Sacraments

Baptism

Baptism is the Church's way of celebrating God's saving love and the gift of new life we have received through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Through the sacrament of baptism we are welcomed into the family of God. Here at Sacred Heart, we as a community extend that welcome into God's family to others through our participation in the celebration of baptism. Our communal celebration of the sacrament reminds us of our own baptismal promises, usually made for us by our parents and godparents, to live as followers of Christ. It also helps us to renew our commitment to be signs of God's loving presence to the newly baptized and to one another. In preparation for the sacrament of baptism of infants, we invite parents and godparents to attend the Baptism Seminar, held at 7:30 pm on the last Monday of every other month, starting in January. The celebration of baptism takes place during a Sunday Mass, with the date chosen by the class attendees. There are no baptisms during Lent or in May.

Reconciliation

The Sacrament of Reconciliation helps to heal the breaks that occur in our relationship with God and with one another. Children prepare to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation in the second grade, several months prior to First Communion. Parents assist in the preparation, and one or both parents are required to attend a group meeting before the child receives First Reconciliation in a group celebration. Reconciliation services for the parish are held during Lent and Advent. These celebrations acknowledge that the sins of the individual also affect the entire Body of Christ. Private confession is included in the celebration. Individual Reconciliation is held in the church on Saturday from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m., or by appointment.

Holy Eucharist

Through the Eucharist, the community is united at the Lord's table; is reminded that Christ lived, died, and rose for our salvation; and is nourished by His true presence for the journey each member walks with Him. Children usually prepare to receive First Communion in second grade. Parents are encouraged to take an active part in instructing their child at home for this important event, and one or both parents are required to attend a group meeting in the spring before the child celebrates First Communion. Parents may choose any Sunday in May to present their child to receive the Holy Eucharist for the first time, with their family. As part of their preparation, the children celebrate Jesus's Day. (the last Friday before First Communions begin).

Confirmation

Confirmation is both a sacrament of initiation into the fullness of the Christian community and an opportunity for young people to deepen their commitment to the person of Jesus Christ through the gift of the Holy Spirit. The minimum age for reception of the sacrament in the Diocese of San Diego is fifteen. Our preparation for young people interested in receiving the sacrament of Confirmation involves a process of catechesis, service, retreat participation, and sacramental celebration. Candidates for Confirmation must have attended Confirmation classes and participated in sessions and activities outlined in the program. Young people of high school age are encouraged to inquire about the specific guidelines. Adults receive Confirmation as part of the R.C.I.A. process.

Marriage

"The lasting and committed love between man and woman is a gift of God, the Creator, to ensure mutual support and care through life's journey and to provide for the continuation of the human race. "The Church sees in married love the even deeper significance and reality of a sacrament: 'Christian marriage reflects Jesus' unconditional love for the world and makes that divine love present within the very union of the Christian couple.'" These are the opening paragraphs from the Marriage Preparation Guidelines of the Diocese of San Diego. We have implemented these guidelines at Sacred Heart, with the attendant suggested nine-month preparation period from the time of the couple's initial contact with a priest or deacon formally announcing their intention to marry until the time of the actual ceremony.

Anointing of the Sick

This sacrament places the person who is sick in the hands of God, and draws the community together in prayerful support. Communal anointing of the sick takes place twice a year at liturgical celebrations. In case of serious illness, contact the parish office to arrange for reception of the sacraments.