Sacraments
Baptism
"Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 28:19)
At Nativity of Our Lord, Baptisms are usually celebrated on Sundays after the 10:30 am Mass.
Parishioners are asked to call the Parish Office to schedule the Baptism.
All parents wanting to baptize a child are asked to meet with Father Potthoff.
Baptism for adults is part of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.
More information about baptism can be found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (1213-1284)
Holy Eucharist
"I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world." (John 6:51)
The Holy Eucharist completes Christian initiation.
We believe that Jesus Christ is fully present - Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity. The bread and wine are not symbols, but signs of His Real Presence.
The Church asks two things of us in order to receive the Eucharist. First, we must be in a state of grace - free from all mortal sin. Second, we must fast from all food and drink (other than water or medications) for one hour prior to receiving.
One may receive Eucharist in the hand or on the tongue. The priest, deacon, or Extraordinary Minister will say, "The Body of Christ", and the correct response is "Amen". When offered, "The Blood of Christ", the response is again "Amen".
The Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist is typically received in the second grade
To receive the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist for the first time as an adult is part of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.
More information about the Holy Eucharist can be found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (1322-1419).
Reconciliation
"Jesus said to them again, 'Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.' And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, 'Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.' ” (John 20:21-23)
Sometimes on our journey toward the heavenly promised land we stumble and fall into sin. God is always ready to lift us up and to restore us to grace filled fellowship with him. He does this through the Sacrament of Penance (which is also known as confession or reconciliation, each term emphasizing a different element of the Sacrament).
First Reconciliation is typically received in the second grade in preparation for their First Holy Communion.
Receiving the Sacrament of the Reconciliation for the first time as an adult is part of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.
More information about confession can be found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (1422-1498).
Confirmation
"In Him you also, who have heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and have believed in Him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit." (Ephesians 1:13)
The sacrament of Confirmation seals the recipient with the gift of the Holy Spirit. Along with the sacraments of Baptism and Eucharist, it makes up the sacraments of initiation.
Like Baptism, Confirmation can only be received once since it imprints on our soul an indelible spiritual mark. At Confirmation, we are marked with the seal of the Holy Spirit.
Confirmation formation takes place at the 8th Grade level.
To receive the Sacrament of Confirmation for the first time as an adult, please contact the pastor so that we can help prepare you for this grace filled moment. Typically adults in need of Confirmation will join our adults involved with Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults at the Easter Vigil.
More information about Confirmation can be found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (1285-1321).
Matrimony
Most people are called to the married life rather than to the religious life or to life as a single person. Through the Sacrament of Matrimony, God gives special graces to help married couples with life's difficulties, especially to help them raise their children as loving followers of Christ.
Marriage always involves three parties: the bride, the groom, and God. When two Christians receive the Sacrament of Matrimony, God is with them, witnessing and blessing their marriage covenant. For Catholics, God does this through the priest or deacon who presides at the wedding as the Church's witness.
Couples planning to marry are encouraged to make arrangements at least six months prior to the wedding date. Contact the pastor for more information and to request a date. The Diocese requires formation classes for all couple preparing for marriage.
More information about matrimony can be found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (1601-1666).
Holy Orders
All of Christ's faithful share in a common priesthood through baptism. From among them, the Church calls and ordains men to share specially in Christ's priesthood. In the Old Covenant, even though Israel was a kingdom of priests (Exodus 19:6), the Lord called certain men to a special priestly ministry (Exodus 19:22). In the New Covenant, even though Christians are a kingdom of priests (1 Peter 2:9), Jesus calls certain men to a special priestly ministry (Romans 15:15-16).
This Sacrament is called Holy Orders. Through it priests are ordained and thus empowered to serve the Church (2 Timothy 1:5-7) as pastors, teachers, and spiritual fathers who heal, feed, and strengthen God's people—most importantly through preaching and the administration of the Sacraments.
Young men who would like to learn more about the priesthood should feel free to visit with the pastor. The Diocese has an annual retreat for those discerning a priestly vocation called Emmaus Days, in two sessions (for those aged 18+ and for younger men).
More information about Holy Orders can be found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (1536-1600).
Anointing of the Sick
"Is anyone among you suffering? He should pray...Is any one among you sick? He should summon the presbyters [priests] of the Church, and they should pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven" (James 5: 14-15).
Anointing of the Sick helps us endure illness, uniting our passion with that of the Lord, and it cleanses our souls and helps us prepare to meet God.
Anointing is available upon request. If ever you are going to the hospital for a procedure that involves general anesthesia, it is appropriate to request Anointing.
More information about Anointing of the Sick can be found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (1499-1532).