The Sacraments
Baptism
Baptism is the great initiation into the life of God. When Jesus was baptized God the Father declared, “this is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matt. 3:17). In baptism, God proclaims the same over us, his daughters and sons.
If you would like to be baptized, or would like to have your child baptized, please contact the main office to arrange a time to speak with Father Paul.
Reconciliation
In any relationship, there must be time and space to apologize for wrongs, find forgiveness, and restore unity when things go wrong. In our relationship with God, this restoration comes through the sacrament of Reconciliation, or Penance. Jesus gave his apostles the authority to effect this reconciliation with God and the church (John 20:23), and this ministry is carried on by their successors, our bishops and priests.
Reconciliation is available Saturdays, from 4:00-5:00pm, and Mondays, from 7:30-8:30pm, or by appointment.
Confirmation
The gift of God’s self to his people comes through the out-pouring of the Holy Spirit. God’s Spirit is not given only to leaders and the ultra-holy, but to all of God’s people through the sacrament of Confirmation. Through the gift of the Spirit, individuals grow into lives of holiness and joy, and the whole church grows together into the life of God.
Students typically makes special preparations to receive the sacrament of Confirmation in 7th and 8th grade, and are confirmed in 9th grade. However, older students and adults who have not yet received the sacrament may join an RCIA class to prepare.
If you are interested in Confirmation, please contact the Faith Formation office.
Eucharist
Eucharist, or Holy Communion, is the “source and summit of the Christian life” because in receiving the consecrated bread and wine, we are receiving the very life of God: Jesus’ body, blood, soul, and divinity. Eucharist is a foretaste of our total union with God.
At St. Bridget, we help children prepare to receive their first Holy Communion in 1st and 2nd grade. Older children and adults who are entering the Church prepare for the sacrament through RCIA.
If you have questions about receiving the Eucharist at St. Bridget, please contact the Faith Formation office.
Marriage
The Bible begins and ends with marriage (Adam and Eve in Genesis, and Christ and his bride, the Church, in Revelation), and all throughout history God has blessed, protected, and joined in the celebrations of marriage. Since all of life is God’s, our marriages also find their meaning and strength in God.
If you are looking to get married, or if you are seeking marriage counseling, please contact the office to arrange a time to meet with Father Paul. For information about holding a wedding at St. Bridget, click here.
Holy Orders
God calls all people to their vocation of serving and loving him. God also calls all people to a secondary vocation to work for the good and well-being of the world. For some, whom God has set apart, this secondary vocation is to the priesthood, or the diaconate, for the service of his Church.
If you are exploring the possibility of ordination, you may contact Father Paul, or visit our diocesan website.
Anointing of the Sick
Since no part of life is outside the bounds of God’s grace, even our sicknesses and death are folded into our shared life with God. In the sacrament of Anointing, the suffering person is joined to the suffering of Christ, and his or her sickness is brought before God to be sanctified and, if it is in God’s will, to be healed. Anointing is not only for those in danger of death, though it is uniquely important at that time.
To request a visit for anointing from Father Paul, please email him or call the office (540-277-2943).