Sacraments of the Catholic Church

The seven sacraments are signs of grace instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, by which divine life is dispensed to us. They are special occasions for experiencing God's saving presence.

Baptism

The Sacrament of Baptism is the first step in a lifelong journey of commitment and discipleship. Whether we are baptized as infants or adults, Baptism is the Church's way of celebrating and enacting the embrace of God.

Families with babies and young children to be baptized, please call the Parish Office to enroll in the Baptismal Preparation Program.

Eucharist

Catholics believe the Eucharist, or Communion, is both a sacrifice and a meal. We believe in the real presence of Jesus, who died for our sins. As we receive Christ's Body and Blood, we also are nourished spiritually and brought closer to God.

	First Communion / First Reconciliation
	Sacrament Preparation 2007 – 2008 Schedules

Confirmation

Confirmation is a Catholic sacrament of mature Christian commitment and a deepening of baptismal gifts. Like Baptism and Eucharist, it is a Sacrament of Initiation for Catholics and a Sacrament of faith in God's fidelity to us.

	2007-2008 Confirmation
	Letter to Young Parishioners 2007-08 Schedule

Penance and Reconciliation

The Individual Rite of Reconciliation

Confessions are held on Saturdays from 3:15-3:45 p.m. at St. Augustine and by appointment. Community Penance Services are held during Advent and Lent.

2007 Advent Penance Service		2008 Lenten Penance Service
Tuesday, December 5th, 2007 7:00 p.m. St. Augustine Catholic Church 315 East Chestnut Street Jeffersonville, Indiana		(date and time TBA) Sacred Heart Catholic Church Eighth Street Jeffersonville, Indiana

Holy Orders

In the Sacrament of Holy Orders, or Ordination, the priest being ordained vows to lead other Catholics by bringing them the sacraments (especially the Eucharist), by proclaiming the Gospel, and by providing other means to holiness.

If you wish to know more about the life of a religious or would like to know more about the priesthood as a vocation, any of the Pastoral Team would be willing to share their knowledge and insights.

Matrimony

The Sacrament of Marriage, or Holy Matrimony, is a public sign that one gives oneself totally to this other person. It is also a public statement about God: the loving union of husband and wife speaks of family values and also God's values.

The Archdiocese of Indianapolis requires a six-month notification to the parish priest. Engaged couples should contact the parish office for information concerning preparation for marriage.

Anointing of the Sick

The Catholic sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, formerly known as Last Rites or Extreme Unction, is a ritual of healing appropriate not only for physical but also for mental and spiritual sickness. It is intended for anyone anticipating a hospital stay or suffering from emotional or physical illness. One need not be in danger of death to receive the grace of this sacrament. Anyone wishing to be anointed is asked to contact the parish office.