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The Catholic Sacraments

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The traditional definition of a sacrament is this: “A sacrament is a visible sign, instituted by Christ, to give grace.” Within this definition there are three important statements.  In summary, a sacrament is one of the means God has chosen to influence our life in the direction of his purpose for giving us life.

A visible sign

An action is performed by a minister (usually a priest).  For example, when a baby is baptized in the church the priest pours water over its head and at the same time says the words “I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” That is a visible sign.

Instituted by Christ

The Lord Jesus Christ instructed His church to offer the seven sacraments to His followers. For example, His directive to His disciples in Matthew’s Gospel (28/19), “Go then, to all peoples everywhere and make them my disciples; baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit and teach them to obey everything I have commanded you.”

To give grace

Grace is God’s free gift of Himself as the controlling influence in our life and the decisions we make once we have committed ourselves to Him in faith.

St. Vincent Ferrer offers the following Sacramental services.

OCIA: Becoming Catholic

The RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is a process of initiation into the Catholic Community of Faith for persons who are experiencing a conversion in their lives and seeking either Christian baptism in the Catholic Church or full communion with the Catholic tradition of Eucharist and Confirmation.

Father Esper

OCIA: Becoming Catholic director

Marriage

Marriage is a Sacrament because it bears the image of the love of Christ for the Church. In the Marriage Sacrament, a husband and wife are called to love each other in the model of the self-giving love of Jesus. This love is the primary sign of marriage

Father Esper

Marriage director

Baptism

Baptism is the primary and foundational Sacrament of initiation into the Church. Through Baptism a person enters the Body of Christ as a child of God. Receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit in faith, the recipient has gains the promise of eternal life.

Father Esper

Baptism director

Funerals

The staff at St. Vincent Ferrer compassionately assists families in planning the funeral for their loved one. Our funeral minister will make available to you selections for mass readings, psalms, and appropriate song selections.

Father Esper

Funerals director

Reconciliation

The Sacrament of Reconciliation, formally known as Confession, is a wonderful Sacrament of mercy and forgiveness. The Sacrament is a peaceful opportunity to speak to a priest about those things that have burdened your heart and soul hindering your peace with God, others, or yourself.

Father Esper

Reconciliation director