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Sacraments

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The Catholic Church celebrates seven Sacraments through which we receive the grace of communion with God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Instituted by Christ, the Sacraments use visible signs to confer a share in God’s eternal life. Below you will find more information about the Sacraments and how to receive them at our parish.

Baptism

Baptism is the sacrament of new life in Christ by which we are cleansed from sin, receive adoption as children of God, and become members of his Church.

Children: If you are expecting or would like to have your child baptized at Assumption Parish, please contact the parish office as soon as possible to begin preparations for Baptism.

Adults: The Office of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is the process the Catholic Church uses to form adults seeking baptism in the Catholic Church. It involves a period of preparation before receiving some or all of the Sacraments of Initiation, which include Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. Please contact John Graveline, Director of Parish Life, for more information on joining the Church as an adult.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19)

Confirmation

The Sacrament of Confirmation increases and deepens baptismal grace, rooting us more deeply in our identity as beloved sons and daughters of God. Through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, we become true witnesses of Christ in word and deed.

Youth: All parishes in the diocese will be using the Life Teen Purpose Program, which involves a two-year discernment process. Youth should begin this discernment between the ages of 12-14 years old, though older high school students can join if they miss the earlier window. They can be confirmed between ages 13-18 after finishing the discernment process. Contact Kathy Russell, Director of Youth Ministry, for more information.

Adults: If you have not yet been confirmed and would like to complete your initiation into the faith, please contact John Graveline, Director of Parish Life, to begin this process.

“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always, the Spirit of truth, which the world cannot accept, because it neither sees nor knows it. But you know it, because it remains with you, and will be in you.” (John 14:16-17)

Eucharist

The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life. Gathered around the Lord’s table, we offer thanksgiving for and receive nourishment from the Body and Blood of Jesus, in order to go forth to announce the Good News and glorify the Lord in the midst of our everyday lives.

Children: Classes are provided for First Eucharist and Reconciliation for children in 2nd-5th grade. It is a requirement that these children attend Children’s Faith Formation and that their parents have a willingness to assist in their children’s faith development, including regular participation in the sacraments. Watch for the schedule in the early fall. Contact Wendy Graveline, Children’s Faith Formation Coordinator, for more information.

Adults: If you have been baptized but have not yet received your First Eucharist, please contact John Graveline, Director of Parish Life, for more information on completing your initiation into the Catholic Faith.

“And while they were eating Jesus took some bread and after a blessing, he broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, ‘Take, eat: This is my body.’” (Matthew 26:26)

Reconciliation

Reconciliation is the sacrament through which we encounter the healing mercy of God and receive his forgiveness for sins committed after Baptism. This sacrament restores us to full communion with Christ and his Church and strengthens us to avoid sin in the future.

Children: Classes are provided for Reconciliation and First Eucharist for children in 2nd-5th grade. It is a requirement that these children have attended Faith Formation and that their parents have a willingness to assist in their children’s faith development, including regular participation in the sacraments.  Watch for the schedule in the early fall. Contact Wendy Graveline, Children’s Faith Formation Coordinator, for more information.

Adults: If you have been baptized but never received the sacrament of Reconciliation, or if you have been away from the Catholic Church and would like to learn more about returning to full communion with the Church, please contact John Graveline, Director of Parish Life, for more information.

Click here to view our Reconciliation schedule.

“I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you shall bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” (Matthew 16:19)

Anointing of the Sick

The sacrament of Anointing of the Sick brings healing, strength, and comfort to those who are suffering due to illness or advanced age.

Anointing of the Sick is available at any time to those who are in need of it. Those who have just learned that they are in need of surgery or who are suffering from a difficult illness may receive the sacrament at any time. Please contact the parish office to request this sacrament.

“Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.” (James 5:14)

Matrimony

Matrimony signifies the union of Christ and his bride, the Church. This sacrament gives couples the grace to love each other with the self-sacrificial love with which Christ loved the Church.

Engaged couples: If you would like to celebrate your marriage at Assumption, please contact the parish office as soon as possible to begin preparations. It is extremely helpful for couples to learn more about the guidelines for a sacramental, Catholic wedding early in the planning stages!

Finding healing after separation: If you and your spouse have become separated, we invite you to contact the parish office to find support and guidance as you seek to follow Christ in this difficult situation. What is commonly called an annulment may be discussed in certain situations.

“For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh.  This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church.” (Eph. 5:31-32)

Holy Orders

Holy Orders is the sacrament by which men receive special graces to serve the Church as deacons, priests, and bishops.

Have you felt God calling you to the priesthood? Please click here for more information from the Diocese of Saginaw. Thank you for your desire to discern and accept God’s invitation for your life!

“Pay close attention to yourself and your teaching; persevere in these things; for as you do this you will insure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.” (1 Tim. 4:16)