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Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana
Sacraments
"Sacramental grace" is the grace of the Holy Spirit, given by Christ and proper to each sacrament. The Spirit heals and transforms those who receive him by conforming them to the Son of God. The fruit of the sacramental life is that the Spirit of adoption makes the faithful partakers in the divine nature by uniting them in a living union with the only Son, the Savior.
Catechism of the Catholic Church, Part Two, Section One, Chapter 1, Article 2, IV, 1129
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Baptism
The Church requires that at least one parent and one godparent is an active and participating Catholic who accepts the responsibility to support and raise the child in the Catholic faith. Parent(s) are required to attend the Baptismal Preparation class prior to the baptism and are encouraged to do so before the birth of the child if possible. Contact the Lay Pastoral Associate for a schedule of the baptismal sessions. Contact the the Lay Pastoral Associate for information on the RCIA process as adapted for children if a child has reached the age of consent (7 years old).
For more information about baptism at St. Mary, visit the Frequently Asked Questions page. |
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Reconciliation
Reconciliation is the sacrament of forgiveness and spiritual healing. The word “confession” clearly stresses the fact that in this sacrament we verbalize our sinfulness, disclose our failures, and mention our mistakes to the priest who represents Christ and the Church, and absolves us and reminds us of the Lord’s forgiveness. For more information about reconciliation at St. Mary, visit the Frequently Asked Questions page. |
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Eucharist
Eucharist is our most important sacrament. It is the heart of Catholic life and worship, because Christ is truly present as food for us. Preparation for First Eucharist also usually takes place in the second grade year either in Catholic School or Religious Education. Parish policy states that a student must attend classes (either Catholic School of Religious education) for one year prior to acceptance into the sacramental preparation class. A rite of Enrollment, parent meetings and Reflection Day are mandatory and included in this preparation.
For more information about reconciliation at St. Mary, visit the Frequently Asked Questions page.
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Confirmation
Through the sealing of the Holy Spirit we are given the spiritual strength to profess, live and witness to the Catholic faith. Academic preparation for this sacrament takes place either at Central Catholic High School during the freshman year or Religious Education. Spiritual formation will take place in the parish. Dates and times are published in the bulletin. Confirmation is administered to parishioners 13 years and older. The age is determined by Diocesan policy. Contact the Lay Pastoral Associate to register or for more information.
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Most Catholic Dioceses in the United States have a marriage preparation policy to help couples prepare for Marriage. The process in our diocese begins with an interview with the priest and precedes everything, including setting a definite date for the wedding. During this initial meeting, the priest will explain the preparation process. This interview must take place at least six months prior to the actual wedding. Most couples, although they would not voluntarily have chosen to fulfill the requirements of the policy, find the preparation to be a very enriching experience.
For more information about reconciliation at St. Mary, visit the Frequently Asked Questions page.
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Holy Orders
Because ordination is intimately connected with the Church’s life and mission, the Diocese has established policies and guidelines for those who wish to be ordained as priests. Anyone who believes God may be calling him to become a priest is encouraged to talk with any priest or get in touch with Rev. Brian Doerr, Diocesan Vocation Director, at revbdoer@priestforever.org or visit www.priestforever.org.
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Anointing of the Sick
The sacrament of Anointing of the Sick has as its purpose the conferral of a special grace on the Christian experiencing the difficulties inherent in the condition of grave illness or old age. The proper time for receiving this holy anointing has certainly arrived when the believer begins to be in danger of death because of illness or old age. Each time a Christian falls seriously ill, he may receive the Anointing of the Sick, and also when, after he has received it, the illness worsens.
Only a priest can give the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, using oil blessed by the bishop, or if necessary by the celebrating presbyter himself. The celebration of the Anointing of the Sick consists essentially in the anointing of the forehead and hands of the sick person (in the Roman Rite) or of other parts of the body (in the Eastern rite), the anointing being accompanied by the liturgical prayer of the celebrant asking for the special grace of this sacrament. |
* Baptism
is the first sacrament and therefore the door to all other sacraments. In
baptism one sacramentally dies with Jesus Christ and is raised to a new life
with Him. Most Catholics are baptized as infants. We practice infant
baptism because we believe that faith which is the necessary precondition for
baptism is not an individual but rather a communitarian reality. Anyone
regardless of age is baptized in the faith
of the Church not solely by virtue of his or her personal faith.
Preparation for the first reception
of this sacrament usually takes place in the second grade of Catholic School or
Religious Education class. Parish policy states that a student must attend
classes (either Catholic School or Religious Education) for one year prior to
acceptance into the sacramental preparation class. A mandatory parent meeting is
part of this preparation.
The Sacrament of
Matrimony or Marriage is one of the wonderful ways we answer God’s call. It is a
covenant of love between a man and a woman. Marriage is also a vocation just as
are priesthood, vowed religious life, or a single life. Because Church treasures
Marriage so highly, we take seriously our responsibility to help couples prepare
for the Sacrament. 
Holy Orders
(Ordination to Priesthood) is the Sacrament through which men are set apart as
leaders and become presiders over the sacramental life of the Church. No one has
the power to decide whether to be ordained. The Diocese, through its Bishop,
makes the final decision to call someone to ordination. 
“Is any among you
sick? Let him call for the presbyters of the Church, and let them pray over him,
anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith will
save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins,
he will be forgiven” (James 5:14-15). * Images shown (dating from the 1951 renovation and refreshed in the 2000 renovation) can be seen in the Gothic arches in the Cathedral. Place cursor over the image to see the location in the Cathedral.
