ST. PHILIP'S CATHOLIC CHURCH - BEMIDJI, MN
Sacraments of the Catholic Church
The Latin word sacramentum means a sign of the sacred. “The sacraments are efficacious signs of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the church, by which divine life is dispensed to us. The visible rites by which the sacraments are celebrated signify and make present the graces proper to each sacrament. They bear fruit in those who receive them with the required dispositions.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1131) Thus, the sacraments assist individuals in their spiritual progress and growth in holiness. The sacraments also contribute to the Church's growth in charity and in giving witness.
Baptism
Eucharist
Confirmation
Reconciliation
Anointing of the Sick
Marriage
Holy Orders
THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM
The Sacrament of Baptism is often called "The door of the Church," because it is the first of the seven sacraments not only in time (since most Catholics receive it as infants) but in priority, since the reception of the other sacraments depends on it. It is the first of the three Sacraments of Initiation, the other two being the Sacrament of Confirmation and the Sacrament of Holy Communion. Once baptized, a person becomes a member of the Church. Traditionally, the rite (or ceremony) of baptism was held outside the doors of the main part of the church, to signify this fact.
FIRST EUCHARIST
FIRST RECONCILIATION and FIRST EUCHARIST
Preparation of a child for the sacraments of First Eucharist and First Reconciliation is the responsibility of the parents, with the guidance of the Parish Staff. See the Religious Formation Handbook Sacrament Guidelines for more information.
Parents must attend the Parent Session for each sacrament and direct their child’s preparation for the sacrament. Children are required to attend Religious Formation class or be a student of St. Philip’s School. The curriculum in the Religious Formation Program and St. Philip’s School do not fulfill the requirements for the sacrament.
Children who are at least in 2nd grade are eligible for both FIRST EUCHARIST and FIRST RECONCILIATION. It is recommended that children receive the sacrament of Reconciliation before receiving First Eucharist. Parents may delay the reception of the sacraments of Reconciliation and/or Eucharist if they feel their child is not ready.
THE SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION
Youth receive the sacrament of CONFIRMATION during the spring of 11th grade. Confirmation formation is a three year program. Youth are required to attend Religious Formation classes during this time (9th grade, 10th grade and 11th grade). See the Religious Formation Handbook Sacrament Guidelines for more information.
THE SACRAMENT OF RECONCILATION
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a Sacrament in which we are sorry for our sins, confess them to a priest, receive forgiveness for them and are reconciled with God and the Church. This Sacrament gives more than forgiveness and reconciliation because it restores to us the grace of God that we lose through our sin, it strengthens our resolve to avoid sin, and it makes us more determined to live good Christian lives.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available at the Church of St. Philip’s at the following times:
Every Saturday from 4:30 – 5:00 PM and Sunday's before every Mass in the Chapel Reconciliation Room or by appointment with a priest. Call the parish office at 444-4262 for an appointment.
Parish Penance Services are held during Advent and Lent and include prayer, scripture reading, examination of conscience, and an act of contrition before celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation through individual confession and absolution. Watch the bulletin for dates and times.
Day of Grace is held one Saturday during Lent when a Priest is available in the Chapel Reconciliation Room at the top of the hour every hour from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, then continually until 5:00 PM for individual reconciliation. Watch the bulletin during Lent for more information.
To learn more about the Sacrament of Reconciliation and how to prepare to make your confession follow the links below:
A Short Guide to the Sacrament of Reconciliation (PDF)
Anointing of the Sick
Traditionally referred to as Extreme Unction or Last Rites, the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick was previously most commonly administered to the dying, for the remission of sins and the provision of spiritual strength and health. In modern times, however, its use has been expanded to all who are gravely ill or are about to undergo a serious operation, and the Church stresses a secondary effect of the sacrament: to help a person recover his health. Like Confession and Holy Communion, to which it is closely linked, the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick can be repeated as often as is necessary.
THE SACRAMENT OF MARRIAGE
Marriage is a practice common to all cultures in all ages. It is, therefore, a natural institution, something common to all mankind. At its most basic level, marriage is a union between a man and a woman for the purpose of procreation and mutual support, or love. Each spouse in a marriage gives up some rights over his or her life in exchange for rights over the life of the other spouse.
THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY ORDERS
The Sacrament of 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 apostolic ministry."
"Ordination" comes from the Latin word ordinatio, which means to incorporate someone into an order. In the Sacrament of Holy Orders, a man is incorporated into the priesthood of Christ, at one of three levels: the episcopate, the priesthood, or the diaconate.
To contact us:
St. Philip's Catholic Church, 702 Beltrami Ave NW, Bemidji, MN 56601
Phone: 218-444-4262 Fax: 218-444-1381 E-mail: rector@stphilipsbemidji.org