The Seven Sacraments of the Catholic Church

The Sacraments are defined as outward signs of inward grace, instituted by Christ to help individuals in their spiritual life and to grow in holiness. Sacraments are mysteries; they are signs of the sacred presence of our God in our midst today. They are more than mere signs, however, for the sacraments impart grace. The sacraments help to make people holy and build-up the body of Christ. They are a way to relate to God throughout life’s transitions and help us to give praise and worship to God. They help us nourish, strengthen, and express our faith. Through the sacraments, Jesus remains with His people, strengthening, healing, feeding, and forgiving them as they face life’s challenges.

The Catholic Church celebrates seven Sacraments, which were instituted by Christ during his earthly ministry and which continue to define the liturgical life of the Church today. The Sacraments nourish, strengthen, and express faith.

Sacraments of Christian Initiation

Christian initiation is accomplished by means of the sacraments which establish the foundations of Christian life. The faithful born anew by Baptism are strengthened by Confirmation and are then nourished by the Eucharist. Read more about the Sacraments of Christian Initiation.

The Sacrament of Baptism

"Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons (and daughters) of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission…"—Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 1213)

Would you like to have your child Baptized?

Contact the Parish Office at (270) 554-3810

Are you an Adult Seeking Baptism?

Contact the Parish Office at (270) 554-3810

The Sacrament of Confirmation

“And while staying with them Jesus charged them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, He said, ‘You heard from me, for John baptized with water, but before many days you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit'”—(Acts 1:4-5).

Even though the apostles had lived with Jesus for three years, been witnesses of His miracles, and saw Him risen from the dead, it was not until they received the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost that they were filled with courage to proclaim the Gospel to those around them. The Sacrament of Confirmation is the reception of that same Spirit, completing our initiation sending us out into the community to tell others of the Risen Lord.

Are you a teen who is ready to begin the process of receiving the sacrament of Confirmation?

It is a one year process that is usually offered to our youth in 8th or 9th grades, every other year. Contact the Parish Office at (270) 554-3810 for more information.

The Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist

“The Eucharist is Jesus who gives himself entirely to us. To nourish ourselves with him and abide in him through Holy Communion, if we do it with faith, transforms our life into a gift to God and to our brothers,”—the Pope said Aug. 16.

Do you have a young child that is ready to begin preparing for First Reconciliation and First Communion?

Contact the Parish Office at (270) 554-3810

Adoration of the Holy Eucharist

Join us for Adoration 3rd Sunday of the month from 8:15-9:20am, and on the Saturday of the 3rd Sunday of the month from 4:00-4:50pm.

Sacraments of Healing

Christ, the physician of our soul and body, instituted these sacraments because the new life that he gives us in the sacraments of Christian initiation can be weakened and even lost because of sin. Therefore, Christ willed that his Church should continue his work of healing and salvation by means of these two sacraments. Read more about the Sacraments of Healing.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession)

Like the merciful father in the parable of the prodigal son, God is eager to forgive, adds Pope Francis: “Each time we go to confession, God embraces us. God rejoices!”—(General Audience Feb. 2014).

Want to go to Confession?

The sacrament of Reconciliation is offered on Saturdays from 4:00-4:50pm and on Sundays 7:00-7:20am & 9:00-9:20am. We will often have additional opportunities during Advent and Lent.

Do you have a child that is ready to begin preparing for First Reconciliation and First Communion?

Contact the Parish Office at (270) 554-3810

The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick

“Is any 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).

Many of us, perhaps, remember a time when this sacrament was celebrated only for those who were dying. However any illness of serious nature can be a legitimate reason to celebrate the sacrament. What’s more, the sacrament may be repeated if the sick person recovers after the anointing but becomes ill once again, or if, during the same illness, the person’s condition becomes more serious.

Do you feel you need the Anointing of the Sick?

If you need the priest for the Anointing of the Sick, contact the Parish Office at (270) 554-3810 or the Parish Rectory at (270) 554-7988.

The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is gladly administered if the person or family member who is sick calls the Parish Office at (270) 554-3810 to notify the priest.

Sacraments at the Service of Communion and Mission

Two sacraments, Holy Orders and Matrimony, confer a special grace for a particular mission in the Church to serve and build up the People of God. These sacraments contribute in a special way to ecclesial communion and to the salvation of others. Read more about the Sacraments at the Service of Communion and Mission.

The Sacrament of Marriage (Matrimony)

A sacrament is a visible sign of an invisible reality that gives grace. In marriage, the visible sign is the love that a husband and wife have for each other. The invisible reality to which they point is the love that Jesus has for his bride, the Church. In the Sacrament of Marriage, God gives grace, that is to say, supernatural power, to make His own love, mercy, generosity, kindness, and compassion tangible.

Would you like to have your wedding at St. John the Evangelist?

If you wish to be married in a Catholic wedding ceremony at St. John, we offer to help in whatever ways we can to prepare you for marriage and to insure that your wedding will be a prayerful experience.

In order to have your wedding celebrated at St. John, at least one party must be a registered and active parish member for at least one year prior to the wedding or must have an immediate family member (parent, child or sibling) who is a registered and active member for at least one year prior to the date of the wedding.

Notify the pastor six months in advance of your proposed wedding date. Any man or woman preparing for the sacrament of Matrimony must contact the parish priest at least six months before the anticipated marriage to begin the parish and Diocese of Owensboro preparations for Holy Matrimony. You must be 19 years of age or one year out of high school.

The Sacrament of Holy Orders

“Christ is knocking very hard at many hearts, looking for young people like you to send into the vineyard where an abundant harvest is ready.”—St. John Paul II

Do you think God Might be calling you to the priesthood or permanent diaconate?

Find out more on the Diocese of Owensboro vocations website.

Funerals

If you have experienced the loss of a loved one and would like a Funeral Service here at St. John the Evangelist, please contact the Parish Office at (270) 554-3810. If you are interested in pre-planning your funeral arrangements, please contact the Parish Office at (270) 554-3810.

Documents to help prepare a funeral: