The formal definition of a sacrament is an outward sign, instituted by Christ to give grace. Each sacrament is rooted in the Bible and the origin of every sacrament can be traced historically in Sacred Scripture to a significant event in the life of Jesus Christ.
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 the embrace of God. Parents, who are active, participating members of St. Clement Parish desiring to have their children Baptized, should contact the rectory, ideally, before the birth of their child to arrange a time for Baptism preparation. At that time, they will be given information concerning qualifications for Godparents and Baptismal scheduling.
RECONCILIATION
Reconciliation (also known as Penance) is the Sacrament in which we find God’s unconditional love when our sins are forgiven. The Sacrament is usually received in the second grade after three years of PRE (k-2) or Catholic School preparation and two retreats that are scheduled for both parents and students. (A retreat is scheduled for first grade to begin the preparation for the Sacrament.) For more information contact Mandy Vigna, DRE at 255-4422.
EUCHARIST
As Jesus celebrated the Passover at his last supper with the Apostles, He blessed broke and shared with them bread and wine, declaring that it was His body and blood. He promised that He would truly be with them when they did likewise and shared bread and wine together in memory of Him. The Sacrament of Eucharist is usually received in the second grade after three years of PRE or Catholic School preparation and two retreats that are scheduled for both parents and students. For more information contact Mandy Vigna, DRE at 255-4422. 255-4422
CONFIRMATION
Confirmation is the Sacrament of mature Christian commitment and a deepening of Baptismal gifts. It is one of the three Sacraments of Initiation for Catholics, and associated with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The Sacrament of Confirmation is usually received in the 11th grade of school after three years of immediate preparation and 12 years of PRE (K-11) or Catholic school attendance. For more information contact Mandy Vigna, DRE at 255-4422.
MARRIAGE
Marriage, as instituted by God, is a fruitful, exclusive, lifelong union of man and woman joined in an intimate community of life and love. Engaged couples should :
- Contact the rectory to schedule an appointment to meet with the Pastor, ideally 9 months before their proposed wedding date.
- Complete the Couple Inventory – administered by the Parish
- Fulfill the Marriage Preparation requirement by:
- Attending Engaged Couples Weekend or
- Attending Marriage Prep Series or
- Meeting with sponsor couple – arranged through the Parish
Schedules and registration forms for Engaged Couples Weekend and Marriage Prep Series can be found at the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown Website ajdiocese.org/family-life
ANOINTING OF THE SICK
Please contact Fr. Rosenbaum to receive this Sacrament.
HOLY ORDERS
Please contact Fr. Rosenbaum if you are interested in becoming a deacon or a priest.