Sacraments

Sacraments of Faith

The liturgical life of the Catholic Church revolves around the
Eucharistic sacrifice and the seven Sacraments. The purpose of
the sacraments is to make people holy, to build up the body of
Christ, and finally, to give worship to God; but being signs, they
also have a teaching function. They not only presuppose faith,
but by words and object, they also nourish, strengthen and
express it; that is why they are called “sacraments of faith.” The
sacraments impart grace, but in addition, the very act of
celebrating them disposes the faithful most effectively to receive
this grace in a fruitful manner, to worship God rightly, and to
practice charity. Our sacramental rites are of primary importance
while we gather.

Baptism

Baptism is the beginning of new life in Christ. Through the
waters of Baptism, we are born into new life, cleansed of all sin,
receive the Holy Spirit and are received into the Body of Christ,
the Church.
To celebrate and welcome the newest members of our Parish
family, Baptisms are celebrated during our regular mass schedule
at both parishes. For more information, contact the Parish
Office.

Reconciliation (Confession)

The Sacrament of Reconciliation (a.k.a. Confession, Penance)
has 3 elements: Conversion, Confession, and celebration. In it,
we find God’s unconditional forgiveness; as a result, we are
called to forgive others.
Confessions are available Saturdays 3:30pm -4:20pm at St. Anthony’s and Sundays before Masses. Wednesday, Thursday & Friday immediately following 8am Mass until 9am or by appointment. Please see Preparing for Reconciliation

Holy Eucharist

The Eucharist is the heart and summit of the Church’s life and the
celebration always includes the Word of God, thanksgiving to
God, the consecration of the bread and wine and participation by
the faithful in receiving the Lord’s body and blood.

First Communion is celebrated in the Spring of Grade 2 as part of
our Faith Formation program.

Confirmation

The Sacrament of Confirmation has two primary effects- the bond
with the church is strengthened which first began in Baptism, and
the person is enriched with an outpouring of the Holy Spirit and
receives the spiritual gifts of the spirit. Both of these effects
perfect the grace that is first received in Baptism and helps us
continue to live as disciples of Christ to the world. Confirmation
is celebrated as part of Faith Formation in Grade 10.

Matrimony

The mutual sacrifice and devotion of husband and wife is a true
picture of Christ’s sanctifying sacrifice and devotion to His
Church.

We are committed to to being a marriage-building parish. We
offer a variety of ways to support couples no matter where they
are in the adventure of marriage or the journey leading to it. We
realize that each couple is unique in their needs and the clergy
and staff will work with each couple individually so that their
specific needs are met, helping the couple build a firm foundation
for a lifetime of marriage.
To learn more, contact the parish office. We ask
that you make arrangements at least 6-7 months in advance.

Holy Orders

Holy Orders is the continuation of Christ’s priesthood, which he
bestowed upon His Apostles; thus, the Catechism of the Catholic
Church refers to the Sacrament of Holy Orders as the
“Sacrament of Apostolic Ministry.”

The Vocations Office of the Diocese has a variety of resources
available for those looking to answer God’s Calling. Click below
to open their website.

Anointing the Sick

Formerly known as Last Rites, the Anointing of the Sick is a ritual of
healing appropriate not only for physical, but also for mental and spiritual
sickness. Christ strengthens the faithful who are afflicted by providing
them with the strongest means of support.
The Parish offers the opportunity to receive the sacrament of the Anointing
of the Sick after the 8am Daily Mass at St. Anthony’s in Mattapoisett.
Please contact the Parish Office for more information.

Funeral Services

While not a sacrament, the Church asks spiritual assistance to the
departed, honors their bodies, and at the same time brings solace of hope
to the living. The celebration of the Christian funeral brings hope and
consolation to the living.

While proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ and witnessing to the
Christian hope in the Resurrection, the funeral rites also recall to all who
take part in them God’s mercy and judgement and meet the human need
to turn always to God in times of crisis.

For more information, please contact the Parish
Office.