Sacraments
The Latin word sacramentum means "a sign of the sacred." The seven sacraments are ceremonies that point to what is sacred, significant and important for Christians. They are special occasions for experiencing God's saving presence. That's what theologians mean when they say that sacraments are at the same time signs and instruments of God's grace.
If you learn more about the sacraments, you can celebrate them more fully. To learn more about the individual sacraments, please follow the links below. You'll find videos with an accompanying article with an easy-to-understand explanation of each sacrament.
Baptism
For Catholics, the Sacrament of Baptism is the first step in a lifelong journey of commitment and discipleship. Whether we are baptized as infants or adults, Baptism is the Church's way of celebrating and enacting the embrace of God. Preparation class is required for first-time parents prior to Baptism. To make arrangements for a child's baptism, contact the parish secretary, Mikey Bancroft at 724-748-6700 ext 100, for a baptism at St. Michael's, contact the office at 724-867-2422; to arrange for an adult's baptism, contact Deacon Owen at ext 110.
Reconciliation
The Catholic Sacrament of Reconciliation (also known as Penance, or Penance and Reconciliation) has three elements: conversion, confession and celebration. In it we find God's unconditional forgiveness; as a result we are called to forgive others. To make arrangements for a child's first Reconciliation, contact Marialyce Garvis at 724-748-6700 ext 112; to arrange an adult's Reconciliation, contact Deacon Owen at ext 110.
Eucharist
Catholics believe the Eucharist, or Communion, is both a sacrifice and a meal. We believe in the real presence of Jesus, who died for our sins. As we receive Christ's Body and Blood, we also are nourished spiritually and brought closer to God. To make arrangements for a child's First Eucharist, contact Marialyce Garvis at 724-748-6700 ext 112; to arrange for an adult's First Eucharist, contact Deacon Owen at ext 110.
Confirmation
Confirmation is a Catholic Sacrament of mature Christian commitment and a deepening of baptismal gifts. It is one of the three Sacraments of Initiation for Catholics. It is most often associated with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. To make arrangements for a child's Confirmation, contact Marialyce Garvis at 724-748-6700 ext 112; to arrange an adult's Confirmation, contact Deacon Owen at ext 110.
Anointing of the Sick
The Catholic Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, formerly known as Last Rites or Extreme Unction, is a ritual of healing appropriate not only for physical but also for mental and spiritual sickness, and can be repeated as often as necessary. This Sacrament is celebrated during Masses several times during the year; if you or a loved one would like to be anointed at Beloved Disciple, contact parish secretary Mikey Bancroft at 724-748-6700 ext 100, to be anointed at St. Michael's, contact the office at 724-867-2422
Marriage
For Catholics, the Sacrament of Marriage, or Holy Matrimony, is a public sign that one gives oneself totally to this other person. It is also a public statement about God: the loving union of husband and wife speaks of family values and also God's values. To make arrangements for a wedding at Beloved Disciple, contact Mikey Bancroft at 724-748-6700 ext 100, for a wedding at St. Michael's, contact the office at 724-867-2422; arrangements must be made six months in advance.
Holy Orders
In the Sacrament of Holy Orders, or Ordination, the priest being ordained vows to lead other Catholics by bringing them the sacraments (especially the Eucharist), by proclaiming the Gospel, and by providing other means to holiness. If you are interested in investigating a calling to Holy Orders, please contact Father David at 724-748-6700 ext 111.