Our Faith

This sacrament deepens the process of initiation into the faith which began at Baptism. It brings additional strength for the journey and strengthens the connection with the faith community. The candidate is anointed with oil as a sign of strength as a Christian.

We celebrate a ritual enactment of Jesus' Last Supper. The priest repeats the words of Jesus and the bread and wine are changed into the actual body and blood of Christ. This sacrament is sometimes referred to as Holy Communion.

This is an initiation rite which begins our journey by connecting us to a community of faith. It is a ritual which includes pouring on of water, lighting a candle for life and the presence of sponsors who promise to guide the person on their journey of faith

Previously called "Extreme Unction," this is a sacrament of healing for either physical, emotional or spiritual illness. It is meant to strengthen the spirit of those who are about to have serious surgery, are seriously ill or are elderly and frail.

Catholics also have a special devotion and reverence for Mary, the mother of Jesus. We believe that Mary was chosen for this responsibility and was born free from original sin which is present in all others who have been born. There are special celebrations of Mary's life and role throughout our Church year.

We believe that there is a continuation of life after the death of our bodies. It is our belief that after our mortal body dies, our soul lives on. If our life has been one of good rather than evil, if we have tended to the least of God's creatures, if we have come to know and love God, then it is our belief that we will spend eternity in the presence of our God....

The sacrament of Holy Orders is the activity by which a man commits his life to serve the Church. Holy orders is a three-fold sacrament in that it includes ordination to the diaconate, the priesthood and to the office of bishop. The deacon is ordained for service and can perform marriages, baptisms, assist at the altar during Mass and performs other rituals in the Church. When a man is ordained to the priesthood he is given the responsibility and the power to offer Mass (the Eucharist), forgive sins, administer the other sacraments and care for the spiritual lives of the people he serves. When a bishop is ordained, he accepts the responsibility to administer his diocese and has the personal jurisdiction as a successor of the apostles over the people in his diocese.

Marriage is a lasting relationship between a woman and a man which is seen as an extension of the covenant relationship between God and his people. In Catholic marriages there are three persons involved: husband, wife and Jesus Christ. Catholic teaching is that marriage is for life.

The sacrament is also called Confession or reconciliation. Catholics are able to bring themselves back into full grace through the forgiveness of their sins. A process of self-reflection to identify some patterns of behavior which "miss the mark" leads Catholics to confess their sins to a priest. Then the priest, in Christ's name, offers forgiveness for those sins.