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Holy Sacraments

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THE SACRAMENTS OF INITIATION

BAPTISM

"Go, therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you." (Matthew 28:19-20)

Both parents are required to attend, and to be registered members of the parish. Godparents are encouraged to attend. For more information, please contact the Rectory at of St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church at 325-365-2687.

Ambos padres son requeridos atender y ser registrados como miembros de la parróquia. Padrinos son alentados atender. Para mas información, favor de contactar la rectoria de la iglésia St. Mary Star of the Sea al 325-365-2687.

CONFIRMATION

Confirmation perfects Baptismal grace; it is the sacrament which gives the Holy Spirit in order to ...incorporate us more firmly into Christ, strengthen our bond with the Church, associate us more closely with her mission, and help us to bear witness to the Christian faith in words accompanied by deeds. (CCC 1316)

Confirmation consists of a two-year program of instruction and spiritual growth. The sacrament is administered by the Bishop or his delegate. Please contact the Parish office for more information.

EUCHARIST

The Eucharist is the heart and summit of the Church's life, for in it Christ associates his Church and all its members with his sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving offered once for all on the cross to his Father; by this Sacrifice he pours out the graces of salvation on his Body which is the Church. (CCC1407)

Reception of First Eucharist by children is a two-year process involving classroom instruction and parent involvement. This sacrament is normally celebrated when the child is 7 years old. Please contact the Parish office for more information and to enroll in the program.

THE SACRAMENTS OF HEALING

CONFESSION

"Those who approach the sacrament of Penance obtain pardon from God's mercy for the offense committed against him, and are, at the same time, reconciled with the Church which they have wounded by their sins and which by charity, by example, and by prayer labors for their conversion. (LG 11#2)

The forgiveness of sins committed after Baptism is conferred by a particular sacrament called the sacrament of conversion, confession, penance or reconciliation.

After carefully examining your conscience, you may celebrate this sacrament before scheduled weekday Masses or by appointment.

ANOINTING OF THE SICK

"Is any among you sick? Let him call for the presbyters (priests) of the Church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven." (James 5:1-15)

The proper time for receiving this holy anointing has certainly arrived when the believer begins to be ill or during the onset of old age.

This sacrament is celebrated whenever a person or family member feels it is appropriate. If the sick person is being hospitalized, please call the pastor and ask for anointing.

THE SACRAMENTS OF VOCATION/CALLING

HOLY ORDERS

"Do this in memory of me."

Since apostolic times, men have been set aside within the community of believers to serve their sisters and brothers in the person of the Redeemer Jesus. These men go through a rigorous academic training and spiritual formation which, from high school, may last as long as 9 or 10 years. The Christian community has an obligation to encourage young men to prepare to serve as priest by their prayers and financial support. Talk with the pastor if you feel Jesus calling you to be a priest.

Some of our members are called to serve as the Church in the Consecrated Life as a religious brother or sister. Please contact the Parish office to assist you in pursuing this vocation.

SACRAMENT OF MARRIAGE

"The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life, is by its nature ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring; this covenant between baptized persons has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament." (CIC 1055)
In order to help you celebrate this sacrament, the church asks for a period of preparation. Please contact the priest at least 6 months before your desired wedding date.

St. Mary, Star of the Sea

Catholic Church, Ballinger, Texas

Holy Sacraments