The Seven Sacraments

Sacraments are outward signs instituted by Christ that give grace, drawing us into deeper communion with God and the Church. Through them, God meets us in ordinary moments with extraordinary love. We invite you to celebrate these sacred encounters and participate fully in the sacramental life of the Church today.

Sacraments of Initiation

The Sacraments of Initiation—Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist—lay the foundation of Christian life. Through Baptism, we are welcomed into God’s family and freed from sin. In the Eucharist, we are continually nourished by Christ’s Body and Blood, uniting us more deeply with Him and with one another in the life of the Church. Confirmation strengthens us with the gifts of the Holy Spirit to live our faith boldly.

The Sacrament of Baptism is celebrated at different times throughout the year except in the Lenten season. Parents wishing to present a child (under six years of age) for Baptism must complete the Baptismal Preparation Program here in the parish. Sessions take place every other month on Saturday mornings. For more information, please contact the church office at 704-825-9600.

First Eucharist preparation begins in the First Sacraments. One must make their First Reconciliation before entering the First Eucharist preparation program.  A child is eligible to be in the First Sacraments Program if they are at least in 2nd grade. 

Confirmation Candidates must be in at least 8th grade and be in their second year of consecutive formal religious education. As a reminder of their baptismal commitment, candidates serve their Church, family and community. Candidates study, pray, and reflect during their preparation for this Initiation Sacrament.

Sacraments of Healing

The Sacraments of Healing—Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick—reveal God’s mercy and compassion in moments of weakness, suffering, and need. In Reconciliation, we encounter God’s forgiveness and are restored to grace and peace. Through the Anointing of the Sick, Christ brings comfort, strength, healing, and hope to those facing serious illness, advanced age, or spiritual distress, reminding us that we are never alone in our suffering.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation takes place twice a week. Confessions are heard on Friday, 7:30am-8:30am and Saturday, 3:30pm-4:30pm or by appointment.

If you are preparing for surgery or hospitalization, this sacrament can be celebrated with you on any weekend at the church. In an emergency, contact the church so we can pray with you at home or in the hospital. Please call the parish office at 704.825.9600.

Sacraments of Service

The Sacraments of Service—Marriage and Holy Orders—call individuals to serve God and others through lives of self-giving love. In Marriage, spouses are strengthened by God’s grace to reflect Christ’s faithful love in their family and the world. Through Holy Orders, men are ordained to serve the Church as deacons, priests, or bishops, leading, teaching, and shepherding God’s people with humility and devotion.

This sacrament provides an opportunity for a couple to stand as a sign of God’s love in the community. To this end, a period of preparation is important and necessary. Contact the church office at least six months prior to your proposed marriage date to begin this process. 

God has a plan for each one of us! If you’ve been feeling a tug on your heart during prayer, if you’ve been feeling an attraction to giving your life in service to God and His people, God may be calling you to a vocation as a priest, deacon or consecrated religious in the Church. As St. John Paul II often said, do not be afraid! We are here to help you explore the particular vocation God has for you.