Sacraments

Sacraments

“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God” (Eph 2:8).

As the Baltimore Catechism tells us, a sacrament is “an outward sign instituted by Christ to give grace.” There are seven: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Reconciliation (or “Penance”), Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony. Each one, in its own way, is critical to our spiritual lives as Catholics. For information about preparing to receive these sacraments at Blessed Mother, call the Parish Office at (270) 683-8444.

Baptism

  • In order for parents to have their child baptized, they must first be “suitably instructed on the meaning of this sacrament and the obligations attaching to it” (Canon Law, no. 851.2). As such, there is one, 60 minute baptism preparation class that first time parents must attend.
  • We also prefer, per Can. 857.2, that the parents be registered in the parish.
  • Before he performs the baptism, our pastor may also ask to see you attending Mass on a regular basis. This is so that he can establish, per Can. 868.2, a “well-founded hope that the child will be brought up in the catholic religion.”
  • Contact the office to set up an appointment for the class, and a date/time may be selected for your child's baptism then as well. 
  • If this is your 2nd child, you are not required to complete the preparation class again. 
  • Please contact the office to schedule your baptism. 
  • An individual cannot receive the other sacraments of the Church until he or she is baptized.

Reconciliation

  • The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available every Saturday from 12:30 – 2:00 PM, or any time by appointment.
  • If you are conscious of having committed any mortal sin, then you must receive this sacrament before you can receive the Eucharist at Mass (cf. Can. 916).
  • For our 2nd graders receiving the Sacraments of First Reconciliation/ First Communion, there will be a Parent Meeting at the start of the school year.
  • First Reconciliation Retreat with child & parent will take place the day of First Reconciliation immediately before the sacrament.  
  • First Reconciliation for the 2nd graders will be celebrated in November.
  • For more information about First Reconciliation, please contact Christina Barnard.

Holy Communion

  • The Holy Eucharist can only be received by full members of the Catholic Church. If you are not Catholic, we request that you please refrain from receiving the Eucharist at Mass. You are, however, welcome to come forward with your arms crossed over your chest and receive a blessing.
  • First Communion Retreat with child & parent will take place the morning before First Communion.
  • The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available following the retreat at the regularly scheduled time of 12:30 to 2:00 PM
  • The Sacrament of First Holy Communion for the 2nd graders will be celebrated during the Easter Season.
  • For more information about First Holy Communion, please contact Christina Barnard


Confirmation

  • According to Canon Law, in order for a baptized person to lawfully receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, he “must be suitably instructed, properly disposed and able to renew the baptismal promises” (Can. 889). Furthermore, “Parents and pastors of souls, especially parish priests, are to see that the faithful are properly instructed to receive the sacrament” (Can. 890). This means that the preparation for the Sacrament is very important.
  • Candidates for Confirmation, parents, and sponsors must attend the Retreat, practice, complete service hours, and all paperwork.
  • Those candidates for Confirmation should complete 10 hours of service projects.
  • Confirmation Parent Meeting will take place at the start of the school year.
  • Confirmation Retreat with candidate & sponsor will be in early January.
  • Practice for the Sacrament of Confirmation with candidate & sponsor will be the evening before Confirmation. 
  • Confirmation for the eighth graders will be celebrated in March at a Wednesday night mass here at Blessed Mother Church.
  • A reception will follow in the Parish Hall.
  • For more information, contact Christina Barnard.

Holy Matrimony

  • Arrangements must be made six months in advance of the ceremony.
  • For more information, contact Fr. Brandon.

Holy Orders

Anointing of the Sick