In our Catholic Church, sacraments are outward signs instituted by Christ to give grace. The outward signs of each sacrament are enclosed in well-known rituals that mark major points in a Catholic's journey from birth to death. Each sacrament has visible signs, special words, and a designated minister. The Sacraments of Initiation are Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. The Sacraments of Healing are Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick. The sacraments of Service are Matrimony and Holy Orders. At this time in our Church history, only a married man who has been sick and been ordained a deacon can receive all seven sacraments! Each paragraph below includes an explanation of a sacrament, followed by details as to how that sacrament is celebrated in St. William parish. For more information about any of the sacraments, call the Parish Center at 921-0247. You can also click on the Contact button in our top menu bar, and someone from the parish will get in touch with you to make arrangements for a sacrament or to answer any questions you may have.

Sacraments Of Initiation
Baptism is the sacrament of our new life with God and the beginning of our initiation into the Church. Baptism also frees us from original sin. During the rite of Baptism, water is poured on the head as the priest or deacon says, "I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." The water and these words are the signs of the sacrament of Baptism. The newly baptized are also anointed with oil, just as Christ was anointed priest, prophet, and king. They are also given white garments, which show that they have put on the new life of the Risen Christ, and a candle lit from the Easter candle, which reminds them to keep the light of Christ burning brightly by following Jesus always. Parents and godparents of infants and small children speak in the children's names and promise that the children will live their new life as Christians. Although a priest or deacon is the usual minister of Baptism, anyone can baptize in an emergency or unusual situation.

Here at St. William baptism of infants and small children is celebrated at different Masses each month. Preparation meetings for parents who want to have their children baptized are held in the Parish Center on the second Thursday of each month by appointment. Adults who want to become Catholic and have never been baptized receive the sacrament during the Easter Vigil as part of the RCIA process.

Confirmation is the sacrament in which we are sealed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit and are strengthened to give witness to the Good News of Jesus. In Confirmation we speak for ourselves as we renew the promises our parents and godparents made for us at Baptism. Confirmation is celebrated during a Mass with a bishop or his representative presiding. A high point in the rite of Confirmation is the laying on of hands. The bishop extends his hands over those to be confirmed, praying in part, "Send your Holy Spirit upon them to be their Helper and Guide. Give them the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of right judgment and courage, the spirit of knowledge and reverence. Fill them with the spirit of wonder and awe in Your presence." Then the bishop dips his thumb into blessed oil that is called holy chrism. He makes the sign of the cross on the foreheads of those being confirmed, anointing them as he says, "Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit." This anointing with oil is the most impo rtant sign of the sacrament of Confirmation. Those who confirmed may choose another name in addition to the one given to them at Baptism. They choose a saint whom they have read about and admire. Sponsors for each candidate are present at the rite of Confirmation to give support to those who are making an adult commitment to their faith.

Here at St. William Confirmation is offered to eighth graders, in either the parish school or other schools. A member of the parish staff coordinates preparation for candidates, parents, and sponsors. Candidates perform service hours and attend a daylong spiritual retreat before receiving the sacrament of Confirmation. Students who do not attend the parish school can call the Parish Center for more information about scheduled dates for preparation meetings and for the sacrament itself. Adults who are entering the Church are confirmed during the Easter Vigil as part of the RCIA process.

Eucharist is the sacrament of Jesus' Body and Blood. Jesus is really present in the Eucharist. Jesus gave us the gift of His own Body and Blood at the Last Supper, and we remember this meal when we gather at Mass and receive Holy Communion. The signs of Eucharist are our gifts of bread and wine, which the priest changes into the Body and Blood of Christ during the Consecration of the Mass. Eucharist is intimately related to the other sacraments. Only those who have been baptized and have had their sins forgiven may receive the Blessed Sacrament. Confirmation, Holy Orders and Matrimony are celebrated at Mass, and Anointing of the Sick includes Communion under the name of Viaticum that means "food for the journey."

Here at St. William First Holy Communion is given to second graders who have been prepared by their parents, teachers, and members of the parish staff. Those planning on receiving their first communion celebrate a daylong Jesus Day as part of their preparation. Adults who are becoming Catholic receive the Eucharist for the first time during the Easter Vigil as part of the RCIA process.

Sacraments Of Healing
Reconciliation is the sacrament in which we are forgiven by God and the Church for our sins. When we celebrate Reconciliation, we receive God's help to do God's loving will, to avoid all forms of sin, and to live as God's people. We can receive the sacrament of Reconciliation either individually or communally. In either form, we confess our sins individually to the priest who, by the power of he Holy Spirit, acts in the name of Christ and the Church to forgive our sins. The Rite of Reconciliation includes an Examination of Conscience, in which we think about how well we have been living God's will; Confession, in which we tell our sins to a priest in private; Contrition, in which we tell God we are sorry for our sins; Penance, in which we say prayers or do good deeds to make up for the hurt caused by our sins; and Absolution, in which the priest forgives us by making the sign of the cross over us and saying in part, "Through the ministry of the Church may God give you pardon and peace, and I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." These words and the stole the priest wears are the signs of the sacrament of Reconciliation.

Here at St. William Reconciliation is available on Saturdays at 8:45 a.m. in the Parish Center and at 3:00 p.m. in the Church. A priest is also available for Reconciliation at anytime by request. Communal Reconciliation services, with individual confession to one of a number of priests, are held during Advent and Lent. All confessions can take place either face to face or behind the privacy of a screen.

Children in the second grade (8 years old) are prepared for their First Reconciliation by their parents, teachers, and members of the parish staff. Reconciliation precedes First Holy Communion.

Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament that brings God's special blessings to those who are sick, elderly, or dying. Sometimes this sacrament helps sick people get well again. At other times, it helps the sick face their illness with faith and trust. It also helps dying people continue their journey toward God in heaven. Anointing can be given at Mass, at home, or in a hospital. Wherever the sacrament is celebrated, it also comforts family and friends and helps them to pray for the sick, elderly, or dying. The two most important signs of this sacrament are laying on of hands and anointing with oil. When Holy Communion is given to a dying person, it is called Viaticum, which means "food for the journey." Viaticum is often received along with Anointing of the Sick. Anointing is no longer called The Last Rites because it can bring peace, hope, and comfort to all who are ill, even if they are not dying.

Here at St. William Anointing of the Sick can be a communal celebration on the first Friday or first Saturday of each month by request of the family. The priest can also celebrate the sacrament at home or in the hospital.

Sacraments Of Service
Matrimony is a powerful and effective sign of Christ's presence that joins a man and woman together for life. In the sacrament of Matrimony, a bride and groom promise to love each other as equal partners forever. Unlike other sacraments at which a priest or deacon presides, in Matrimony the ministers are the bride and groom, and the priest or deacon is the witness to the couple's promises. Holding hands and saying the words of the marriage vows are the visible signs of Matrimony. Jesus comes to the couple and unites them in love. The Holy Spirit strengthens and blesses their love. Their married love becomes a sign of God's love for the world. Wedding rings are signs of the new union.

Here at St. William preparation for marriage should begin no later than six months prior to the wedding. There are a number of options available to the engaged couple, including FOCCUS meetings and a full day pre-Cana program. Click HERE for a detailed description of the requirements for being married in our parish.

Holy Orders is the sacrament that confers the ordained ministry of bishops, priests, and deacons. The sacrament of Holy Orders is celebrated during a Mass with a bishop presiding. In ordaining priests, the bishop lays his hands on the head of each candidate and prays silently. This is the most important sign of the Sacrament of Holy Orders. Then the bishop prays a Prayer of Consecration. Each candidate for the priesthood is anointed with holy oil as a sign of his special sharing in Chris's own priesthood. Each also receives a paten and chalice to lead their community in celebrating the Eucharist. When bishops are ordained they receive a mitre, ring, and crozier. Their role is to teach, govern, and sanctify the Church. When deacons are ordained, they receive the gospel book because they proclaim the good news to us and can lead us in celebrating some of the sacraments. Deacons have a special ministry to serve the poor and those in need.

Here in Cincinnati those who want to be come priests or deacons are prepared through the Archdiocesan Vocations Office. You can call 421-3131 or click HERE for more information about serving your Church.