Sacraments

Infant Baptism

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 ponsors as well as the appropriate number of sponsors required. Click here for more information.

Baptisms are scheduled by appointment in our parish. Contact the Parish Office for more information.

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. Click here to learn more.

Reconciliation is celebrated every Saturday from 3:45 PM to 4:15 PM (unless otherwise noted) and by appointment. There are also regional services during Advent and Lent. Contact the Parish Office for more information.

Second grade parishioners in our Religious Education program or in a Catholic School make their First Reconciliation during the Advent Season. Contact Sr. Loretta Topper at 724.736.0158 for more information.

First 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. Click here to learn more.

Second grade parishioners in our Religious Education program or in a Catholic School make their First Eucharist during the Easter Season. Contact Sr. Loretta Topper at 724.736.0158 for more information.

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. The Diocese of Greensburg has official qualifications of confirmation sponsors as well as several guidelines and/or recommendations. Click here for more information.

As you may be aware, Bishop Brandt has moved the normative age for the reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation to 8th grade. For all of the catechetical and theological reasons for this move you are strongly encouraged to read Bishop Brandt’s pastoral letter, The Transmission of Faith in the Present Culture.

In order for the reception of the sacrament to be moved up to the 8th grade, the Bishop will be confirming children of increasingly older ages until 2018 when 8th grade will be the norm. The schedule for our parish is as follows:

Children entering 3rd grade this year will be confirmed in 4th grade (2011-12 school year)
Children entering 2nd grade this year will be confirmed in 6th grade (2014-15 school year)
Children entering 1st grade this year will be confirmed in 8th grade (2017-18 school year)

For more information, please contact Sr. Loretta Topper at 724.736.0158.

Marriage

The marriage covenant prefigures the new and everlasting covenant between the Son of God and all mankind. Click here for more information and also read The Pastoral Care and Preparation for the Celebration of Marriage, a marriage guide established by the Diocese of Greensburg.

There is a 6-month marriage preparation process in our parish. Contact the Parish Office for more information.

R.C.I.A.

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a journey toward becoming a full, participating member of the Catholic Church. This modern rite was restored in the late 1970s, in the wake of the Second Vatican Council, but it is based on the ancient "order of catechumens," which dates to the earliest years of the church's history. Click here for more information and learn how to become a Catholic in our Diocese.

For more information on our parish's R.C.I.A. program, please contact Sr. Loretta Topper at 724.736.0158.

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. Click here to learn more.

If you are considering a vocation, contact Fr. Bob or Fr. Jim. You can also visit the Diocesan Vocations page.

Anointing of the Sick

Through this sacrament, the whole church commends those who are ill to the Lord, that he may raise them up and save them. Those who suffer are united to the Passion and death of Christ. Click here to learn more.

To request this Sacrament or for more information, contact the Parish Office.