Sacraments
Information on the Sacraments
What are the Sacraments?
The Sacraments are “actions of the Holy Spirit at work in his Body, the Church. They are the ‘masterworks of God’ in the new and everlasting covenant” (Catechism 1116). “The purpose of the Sacraments,” wrote the Fathers of the Second Vatican Council, “is to sanctify human beings, to build up the Body of Christ, and, finally, to give worship to God…. They not only presuppose faith, but by words and objects they also nourish, strengthen, and express it.” In the Catholic Church there are seven sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance (or Reconciliation), Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony.
Baptism of Infants and Young Children
Indiviudal family baptisms are held throughout the year. Click here for more information, including FAQs. For information on the baptism of children ages 7-17, please contact the Rectory at parishoffice@olaparish.org or phone (650)347-7768.
Reconciliation
The Church Fathers sometimes called this sacrament “the more difficult baptism.” St. Ambrose drew a parallel between reconciliation and baptism: “there are water and tears: the water of Baptism and the tears of repentance.” The Sacrament of Reconciliation is celebrated on Saturdays, 3:45-4:30 in the Church. Communal celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation are celebrated two times a year in preparation for Christmas and Easter.
First Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist
During kindergarten and 1st grade, children can begin to prepare to receive communion, the body and blood of Christ, for the first time. In conjunction with the new Archdiocesan guidelines, preparation for First Reconciliation and First Communion is a two-year process which includes preparation for First Reconciliation (Confession) and culminates in the First Communion celebration on the Spring, typically on the Saturday before Palm Sunday. Please contact schoolofreligion@olaparish.org or (65) 347-3671 for more information.
Baptism of Adults and Older Children
Adults interested in becoming Catholic participate in the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA). Click here to visit the RCIA page. Children over the age of 6 participate in the Rite of Christian Initiation for Children, a special program beginning in September. Contact schoolofreligion@olaparish.org or (650) 347-3671. Click here for more information.
Confirmation
The Sacrament of Confirmation is, with Baptism and Eucharist, one of the three sacraments of initiation; confirmation completes and “confirms” the grace of baptism. Through the anointing with the sacred chrism the baptized person is “enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit,” and more than ever “obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed” (Catechism 1285). Confirmation typically begins with High School Freshmen and with preparation classes in the fall and is celebrated in the spring. Contact Teresita Santiago at youthministry@olaparish.org or (650) 343-5809 for information on the preparation program.
Marriage
The Church looks on marriage as a “covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life” (Catechism 1601). In its understanding of marriage, the Church looks back to the union between man and woman ordained by God in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 1-2). Christ worked his first miracle in the context of a wedding feast. In the Sacrament of Matrimony, the married couple become, in their unity and in their love for one another, “an efficacious sign of Christ’s presence” (Catechism 1613). For further information, please contact the Rectory at parishoffice@olaparish.org ot 347-7768.
Holy Orders
St. Francis and our Franciscan Capuchin priests are a beautiful reflection of this most holy sacrament. If God has called you into a vocation of the priesthood, the Capchin Franciscans are here to answer your questions. For information on the Capuchin Order and the Our Lady of Angles Province please visit www.olacapuchins.org.
Anointing of the Sick
The Anointing of the Sick—formerly known as ‘last rites’—is no longer considered a sacrament only for those at the point of death. Instead, this healing sacrament is for all those who are facing major surgery, chronic illness, or the weakness that comes with age. In an emergency, please call the Rectory any time, day or night at (650) 347-7768.
Funeral and Memorial Masses
The death of a loved one is a time of profound grief. It is also a time when our Christian faith in the Resurrection of Christ can offer great comfort and allow us to experience grace in the midst of sadness. The prayerful rituals of the Catholic Church at the time of death are meant to bring hope and consolation to family members and friends even as they commend the soul of the deceased person to the loving mercy of God. Please call the Rectory any time, day or night at (650) 347-7768 to discuss these masses.