Baptism is the first Sacrament, and the "door" which gives access to the other sacraments. It is the first and chief sacrament of forgiveness of sins because it unites us with Christ, who died for our sins and rose for our justification. The rite of Baptism consists in immersing the candidate in water, or pouring water on the head, while pronouncing the invocation of the Most Holy Trinity.
If you would like to be baptized, or would like your child baptized, please contact the Parish Office. A class is required for those who have not gone to it before, or for those who have not gone to one within three years. This is to be done prior to Baptism. For more information please contact the Parish Office. Classes are tentatively held the first Monday of February, May, August and November at 7PM.
Reconciliation is a Sacrament celebration in which, through God's mercy and forgiveness, the sinner is reconciled with God and also with the Church, Christ's Body, which is wounded by sin. It's effect is a conversion of heart towards God, and away from sin.
Weekly Reconciliation is available on Saturdays at 3:10-3:40pm, Sundays from 7:30-7:45am and 9:30-9:45AM, or by appointment. Communal Reconciliation times will be announced in the bulletin.
Receiving Holy Communion, the Body of Jesus Christ, is receiving His “real” presence. Communion is a holy time of worship that demands reverence and devotion as well as a reminder for what Jesus did for us. Receiving Holy Communion is something we must do repeatedly throughout our lives as Christians. Please make a reverent head bow just before receiving the Eucharist-Holy Communion.
First Communion is usually completed while in 2nd grade and celebrated during the month of April or May.
Candidates must be enrolled in a First Communion class. Please call the Parish Office if you require additional information.
Confirmation is one of the three Sacraments of Initiation into the Church. It completes the grace of Baptism by a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit, which "confirm" the baptized in union with Christ and equip them for active participation in the worship and apostolic life of the Church. The Sacrament of Confirmation is one of the Sacraments of Initiation and is a very important Sacrament as it is where one receives the gifts of the Holy Spirit (Courage, Wisdom, Understanding, Knowledge, Right Judgment, Reverence and Fear of the Lord). Confirmation takes place when a student reaches the tenth grade in high school, or anytime after, at Notre Dame.
If you are an adult who has received all of the Sacraments so far, except Confirmation, and would like to be confirmed in your faith, please contact the Parish Office. If you have or have not been baptized, and have not received First Reconciliation or First Eucharist, but would like to complete or start your initiation into the Catholic faith, please contact the Parish Office for more information about our RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) program.
The Sacrament of Marriage is a covenant or partnership of life between a man and a woman, which is ordered to the well-being of the spouses and to the procreation and upbringing of children. When both are baptized, the marriage is a sacrament.
Are you engaged? Congratulations and thanks for looking into our parish as a place to celebrate this wonderful sacrament. Notre Dame requires a pre-marriage preparation program. Please allow at least six months for this preparation. If you would like more information about this sacrament, or would like to start the preparation process, please contact the Parish Office.
Holy Orders is the Sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to his Apostles continues to be exercised in the Church through the laying on of hands. This sacrament has three distinct degrees or "orders": deacon, priest, and bishop. All three give a permanent, sacramental change of character.
If you are receiving a special calling to become a spiritual leader such as a Priest or a Deacon, and you desire to assist others in our Catholic community, please contact the Parish Office to arrange an appointment to speak with Fr. Jacob for additional information and guidance.
Or visit: http://www.dbqarch.org/offices/vocations/
Anointing of the Sick can also be known as the "sacrament of the dying". It is administered by a priest to a baptized person who begins to be in danger of death because of illness or old age, through prayer and the anointing of the body with the oil of the sick. There is no age limit or range for this Sacrament.
In case of illness or emergency, please call the Parish Office. If after hours, please call (563) 547-5826. Communal Anointing is held following the 5:15pm Mass on the first Tuesday of May and October.