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Sacraments

Jesus Christ established seven Sacraments to continue his saving work among us for all time.

Baptism

The Sacrament of Baptism is the first step in the life of God's grace. Infants should be presented by parents who practice their faith. Infant baptism is generally celebrated on Sunday afternoons at 1:00 pm. Baptism may also be celebrated during the celebration of Mass. Parents and God Parents are required to participate in a preparation program. Contact Father Tom at 724-847-3538 or hfp18001@verizon.net to make arrangements.

Confirmation

The Sacrament of Confirmation completes Baptism in the life of each Catholic Christian. Candidates are prepared during a two year period (grades 7 and 8) before the celebration of Confirmation. In the Diocese of Pittsburgh the celebration is usually for students in 8th or 9th grade. Participation in Sunday Mass each week is the minimal spiritual preparation for this Sacrament. As one of the sacraments of initiation, Confirmation helps the individual to be a full, adult Catholic Christian, sharing in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Students preparation for Confirmation as part of the Religious Education program. Adults should participate in the RCIA process.

Holy Eucharist

The celebration of Holy Mass is the high point of our week. In the Eucharist, the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ is made really present under the appearances of bread and wine. Children preparing for First Communion receive the Eucharist in their second year of religious education. Adults seeking to share in Holy Communion should be part of the RCIA process.

Marriage

In the Sacrament of Marriage, man and woman make a life long commitment of love and sacrifice. Church law requires the marriage of two Catholics or a Catholic and a person of another faith, to be witnessed by a priest and two adult witnesses. Catholics who seek marriage should be regular in their attendance at Sunday Mass and the practice of their faith. The couple must meet with Father Tom at least six months before any proposed wedding date. After the couple meets with Father, a wedding date can be set. A preparation program is required. Contact Father Tom at 724-847-3538 or hfp18001@verizon.net

Holy Orders

Men are called to serve God's people in the "person of Christ." The Church views parents as the "first teachers" in the faith. The family, in fact, serves as "a first seminary" and "a little church." No one influences a child more than his or her parents. Next to the family, the parish is the place where one's faith is fed. The parish is also the location where a vocation unfolds and grows. Each parish is called to pray for vocations, identify those who appear to have the qualities for a religious vocation and openly encourage those men to respond to God's call. Parishes, and the vocation culture they project, have much to say about the future of vocations. The work of fostering vocations needs to be rooted in prayer. Prayer stands out as the greatest vocation resource. Amid the noise and clamor of life that makes it increasingly difficult to hear God's call, prayer can make a difference. In a world that does not readily understand the priest's commitment of celibacy, obedience and simplicity of life, prayer can make a difference. Prayer is the forum whereby the Church can beg the harvest master to send more workers to the vineyard."God Still Calls" men to the priesthood. Together, it is the responsibility of the whole Church to help others hear and respond to the call. Speak to Father Tom for more information.

Reconciliation

The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) is available on Saturdays 3:30 to 4:00 pm and other times by appointment. In this Sacrament of mercy, Jesus Christ forgives our sins and we are given special graces to be more faithful to the words of Jesus and the teachings of His Church. Contact Father Tom for a convenient appointment time at 724-847-3538.

Anointing of the Sick

The Anointing of the Sick is available before a scheduled hospital procedure or in the case of an emergency. Contact the pastor when a family member is ill or hospitalized. Father Tom will promptly visit the home of a sick parishioner or will visit the hospital. Contact Father Tom at 724-847-3538

Holy Family Parish