The Sacraments
What Are the Sacraments?
The sacraments are outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace, given by Christ as sure and certain means by which we receive that grace.
At Saint Paul’s we celebrate the seven sacraments of the historic Catholic Church and invite you to share in this sacramental life. If you are interested in any sacrament listed below, please speak with Fr. Oldfield after Mass or contact the parish office.
Holy Baptism
Holy Baptism is the new birth, the washing away of sin, the initiation into the Body of Christ, the Church, and the gateway to the Christian life and the graces of all the sacraments. We baptize infants, children, and adults after appropriate preparation and instruction. If you desire baptism for yourself or for your child, please speak with Fr. Oldfield or contact the parish office to arrange a meeting and preparation.
Confirmation
Confirmation is the apostolic laying on of hands by the Bishop with prayer for the strengthening gifts of the Holy Ghost. It is also the public affirmation of the promises of baptism and full membership in the Church. Those seeking confirmation (or reception from another apostolic tradition) normally participate in a period of instruction; ask Fr. Oldfield or contact the parish office about the next class.
The Holy Eucharist
The Holy Eucharist, or Mass, is the Church’s central act of worship, in which we receive the Body and Blood of Christ and offer the sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving with the whole Church. All baptized and confirmed Christians (or those who are ready and desirous to be confirmed) who are prepared and in love and charity with their neighbors are invited to receive Holy Communion. If you have questions about receiving Communion, or about preparation, please speak with a member of the clergy.
Confession and Reconciliation
In sacramental confession a penitent confesses sins to God in the presence of a priest and receives spiritual counsel and absolution. All the baptized may receive this sacrament. If you would like to make a confession, especially in preparation for a major feast or after a time away from the Church, contact Fr. Oldfield or the parish office to schedule a time.
Holy Unction
Holy Unction is the sacrament of anointing with oil and prayer for healing in body, mind, and spirit. The priest may offer Unction in church, in the home, or in the hospital. If you or a loved one are ill, preparing for surgery, or in need of prayer for healing, please call the parish office to request anointing or hospital visitation.
Holy Matrimony
Holy Matrimony is the sacramental union of one man and one woman in a lifelong covenant of love and fidelity, for the sanctification of the couple and the rearing of families, entered into in the presence of God and the Church.
Couples seeking Christian marriage at Saint Paul’s should contact the parish as early as possible, and at least several months before the desired date, to begin premarital counseling and planning.
Holy Orders
Holy Orders is the sacrament in which men are called and ordained as deacons, priests, and bishops to serve Christ and his Church. If you sense a possible call to ordained ministry, begin by speaking with Fr. Oldfield, who can help you discern that call and, if appropriate, begin the formal process with the Diocese.
Funerals and Last Rites
The Church commends the faithful departed to the mercy of God with the prayers of the Burial Office and the Holy Eucharist. In cases of serious illness or approaching death, the priest is available to administer the Last Rites (Confession, Unction, and Communion). In the event of a death or medical emergency, please contact the parish immediately so that a priest can come to pray with you and your family and assist with funeral planning.