Sacraments & Liturgy
The Sacraments
Jesus’ chosen way of gifting His life of grace to us for all time
Baptisms
The Divine Mercy Family of Parishes is excited that you are considering the sacrament of Baptism. Baptism is a powerful sacrament that is the greatest gift you can give to your child. “Baptism not only purifies us from all sins” it also makes each of us “an adopted son of God.”
Parents are asked to call the parish office to enroll in our next Baptism Preparation session. Baptisms can be scheduled upon completion. Contact your parish office with questions.
Weddings
Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! We are very happy to guide you as you prepare for The Sacrament of Marriage.
Registered parishioners are asked to call the parish office at least six months prior to their desired date of marriage. Please contact Stephanie Audette at 513-922-2056 to discuss marriage preparation options.
Eucharist
The Holy Eucharist is the most important of the seven sacraments because, in this and in no other sacrament, we receive the very body and blood, soul and divinity of Jesus Christ.
The Church sets out specific guidelines regarding how we should prepare ourselves to receive Communion worthily; you must be in a state of grace, believe in transubstantiation, and observe the Eucharistic fast (one hour).
Confession
Confession, or the Sacrament of Penance, is a sacrament instituted by Christ to offer sinners forgiveness for offenses committed against God. In Confession, we acknowledge our sins and express our sorrow, receive forgiveness, make reparation, and resolve to do better in the future.
Confession Schedule:
2:00 – 2:30 PM St Joseph
2:30 – 3:30 PM Visitation
4:00 – 4:30 PM St Jude
Anointing of the Sick
The anointing of the sick is administered to bring spiritual and even physical strength during an illness, especially near the time of death. It is a Sacrament that is administered to convey God’s grace to the recipient, through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Please know this is not a sacrament for everyday illnesses but is intended for those whose health is seriously impaired by sickness or those facing a serious surgery. Also, the elderly may be anointed if they have become notably weakened even though no serious illness is present. If you are anticipating surgery and would like to receive the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, please contact any of the parish offices.
Confirmation
The Sacrament of Confirmation, together with Baptism and the Eucharist, is one of the Sacraments of Christian initiation. These three Sacraments form us more fully into the image of Christ making us “fully initiated” members of His Church.
Confirmation preparation is done through our Parish School of Religion program and as part of school curriculum.
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.
For help to discern a possible call to the priesthood or religious life, please contact our pastor, Fr. Don, or visit the Archdiocese Vocation webpage.
“Christ instituted the sacraments of the new law. There are seven: Baptism, Confirmation, the Eucharist, Penance, the Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders and Matrimony. The seven sacraments touch all the stages and all the important moments of Christian life: they give birth and increase, healing and mission to the Christian’s life of faith. There is thus a certain resemblance between the stages of natural life and the stages of the spiritual life.”
Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1210
Funerals
If you have lost a loved one, please know of our prayers for you and your family. Please call your parish office to arrange a date for the Mass and to schedule a meeting with a pastoral associate who will help you through the process of choosing readings and music for the liturgy.
Funeral Masses are typically held:
at 11:00 am at St Joseph
at 10:30 am at St Jude
at 9:30 am at Visitation
No services are available on Saturdays unless the family brings a priest, or on Sundays.
Please note that the place for a eulogy is at the funeral home vigil or wake prayer service before the funeral. Brief words of remembrance may be said before Mass. Although cremation is permitted by the Church, families are encouraged to have the human body present at the funeral rites with cremation to follow.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
