has a particular significance and importance. It is the seed of eternal life and the power of resurrection, according to the words of the Lord: ‘He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.’
Reconciliation
Reconciliation
The Sacrament of Reconciliation, also known as Confession or the Sacrament of Penance, is a healing sacrament by which we experience the mercy of God. Through the ministry of a priest, we honestly confess our sins to Jesus and then receive his forgiveness and mercy. Regular confession brings healing to our hearts and restores our relationship with God and the community.
Catholics are always welcome to return to this sacrament, whether it has been two weeks or two decades since their last confession. Confession times are listed on our website, and we invite you to participate as often as possible.
If you would like to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, please come to the church at the times listed on our website or contact the parish office to schedule an appointment.
Experiencing God’s mercy exercised through the ministry of priests.
Common Questions – Confession
Why do I need to confess to a priest?
Put simply, it’s God’s plan. The priest is the minister of the sacrament acting in the person of Christ. In fact, the confession of sins to a priest is the only ordinary way to have mortal sins forgiven after Baptism. Also, God knows how we can rationalize our sins away and sweep them under the rug. And so He wants us to tell our sins and to acknowledge them in a personal encounter. Know that we fall into the loving arms of our heavenly Father when we go to a priest and confess.
Won't I shock the priest with what I say?
Remember that priests have heard thousands of confessions over the years, and there are really no new sins. It’s a great privilege for priests to hear confessions and be instruments of the Father’s mercy.
Will the priest think badly of me afterwards?
No, quite the opposite. He’ll be inspired by your humility and courage, and likely won’t remember your sins anyway. And remember, priests have to go to Confession, too. Even the Pope has to confess his sins to another priest.
May a priest later repeat something he heard in Confession?
Under no circumstances. If a priest did tell any person–even the police–something he heard in the confessional, he would be excommunicated.
I’ve done some really awful things. Will God forgive me?
“Where sin increased, grace overflowed all the more” (Rom. 5:20). God’s mercy is greater than all our sins. Assuming you are truly sorry for what you’ve done and willing to make necessary changes, the answer is YES. God longs for you to return to his merciful Heart.
Confession Times at St. Anthony's
Monday to Saturday: 8:30 am to 8:50 am
Saturday: 3:30 pm to 4:15 pm
Confirmation
Confirmation
The Sacrament of Confirmation is a significant step in the growth and development of every Catholic, necessary for the completion of baptismal grace. At Confirmation, we affirm our commitment to God and the Church and receive a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The grace of this sacrament deepens our faith and brings us into a more abundant life with Christ, and strengthens us to share the love of Jesus Christ with others.
Most Catholics are confirmed after formation in a Catholic school or a parish religious education program. Older teenagers and adults are also invited to prepare for this sacrament through Confirmation classes, which will provide a better understanding of the gifts that the Holy Spirit gives in this sacrament Church. If you are interested in receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation for yourself or your child, please contact our parish office so that we can assist you.
Being sealed and strengthened by the gift of the Holy Spirit to be a living witness to Christ.
Common Questions – Confirmation
I was baptized in a different Christian denomination. Do I need to be baptized again before being Confirmed?
No. Catholics acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sin. If you were baptized validly in a different Evangelical Christian faith tradition, you will be received to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church, then you will receive the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist. This is usually done during the Easter Vigil, after the completion of the Rite of Christian Initiation (RCIA) program.
Didn’t I already receive the Holy Spirit during Baptism? What happens in Confirmation?
- It roots us more deeply in the divine filiation which makes us cry, ‘Abba! Father!’;
- It unites us more firmly to Christ;
- It increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit in us;
- It renders our bond with the Church more perfect;
- It gives us a special strength of the Holy Spirit to spread and defend the faith by word and action as true witnesses of Christ, to confess the name of Christ boldly, and never to be ashamed of the Cross:” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1303)
What are the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit?
- Wisdom
- Understanding
- Counsel
- Fortitude
- Knowledge
- Piety
- Fear of the Lord
Eucharist
Eucharist
The Sacrament of the Eucharist, also called the Mass, is “the source and summit of the Christian Life.” All of the other sacraments point to it. When the priest prays the words of consecration over the bread and wine at Mass, we believe, in accordance with the teaching of Jesus, that they become his Body and Blood. We receive this most precious of gifts in Holy Communion, which intimately unites us with Jesus and helps us become more like him through the grace he gives us by his very presence in our human bodies. Because the Son of God is truly present in the Eucharist, Catholics also adore the Blessed Sacrament during Exposition, and we reverence the tabernacle where the Eucharist is placed after Mass.
Catholics who are ready to receive Jesus in the Eucharist are invited to receive Holy Communion during Mass. Our hearts are ready to receive him when we have been baptized in the Catholic Church (or baptized in another church and later received into the Catholic Church) and are not in a state of serious sin. If you are not yet ready to receive Jesus in the Eucharist, you are welcome to line up during Communion and receive a blessing (indicated by placing your hands across your chest).
If you would like to learn more about preparing to receive the Eucharist yourself or for your child, please contact the parish office and we would be happy to assist you.
Receiving the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Christ under the appearance of bread and wine.
Common Questions – Eucharist
Can I receive Communion even if I am not Catholic?
No. Only properly disposed Catholics may receive Holy Communion. The word Communion can also be seen as “comm-union”, or in other words, “union with”. Receiving the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ signifies a proclamation of this belief, as well as expression of unity and belief in the Catholic Church and all that she teaches. If you are not a Catholic but feel drawn to the Catholic Church and the Eucharist, we invite you to visit our Becoming Catholic page.
What do I need to do to prepare to recieve Holy Communion?
Catholics receive the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ every time they receive Holy Communion. We believe that Jesus is truly present in the consecrated species of bread and wine. Communion must then be received with the greatest reverence and worship of our Lord. If possible, the Church recommends fasting for at least one hour prior to receiving the Eucharist. The Church also recommends taking part in the Sacrament of Reconciliation as often as possible, but at least once every year, to prepare our souls to receive Jesus.
Baptism
Baptism
The Sacrament of Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, making us sons and daughters of God and members of the Body of Christ and freeing us from sin. Through Baptism, we are welcomed into the Catholic Church, the community of faith. When we are baptized, the Holy Spirit comes to live in us. Baptism enables us to receive the other sacraments and to grow in the life of the Risen Christ.
Many Catholics receive this sacrament as infants. Before infants are baptized, the parents (and often the godparents as well) receive preparation for their child’s sacramental faith journey. Adults and teenagers who have not been baptized and who wish to become Catholic usually participate in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. After this period of formation, they receive the Sacraments of Initiation, which include Baptism.
If you are interested in registering yourself or your child to receive the Sacrament of Baptism, please fill out this form and our team will be in touch. Let us know if you have any further questions and we would be happy to assist you.
Saving waters that bring the Holy Spirit and welcomes Catholics into the Church.
Common Questions - Baptism
Can I start this process before my child is born?
Yes, in fact we recommend doing so.
How long does the process take?
There are two to three meetings required before an infant is baptized. Older child/adult baptisms usually require months of preparation and may require other courses like Catechism (PREP) and RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults).
Can we baptize in a place other than the church?
The Rite of Baptism indicates that it should be celebrated in a parish church. We do not celebrate baptisms outside of a church, except in cases of family illness or emergencies.
Who can serve as godparents?
The Church asks that a child have at least one Catholic godparent who is baptized, confirmed, and living his/her faith. The other godparent, formally known as a sponsor, may be a “Christian witness” who need not be Catholic. Someone may “stand in” (act as a proxy) for a godparent who is not able to be present at the Baptism.