The Sacrament of Baptism is the first Sacrament Christians receive which cleanses us from original sin, marks us as a child of God, and initiates us as a member of the Christian family. Email Hannah Dawson ([email protected]) for more information.

The Catholic Church believes in the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. In other words, when the priest holds up the bread and wine at Mass and speaks the words of consecration, that bread and wine become the true Body and Blood of Christ. This is why Catholics have a "closed Communion" where only those who are baptized, regularly attend Mass, and in a state of grace are invited to receive Communion at Mass.

“During his public life Jesus not only forgave sins, but also made plain the effect of this forgiveness: he reintegrated forgiven sinners into the community of the People of God from which sin had alienated and excluded them… In imparting to his apostles his own power to forgive sins the Lord also gives them authority to reconcile sinners with the Church.”  
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, #’s 1443 & 1444.

Before Confession

An important aspect of a good confession is a thorough examination of conscience. This can be done by examining your life since your last confession. Many people use written examinations of conscience to help guide them in the process. Some people write out their sins and even bring their sheet into confession with them.

How to Go to Confession

1. Sign of the Cross: Together, you and the priest will make the Sign of the Cross.  You may then begin your confession with these or similar words: “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned.  It has been [give days, months, or years] since my last confession.”
2. Confession: Confess all your sins to the priest.  If you are unsure what to say, ask the priest for help.  When you are finished, conclude with these or similar words: “I am sorry for these and all my sins.”
3. Penance: The priest will propose an act of penance.  The penance might be a prayer, a work of mercy, or an act of charity.  He might also counsel you on how to live a better Christian life.
4. Act of Contrition: After the priest has given you a penance, pray an Act of Contrition, expressing sorrow for your sins and resolving to sin no more.  One suggested Act of Contrition is:
​​​​​​​“My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart.  In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against You whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with Your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin.  Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us.  In His name, my God have mercy.”
5. Absolution: The priest will extend his hands over your head and pronounce the words of absolution.  Make the Sign of the Cross as he makes it over you and respond, “Amen.”
6. Dismissal: The priest will conclude the Sacrament, often saying, “Go in peace.”

Confirmation is one of the Sacraments of Initiation, often received around the age of 12-14 or when adults come into communion with the Catholic Church at Easter Vigil. Confirmation helps strengthen the graces given to us by the Holy Spirit at baptism.

Traditionally, one takes a Confirmation name of a Saint that they have a particular devotion to who helps intercede for them. Email [email protected] for more information on Confirmation Prep.

Did you just get engaged? Congratulations! We’re delighted to help you prepare to receive the beautiful Sacrament of Matrimony from God who will soon join you and your fiancé in an indissoluble union for life. Please email Fr. Jonathan ([email protected]) to begin your preparation for marriage.

To make an appointment to receive the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick from a priest, please contact the Parish Office.

Anointing of the Sick is one of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church. Once referred to only as Last Rites, the Second Vatican Council called for Anointing of the Sick to be broadened and offered to more of the faithful as a source of healing and comfort in illness and at the time of death. 

Who is eligible? 

• Those who are at the end of their life.
• Those with chronic illnesses.
• Those who will be undergoing surgery and/or full anesthesia.
• Those in the hospital with a serious condition.

“Holy Orders is the sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to his apostles continues to be exercised in the Church until the end of time.”  
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, #1536.

If you’ve thought about becoming a priest, contact Fr. Andrew Budzinski, the Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Fort Wayne - South Bend.