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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.​

Baptism is the first of the initiation sacraments. Baptism is celebrated when the parents of the child make a commitment to live, practice and teach the Catholic faith. The sacrament bestows the grace of God on the person; it frees a person from original sin and it brings a person into the community of faith.  

Baptisms are usually celebrated during at Sunday Eucharist. The other option is to have a baptism after Mass.  Sponsors must be at least 16 years of age; a confirmed Catholic; and in good standing with the Catholic Church.  Learn more about official qualifications of baptism sponsors.

Please 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.

Christ breaks down the barriers that sin raises between us and God, and within the human community.

Our conversion from sin and reception of divine mercy are continually renewed by confession. Serious sin separates us from the body of the church, and sacramental penance reconciles us with God and the community of his people. This sacrament is also referred to as the sacrament of penance or confession. 

Receiving the sacrament at St. Patrick Parish​
The sacrament of reconciliation at St. Patrick Parish is celebrated on Saturdays beginning at 4:30 p.m., or by appointment.

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.

The Eucharist (from the Greek word eucharistia ‘thanksgiving’) is the sacrament of the body and blood of Christ in which he is present under the forms of bread and wine offering himself in the sacrifice of the Mass and giving himself as spiritual food to the faithful.

At the Last Supper, the Lord instituted the Eucharistic sacrifice of his body and blood. He did this in order to perpetuate the sacrifice of the cross throughout the ages until he should come again, and so to entrust to the church a memorial of his death and resurrection.

The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life.

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.

This gift conforms believers more fully to Christ and strengthens them to bear witness to Christ for the building up of his body in faith and love.

These sacraments are offered according to the guidelines established by the code of canon law and the Diocese of Greensburg..

The diocese also has official qualifications of confirmation sponsors, as well as several guidelines and/or recommendations.​

Marriage

​The marriage covenant prefigures the new and everlasting covenant between the Son of God and all mankind.

Through this sacrament, Christians signify and share in the mystery of the unity and fruitful love that exists between Christ and his church. Christian couples are to strive to nourish and develop their marriage by undivided attention in good times and in bad.

Find daily marriage tips, quizzes, blogs, facts and figures, “must have conversations,” a personality audit, personal stories, the Biblical roots of marriage, prayers, church documents and information about marital sexuality and spirituality.

Learn more about The Pastoral Care and Preparation for the Celebration of Marriage, a marriage guide established by the Diocese of Greensburg.

Marriage at St. Patrick Parish
Couples wishing to enter the sacrament of marriage are to contact the pastor at least one year prior to the wedding date. The couple will meet with the priest to take care of all that is required.  ​​

Also, the couple will enter into a marriage preparation program that is approved by the pastor. Contact the parish office for guidelines and additional information. 

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. 

By this sacrament, those who suffer are united to the passion and death of Christ. The Lord himself showed great concern for the sick and commanded his followers to do likewise. 

Through this sacrament, Christ strengthens the faithful who are afflicted by illness, providing them with the strongest means of support.

A family member should contact the parish office in case of serious illness, or in an emergency. Also, this sacrament is celebrated at least twice a year during one of the weekend Masses.

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. 

Episcopal consecration of a bishop confers the offices of sanctifying, teaching and ruling. Priests are consecrated to preach the Gospel and to shepherd the faithful, as well as to celebrate the divine liturgy. 

Deacons share in Christ’s mission and grace. Among other tasks, deacons assist the bishop and priests in the celebration of the divine mysteries, and in dedicating themselves to the various ministries of charity.

Learn more about vocations here.