“Catholics believe that the Sacraments are how we cross over 2,000 years and become ‘contemporary with Christ,’ or rather how Christ crosses over and becomes contemporary with us. The answer is that we meet not just spiritually and subjectively, in our minds; we meet materially and objectively in and through the matter of the Sacraments.”
Peter Kreeft, Jesus Schock
The sacraments are efficacious signs of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, by which divine life is dispensed to us” through the work of the Holy Spirit (CCC, nos. 1131; cf. no. 774)
The Christ-life (divine life) comes into us through the sacraments;
Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist initiate us into the life;
Marriage and Holy Orders give that life missionary direction;
Confession and the Anointing of the Sick restore the life when it has been lost.
As necessary as food and drink are to the body, so are the sacraments for the health of the soul. Now, Thomas Aquinas said that, though, all the sacraments contain the power of Jesus, only the Eucharist contains Jesus Himself. When we consume the Eucharist, we are taking the whole Christ-body, blood, soul, and divinity-into ourselves, becoming thereby conformed to Him in the most literal sense.
-Bishop Robert Barron
SACRAMENTS OF INITIATION
The Sacraments of Initiation—Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist—are the foundations of the Christian life. “Baptism, the Eucharist, and the sacrament of Confirmation together constitute the ‘sacraments of Christian initiation,’ whose unity must be safeguarded”
(CCC 1285)
Baptismal preparations classes are held the 3rd Wednesday of each month. Baptism ceremonies are held on the first Saturday of the month at noon and the second and third Sundays of the month at 2:00. Parents must be registered parishioners of Our Lady of Mercy, Please call the parish office to register for the baptism preparation class and to schedule a baptism date.
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Preparation for the sacrament occurs in high school (can begin freshman year) and is a part of the L.I.G.H.T. program. The sacrament is administered in the fall of each year for students who have been prepared and are ready. Information on the sacrament can be obtained through the L.I.G.H.T. program or by contacting the youth ministry office.
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Preparation for the sacrament begins in first grade Religious Education classes and continues through second grade. Attendance at a parent meeting is required. A child needs to be in first and second grade programs to receive Communion in the spring of second grade.
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SACRAMENTS OF HEALING
In the Sacrament of Healing; Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick, we are reconciled to God and the Church.
(CCC 1420-1498)
The sacrament of Reconciliation is about the mercy of Jesus Christ. Come feel the mercy of God on Saturdays, from 3pm – 3:45pm.
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Anointing is available by appointment during the week, or upon request during the weekend. Please contact us if you or a loved one would like to receive the sacrament.
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SACRAMENTS AT THE SERVICE OF COMMUNION
Holy Orders and Matrimony belong to the Sacraments at the Service of Communion. This means they are primarily directed toward the salvation of others. The recipients of these Sacraments grow in holiness through their service to others.
(CCC 1533-1600)
Please note that Engaged couples must be registered, practicing and contributing Catholics. According to Diocesan law, the date of the wedding must be selected six months in advance of the actual Sacrament of Marriage being performed. Please call to inquire about available dates (630) 851-3444 or “Get In Touch” with us via email.
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To discuss or learn more about a vocation to the Catholic priesthood or religious life, check out the Diocese of Joliet’s Vocations website.
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