Baptism

In the Catholic Church, Baptism is the first and foundational sacrament of the Christian life. It is considered the gateway to the other sacraments and is necessary for salvation, as it was instituted by Jesus Christ.

Baptism is the sacrament by which a person is cleansed of original sin, reborn as a child of God, and incorporated into the Body of Christ, the Church. Through the pouring of water and the invocation of the Holy Trinity—“I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit”—the person is spiritually regenerated.

Key Aspects of Catholic Baptism:

• Remission of Sin: Baptism removes all sin—both original sin (the fallen state inherited from Adam and Eve) and any personal sins for those being baptized later in life.
• New Birth in Christ: It marks a spiritual rebirth. The baptized person becomes a new creation in Christ, adopted into the divine family of God.
• Incorporation into the Church: Baptism makes a person a member of the Catholic Church, uniting them to Christ’s Body and giving them a share in His mission.
• Indelible Spiritual Mark: The soul receives a permanent spiritual mark (a “character”) that identifies the person as belonging to Christ forever. This is why Baptism cannot be repeated.
• Ordinary Ministers: The usual ministers of Baptism are bishops, priests, or deacons, but in cases of emergency, any person (even a non-Christian) with the proper intention can baptize.
• Infant and Adult Baptism:
  
• Infants are baptized to free them from original sin and bring them into the Church from the very beginning of life.
• Adults undergo a process called the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA), where they are formed in the faith before receiving Baptism, along with Confirmation and the Eucharist.
• Sacramental Signs:
  
• Water is the primary symbol, representing cleansing, death to sin, and new life in Christ.
• Sacred Chrism (holy oil) is also used to anoint the baptized as priest, prophet, and king in Christ.
  

Biblical Foundation:

• Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:13–17).
• Jesus commanded His disciples: “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” (Matthew 28:19).
• In John 3:5, Jesus says: “Unless one is born of water and Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God.”

In summary, Baptism is not just a symbolic act, but a true sacrament of grace. It is the beginning of a lifelong journey of faith, discipleship, and communion with God.

To become baptized in the Catholic Church, there are certain requirements and rules, depending on whether the person is an infant, child, or adult. Here’s a breakdown of the basic rules and expectations:

 Requirements For Infants and Young Children (under age 7):

1. Parental Consent:

• At least one parent (or legal guardian) must consent to the baptism.

   2. Hope of Being Raised in the Faith:

• There must be a founded hope that the child will be raised in the Catholic faith. If the Church believes the child will not be raised Catholic, baptism may be delayed.

   3. Godparents:

• The child must have at least one Catholic godparent (two is common—one male and one female).
• Godparents must:
  
• Be at least 16 years old
• Be fully initiated Catholics (have received Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation)
• Be practicing their faith and living in accordance with Church teachings
• Not be the child’s parents
• A baptized non-Catholic Christian may serve as a Christian witness alongside a Catholic godparent, but not as the only godparent.

   4. Baptism Preparation Class:

• Parents and godparents are usually required to attend a short preparation class at the parish.

Requirements For Children (age 7 and up):

• Once a child reaches the age of reason (around 7), they are treated more like adults in the Church.
• They will go through catechesis (religious instruction) to prepare for Baptism, Confirmation, and First Eucharist, usually through a children’s version of OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults).

Requirements For Adults:

1. Desire and Free Will:
   

• The adult must freely desire to be baptized and accept the Catholic faith.

   2. Preparation through OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults):

• This is a period of spiritual formation, learning, prayer, and community involvement. It typically takes several months and includes:
  
• Learning about Catholic teachings
• Participating in Sunday Mass
• Attending RCIA meetings or classes

   3. Sacraments Received at the Same Time:

• At the Easter Vigil (on Holy Saturday), adult candidates usually receive:
  
• Baptism
• Confirmation
• First Holy Communion

   4. Godparent or Sponsor:

• Adults must also have a sponsor, who serves as a spiritual guide. This person must meet the same criteria as a godparent: a fully initiated, practicing Catholic in good standing.

For more information on infant baptism contact the parish office at (630)279-6553.

For more information on baptisms for ages 7+ contact the Faith Formation office at (630)832-5514.

Reconciliation (Confession)

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is the means by which Catholics receive God’s mercy and forgiveness for sins committed after Baptism. It is a sacrament of healing, where the sinner is reconciled with God, the Church, and themselves.

Instituted by Jesus Christ, this sacrament restores the soul to a state of grace and renews the relationship with God that sin damages or breaks.

Key Elements of Reconciliation:

1. Contrition – A sincere sorrow for having sinned, along with a desire to change.
2. Confession – The act of telling your sins to a priest.
3. Absolution – The priest, acting in the person of Christ, speaks the words of forgiveness.
4. Penance (Satisfaction) – A prayer, act, or sacrifice given by the priest to help repair the damage caused by sin and grow in holiness.

Biblical Foundation:

• Jesus gave His apostles the authority to forgive sins:
  “Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.” (John 20:23)

What Happens in Confession:

1. The penitent enters the confessional or reconciliation room.
2. The penitent begins with:
   “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It has been [amount of time] since my last confession.”
3. The penitent confesses all mortal sins (serious sins committed knowingly and freely) and may confess venial sins (less serious sins).
4. The priest may offer spiritual advice or encouragement.
5. The priest assigns a penance.
6. The penitent prays an Act of Contrition, expressing sorrow.
7. The priest extends his hand and says the Prayer of Absolution, forgiving the sins in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

How Often Should Catholics Go to Confession?

• The Church requires confession at least once a year (especially if mortal sin has been committed).
• Regular confession (e.g., monthly) is strongly encouraged for spiritual growth.
• Catholics must go to confession before receiving Communion if they are aware of mortal sin.

Reconciliation is a beautiful encounter with God’s mercy. It allows the faithful to experience spiritual healing, receive grace, and grow in holiness. Far from being just a ritual, it is a personal and transformative moment of grace and renewal.

Our parish reconciliation schedule: Saturdays 3 to 4 p.m.

First Holy Communion (The Eucharist)

First Holy Communion is the moment when a baptized Catholic receives the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist for the first time. It is one of the most important and joyful milestones in a Catholic’s spiritual life.

The Eucharist is the third of the seven sacraments, and the second of the three Sacraments of Initiation (after Baptism and before Confirmation).

What is the Eucharist:

• The Eucharist is not just a symbol—Catholics believe in the Real Presence of Jesus in the consecrated bread and wine. During Mass, through the power of the Holy Spirit and the words of the priest, the bread and wine become the true Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ.
• Receiving the Eucharist is receiving Jesus Himself into our hearts.

Requirements for Receiving First Communion:

1. Baptism: The person must be a baptized Catholic.

   2. Age of Reason:  Usually around 7 years old (when the child can distinguish right from wrong).

   3. Preparation:  The child must receive sacramental preparation, usually through a parish religious education program or          Catholic school. This includes:

• Understanding the meaning of the Mass and the Eucharist
• Learning basic Catholic prayers
• Knowing how to receive Communion reverently
• Going to First Reconciliation (Confession) before receiving Communion

   4. Desire and Readiness: The child should express a desire to receive Jesus and understand (in a simple way) that it is a               sacred moment.

What Happens During First Communion:

• The First Communion usually takes place during a special Mass, surrounded by family and the parish community.
• Dressed in traditional attire (white dress or suit), the child comes forward with reverence to receive the Eucharist—either on the tongue or in the hand.
• After receiving, the child returns to the pew to pray and thank Jesus for this gift.

Spiritual Meaning and Effects:

• Deepens union with Christ
• Forgives venial sins
• Strengthens the soul to resist temptation
• Unites us more closely with the Church and the community of believers
• Nourishes the soul like food nourishes the body

For more information on First Communion contact the Faith Formation office at (630)832-5514.

Confirmation

Confirmation is the sacrament in which a baptized Catholic receives the fullness of the Holy Spirit, strengthening them to live as a courageous and faithful witness of Jesus Christ. It completes the grace of Baptism and deepens the person’s bond with the Church.

Confirmation is the third of the three Sacraments of Initiation—after Baptism and First Holy Communion. Together, they form the foundation of every Christian life.

Key Aspects of Confirmation:

1. Outpouring of the Holy Spirit
   

• In Confirmation, the Holy Spirit comes upon the person just as He did upon the Apostles at Pentecost.
• The gifts of the Holy Spirit—wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord—are strengthened in the soul.

   2. Spiritual Strengthening

• Confirmation empowers Catholics to defend and spread the faith through both word and action.
• It gives the grace to stand firm in the faith even in times of trial or persecution.

   3. Permanent Mark

• Like Baptism, Confirmation leaves an indelible spiritual mark (character) on the soul. It cannot be repeated.

Biblical Foundation:

• The Holy Spirit descends on the Apostles at Pentecost. (Acts 2:1–4)
• The Apostles lay hands on the baptized so they might receive the Holy Spirit. (Acts 8:14–17)
• Refers to the “laying on of hands” as part of Christian initiation. (Hebrews 6:2)

Requirements for Receiving Confirmation:

1. Must Be Baptized
   

• Only someone who has been baptized can receive Confirmation.

   2. Be of Proper Age

• In most dioceses, Confirmation is received during the teen years, though it can be earlier depending on the diocese.

   3. Preparation and Catechesis

• The candidate must go through a period of formation to understand:
  
• Catholic beliefs
• The role of the Holy Spirit
• The responsibilities of a confirmed Catholic
• Must be in a state of grace (go to Confession if necessary).

   4. Desire to Be Confirmed

• The candidate should freely choose to receive the sacrament and commit to living their faith.

   5. Choose a Confirmation Saint

• Candidates usually pick the name of a saint they admire to serve as a spiritual role model.

   6. Have a Sponsor

• Like godparents at Baptism, sponsors help guide the candidate in their spiritual life.
• Sponsors must be:
  
• A practicing Catholic
• Fully initiated (Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation)
• At least 16 years old
• In good standing with the Church

What Happens in the Rite of Confirmation:

• The bishop (or delegated priest) extends his hands over the candidates.
• He anoints each one with Sacred Chrism oil on the forehead, saying:
  “Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.”
• The person responds: “Amen.”
• This is followed by a sign of peace and a prayer for the newly confirmed.

Effects of Confirmation:

• Deepens baptismal grace
• Increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit
• Strengthens bond with the Church
• Gives spiritual strength to defend and live out the Catholic faith
• Leaves a permanent seal on the soul

For more information on Confirmation contact the Faith Formation office at (630)832-5514.

Marriage (Holy Matrimony)

Marriage in the Catholic Church is a sacred covenant between one man and one woman, united by God to form a lifelong partnership of love, fidelity, and openness to life. It is a sacrament that reflects the union of Christ and His Church.

In this sacrament, the couple becomes a visible sign of God’s faithful love to the world. Through their vows, the man and woman freely give themselves to each other in love, forming a bond that no human power can break.

What Makes Marriage a Sacrament:

• Marriage becomes a sacrament when two baptized Christians (at least one of them Catholic) enter into it.
• It is not just a legal contract but a sacred covenant, instituted by God and elevated by Christ to a sacrament.

Biblical Foundation:

• “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”               (Genesis 2:24)
• “What God has joined together, no human being must separate.” (Mark 10:9)
• “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the Church and gave Himself up for her.” (Ephesians 5:25)

Essential Qualities of Catholic Marriage:

1. Unity – Marriage is an exclusive union between one man and one woman.

   2. Indissolubility – The marriage bond is permanent and cannot be dissolved (except by death).

   3. Fidelity – The spouses promise to be faithful to each other for life.

   4. Openness to Life – The couple must be open to having children and raising them in the Catholic faith.

Requirements for a Valid Catholic Marriage:

1. Free Consent
   

• Both parties must freely and knowingly choose to marry—no force or pressure.

   2. Baptism

• At least one person must be a baptized Catholic.
• A Catholic marrying a non-Catholic Christian or non-baptized person needs permission or dispensation from the bishop.

   3. Marriage Preparation

• Couples must participate in pre-Cana classes or marriage preparation programs to learn about the sacrament, communication, family life, and Church teachings.

   4. Witnesses

• The marriage must take place before a priest or deacon and two witnesses.

   5. No Canonical Impediments

• Neither person can be already married (unless widowed), and both must be capable of entering marriage.

What Happens in the Rite of Marriage:

• The couple exchanges vows, promising to love and honor each other all the days of their lives.
• The couple themselves are the ministers of the sacrament—the priest or deacon acts as a witness on behalf of the Church.
• Rings are exchanged as a sign of their lifelong commitment.
• The marriage is then blessed by the Church, often within the celebration of Mass.

Effects of the Sacrament of Marriage:

• Gives grace to live out the vocation of marriage faithfully.
• Strengthens love and unity between the spouses.
• Helps them grow in holiness through self-giving love.
• Enables them to be open to life and raise children in the faith.

For more information on marriage contact the parish office at (630)279-6553

Holy Orders

The Sacrament of Holy Orders is the sacrament through which men are ordained to serve the Church as deacons, priests, or bishops. Through this sacrament, they receive a special grace and spiritual authority to act in the person of Christ and to serve God’s people.

This sacrament is one of the two Sacraments of Service (the other being Marriage) and is essential for the spiritual leadership and sacramental life of the Church.

What Does “Holy Orders” Mean?

• “Holy” refers to being set apart for God’s purpose.
• “Orders” refers to the structured degrees of ministry within the Church.

There are three levels (degrees) of Holy Orders:

1. Deacon (Diaconate)

• Deacons serve by preaching, baptizing, witnessing marriages, and performing works of charity.
• There are two types:
  
• Transitional deacons (on the path to priesthood)
• Permanent deacons (often married men who serve the Church permanently as deacons)

  2. Priest (Presbyterate)

• Priests serve by celebrating the Eucharist, hearing confessions, anointing the sick, preaching, and shepherding the faithful.
• They act in persona Christi—in the person of Christ—especially during the Mass and the Sacraments.

  3. Bishop (Episcopate)

• Bishops receive the fullness of Holy Orders.
• They are successors to the Apostles, with authority to teach, govern, and sanctify in their dioceses.
• Bishops can ordain deacons, priests, and other bishops.

Biblical Foundation:

• Jesus called the Twelve Apostles and gave them authority to lead, teach, and sanctify the Church.

“Do this in memory of Me.” (Luke 22:19)

• “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” (John 20:21)

Effects of the Sacrament:

• Imprints an indelible spiritual character on the soul—once ordained, always ordained.
• Confers the grace of the Holy Spirit to fulfill the duties of each role (deacon, priest, or bishop).
• Grants spiritual authority and responsibility for teaching, governing, and sanctifying in the name of Christ.

Requirements to Receive Holy Orders:

1. Baptized male who feels called by God.
2. Discernment and formation—usually through years of prayer, study, and spiritual development in a seminary.
3. Approval by Church authorities, especially the bishop.
4. Commitment to celibacy (for priests and bishops in the Latin Rite).
5. Commitment to lifelong service to the Church.

For more information on Holy Orders contact the Parish office at (630)279-6553.

Anointing of the Sick

The Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament of healing in which a priest anoints a seriously ill, elderly, or dying person with blessed oil, offering spiritual strength, peace, and, if it is God’s will, physical healing.

It is one of the two Sacraments of Healing (the other being Reconciliation) and was instituted by Christ to bring comfort and grace during times of serious suffering.

Biblical Foundation:

• “Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the priests of the Church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.” (James 5:14–15)

Purpose of the Anointing:

• To unite the person to the suffering of Christ.
• To bring spiritual strength, courage, and peace.
• To offer forgiveness of sins if the person is unable to confess.
• To prepare the soul for eternal life (if death is near).
• To sometimes restore physical health, if it is God’s will.

Who Can Receive the Sacrament?

• Any baptized Catholic who is:
  
• Seriously ill
• Preparing for major surgery
• Elderly and experiencing weakness
• Near death
• It can be received more than once, especially if the person’s condition worsens or a new illness occurs.

How the Sacrament Is Celebrated:

• Introductory prayers are offered by the priest.
• The priest lays hands on the sick person, calling down the Holy Spirit.
• The priest anoints the forehead- “Through this holy anointing may the Lord in His love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. The hands- “May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up.”
• Additional prayers for healing, peace, and strength are said.
• When possible, the sacrament is celebrated along with Confession and Holy Communion.

Anointing of the Sick is celebrated every first Monday of the month during the 7:30 am Mass.

For more information of anointing of the sick contact the parish office (630)279-6553.