Sacraments
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Sacraments are a sign of God's presence
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by Deacon Mike Walsh
For those who believe, creation's "Let there be Light!" (Genesis 1:3-5) ushers in the mystery of "God with us." As time passed, human persons became more able to understand, so when "time was full" (Galatians 4:4), Jesus of Nazareth became the body in which the mysteries of God would be focused. Jesus, as the visible, touchable sign of the invisible God, enables all creation to choose to know, love, and serve its maker. Jesus' parting oath to all disciples at Ascension, "I will be with you always." (Matthew 28:20), guarantees his continual spiritual and sacramental presence validating the Mystery of the Incarnation.Perceivable expressions of the mysteries of God are as numerous as the stars, but the church, the Apostles of Jesus left behind, east and west of Jerusalem, focus on seven expressions that best illustrate the intention to live life in Christ on Earth. The sacraments are not a system. They are signs of God making us more aware of a deeper reality as we encounter the presence of Jesus in their intentions, words, material substances, and the community gathered for every sacramental moment.
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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 of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the church, and made sharers in her mission: Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water and the word. (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1213)
Baptism is a beautiful and important first step in the faith life of your little one. We’re honored you’ve asked to have your child baptized at Mother Teresa Catholic Church. Baptism not only imparts the gift of the Holy Spirit, but it’s also a statement of your belonging to a Catholic community.
What does it mean to belong to a Catholic community? First of all, it means that you’re a registered member of the parish and involved in the life of the parish. Yes, this includes weekend attendance at Mass, involvement in parish activities, support for the financial good of the parish through tithing or weekly giving, and perhaps most importantly, your ongoing commitment to your faith by participating in these ways.
If this is you, then the next steps are quite easy. You must complete the Baptismal Preparation class, verify that you meet the abovementioned requirements, and schedule your child’s baptism date. Contact the parish office for the next Baptism class date.
If any of the above are missing in your request for baptism with us, the next step would be to make an appointment with Father Daniel. He ll discuss with you the importance of registration, involvement, and support before you complete the baptismal preparation classes. Once that is done, you can request your child’s baptism date.
At Mother Teresa Parish, we follow the General Norms for the Celebration of the Rite of Baptism for Children established by the Diocese of Raleigh. We suggest you review this document and feel free to reach out with any questions.
Baptism Preparation & Registration
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Confirmation must be explained to the faithful that its reception is necessary to complete baptismal grace. For by the sacrament of Confirmation [the baptized] are more perfectly bound to the church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit. Hence they are more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed. (CCC 1285)
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The Holy Eucharist completes Christian initiation. Those who have been raised to the dignity of the royal priesthood by Baptism and configured more deeply to Christ by Confirmation participate with the whole community in the Lord's sacrifice by the Eucharist. (CCC 1322)
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Sacraments of Healing
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Reconciliation (Penance)
Those that approach the Sacrament of Reconciliation obtain pardon from God's mercy for the offense against him and are, at the same time, reconciled with the church which they have wounded by their sins and which, by charity, prayers, labors for their conversion. (CCC 1422)
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Anointing of the Sick
By the sacred Anointing of the Sick and the prayer of the priests, the whole church commends those who are ill to the suffering and glorified Lord, that he may raise them up and save them. And indeed, she exhorts them to contribute to the good of the People of God by freely uniting themselves to the Passion and death of Christ. (CCC 1499)
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Sacraments of Service
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Holy Orders
Holy Orders is the sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to his apostles continues to be exercised in the church until the end of time: thus, it is the sacrament of apostolic ministry. It includes three degrees: episcopate, presbyterate, and diaconate. (CCC 1536)
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Matrimony
The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life, is by its nature ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring; his covenant between baptized persons has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament. (CCC 1601)
Wedding planning
For information about planning a wedding, call the parish office at (919) 623-1751.
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