"The purpose of the sacraments is to sanctify men, to build up the Body of Christ and, finally, to give worship to God. Because they are signs they also instruct. They not only presuppose faith, but by words and objects they also nourish, strengthen, and express it. That is why they are called 'sacraments of faith.'"

Catechism of the Catholic Church: 1123, Sacrosanctum concilium 59

Eucharist - Sacrament of Sacraments

Jesus said to them, "Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life witin you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him." --John 6:53-56

Baptism

Then Jesus approached and said to them, "All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you...."--Matthew 28:18-20

• First and third Sundays at 12:30 p.m.
• Baptism class first Wednesday of the month, 7:30 p.m.

Call the Office for an appointment/information.

Confirmation

Then they laid hands on them and they received the holy Spirit. --Acts 8:17

Reconciliation (Confession)

And all this is from God, who has reconciled us to himself through Christ and given us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting their trespasses against them and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. So we are ambassadors for Christ, as if God were appealing through us. We implore you, on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.--2 Corinthians 5: 18-20

• Sunday--8:00 a.m.-8:20 a.m.; 10:30 a.m.-10:50 a.m.
• Saturday--4:00-5:00 p.m.

For preparation for Confession, see guide for examination of conscience compiled by the Dominican Friars of St. Gertrude Priory, Madeira, OH.

Marriage

"But from the beginning of creation, 'God made them male and female. For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother [and be joined to his wife], and the two shall become one flesh.' So they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, no human being must separate." --Mark 10:6-9

• Call the Rectory for an appointment at least six months in advance. All couples married at St. Cecilia's receive instruction on Natural Family Planning beforehand (contact, Jim or Joan Noll).

Anointing of the Sick

Is anyone among you sick? He should summon the presbyters of the church, and they should pray over him and anoint [him] with oil in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven. --James 5:14-15

Praestet fides supplementum, Sensuum defectui.
[Faith will tell us God is present, When our human senses fail.]
    --St. Thomas Aquinas