Sacraments of Faith
The liturgical life of the Catholic Church revolves around the Eucharistic sacrafice and the seven sacraments. The purpose of the sacraments is to make people holy, to build up the body of Christ, and finally, to give worship to God; but being signs, they also have a teaching function. They not only presuppose faith, but by words and object, they also nourish, strengthen and express it; that is why they are called “sacraments of faith.” The sacraments impart grace, but in addition, the very act of celebrating them disposes the faithful most effectively to receive this grace in a fruitful manner, to worship God rightly, and to practice charity. Our sacramental rites are of primary importance while we gather.
Baptism
Baptism is the beginning of new life in Christ. Through the waters of baptism, we are born into new life, cleansed of all sin, receive the Holy Spirit and are received into the Body of Christ, the Church.
To celebrate and welcome the newest members of our Parish family, Baptisms are celebrated during our regular mass schedule at both parishes. For more information, click the link below or contact the Parish Office.
Reconciliation
The Sacrament of Reconcilation (a.k.a. Confession, Penance) has 3 elements: Conversion, confession, and celebration. In it, we find God’s unconditional forgiveness; as a result, we are called to forgive others.
Confessions are available Saturdays at 3:15pm at St. Anthony’s or by appointment.
Holy Eucharist
The Eucharist is the heart and summit of the Church’s life and the celebration always includes the Word of God, thanksgiving to God, the consecration of the bread and wine and participation by the faithful in receiving the Lord’s body and blood.
First Communion is celebrated the Spring in Grade 2 as part of our Faith Formation program.
Confirmation
The sacrament of Confirmation has two primary effects- the bond with the church is strengthened which first began in Baptism, and the person is enriched with an outpouring of the Holy Spirit and receives the spiritual gifts of the spirit. Both of these effects perfect the grace that is first received in Baptism and helps us continue to live as disciples of Christ to the world.
Confirmation is celebrated as part of Faith Formation in Grade 10.
Matrimony
The mutual sacrifice and devotion of husband and wife is a true picture of Christ’s sanctifying sacrifice and devotion to His Church.
We are committed to to being a marriage-building parish. We offer a variety of ways to support couples no matter where they are in the adventure of marriage or the journey leading to it. We realize that each couple is unique in their needs and the clergy and staff will work with each couple individually so that their specific needs are met, helping the couple build a firm foundation for a lifetime of marriage.
To learn click below or contact the parish office. We ask that you make arrangements at least 6-7 months in advance.
Holy Orders
Holy Orders is the continuation of Christ’s priesthood, which he bestowed upon His Apostles; thus, the Catechism of the Catholic Church refers to the Sacrament of Holy Orders as “the sacrament of apolistic ministry.”
Above is our beloved Pastor, Fr. Paul, at his Ordination over 31 years ago
The Vocations Office of the Diocese has a variety of resources available for those looking to answer God’s Calling. Click below to open their website.
Annointing the Sick
Formerly known as Last Rites, the Anointing of the Sick is a ritual of healing appropriate not only for physical, but also for mental and spiritual sickness. Christ strengthens the faithful who are afflicted by providing them with the strongest means of support.
The Parish offers the opportunity to receive the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick after the 8am Daily Mass at St. Anthony’s in Mattapoisett. Please contact the Parish Office for more information.
Funeral Services
While not a sacrament, the Church asks spiritual assistance fo the departed, honors their bodies, and at the same time brings solace of hope to the living. The celebration of the Christian funeral brings hope and consolation to the living.
While proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ and witnessing to the Christian hope in the resurrection, the funeral rites also recall to all who take part in them God’s mercy and judgement and meet the human need to turn always to God in times of crisis.
For more information, please click on the link below or contact the Parish Office.