Sacramental Preparation
-
Penance & Reconciliation
-
Jesus, the physician of both our souls and bodies, forgave the sins of paralyzed man and restored him to bodily health. Just as then, he desires that the Church continue his work of healing and salvation, even among the Church's own members (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1421).
Those who come to the Sacrament of Penance obtain pardon from God's mercy for offences committed against him and are reconciled with the Church, which is also hurt by sin (Lumen Gentium 11). It is necessary for salvation for the baptized, just as Baptism is necessary for the uninitiated (CCC 980). Catholics are encourage to receive the Sacrament often, especially when conscious of serious sins.
In the Emmaus Pastorate's parishes, second graders are prepared to receive the Sacrament of Penance through regular faith formation classes. Please contact a parish's Faith Formation Coordinator for more information. Contact information can be found on our staff page.
-
-
Eucharist
-
In short, the Eucharist is the sum and summary of our faith: "Our way of thinking is attuned to the Eucharist, and the Eucharist in turn confirms our way of thinking" (St. Inenaeus, CCC 1327). And the celebration of the Mass is the source and summit of the Christian life (LG 11). As the central action and tenant of the Catholic Church, the Eucharist is the driving force and unifying worship of the Roman Catholic. Like Penance and Reconciliation, Catholics are encouraged to receive the Eucharist at least every Sunday.
In the Emmaus Pastorate, second graders typically receive the Sacrament of Penance for the first time in the fall or winter and then prepare to receive the Body and Blood of Christ for the first time during Eastertide. For more information, visit our staff page to contact a parish's Faith Formation Coordinator.
-
-
-
-
Confirmation
-
"Through the Sacrament of Confirmation the Apostles themselves and Bishops, who are their successors, have handed on to the baptized the special gift of the Holy Spirit, promised by Christ the Lord and poured out upon the Apostles at Pentecost. With its help, initiation in the Christian life is so brought to completion that the faithful, stregthened by the heavenly power, go forth as true witnesses of Christ in word and example, and are bound more closely to the Church." ~Order of Confirmation
-
-
-
The Emmaus Pastorate confirms high school sophomores after they have completed a year-long faith formation program. Considered the final step in Christian initation, those are confirmed are full members of the Catholic faith and are charged with the responsibility of being Christ's ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20). To prepare to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, please contact your parish's Faith Formation Coordinator.
-
-
-
-
Marriage -
Holy Orders
-
Deaconate (Deacons)
With a storied history from the earliest days of Christianity, deacons have played an important role both in the charitable and liturgical life of the church. The deacon is particularly called to a ministry of service and presence, and he calls others to shared responsibility and service. He is further called to facilitate others' ministry so that priests are freed for their presidential and sacramental roles.
After completing several years of formation, the Emmaus Pastorate was blessed a newly ordained deacon in 2021 when Paul Dolan was ordained by Archbishop Michael Jackels. Paul has many roles within the Pastorate, and we are grateful for his service and example!
-
-
-
Prebyterate (Priests)
Given the number of Catholics throughout the world, for centuries bishops have charged priests with sanctifying and governing smaller parts of the faithful. Priests administer the Sacraments; counsel, console, and serve the needy; and manage the Church's resources, typically a parish and all of its activities. Priests are primarily based in parishes where they serve as pastor and perform a variety of administrative and sacramental duties, though some are based in other fields like education. Most importantly, priests supply the faithful with access to the Sacraments during which they act in the person of Christ. To become an ordained priest requires a process of discernment and serveal years of formation. Please contact our pastor if you or someone you know is interested in the priesthood!
-
-
-
Episcopate (Bishops)
The first and primary leader of God's people on Earth, Bishops are responsible for administering Sacraments, ensuring the proper formation of youth and adults, safeguarding the teachings of the Church, and responding to the needs of the people in his diocese. Because of the vast expanse of the Catholic faithful, bishops often delegate responsibilities to priests, deacons, and in some cases lay ministers, but many administrative and some Sacrament duties are reserved specifically for the diocesan bishop. To be ordained a bishop, a priest must be appointed by the Holy Father through a commissioned process, after which he is ordained by the pope or another bishop and usually assigned a diocese to oversee on behalf of Christ. Because of apostolic succession, the process by which one bishop ordains another, each bishop can trace his authority back to the Twelve Apostles, Christ's very first appointed sheperds. The primary symbols of episcopate are the mitre, crozier, and ring worn and used as symbols of the bishop's authority.
-
-
Anointing of the Sick
-
When the Church cares for the sick, it serves Christ himself in the suffering members of his Mystical Body. When it follows the example of the Lord Jesus, who "went about doing good and healing all" (Acts 10:38), the Church obeys his command to care for the sick (Mark 16:18). The Church shows this solicitude not only by visiting those who are in poor health but also by raising them up through the Sacrament of Anointing and by nourishing them with the Eucharist during their illness and when they are in danger of death. Finally, the Church offers prayers for the sick to commend them to God, especially in the last crisis of life. ~Rite of Pastoral Care of the Sick
This Sacrament, administered by a priest, can be received multiple times and is especially enouraged for those with chronic illness, anyone in danger of death, and those about to undergo serious medical procedures. Please contact our pastor if you or a loved one wishes to be anointed.
-
