Sacraments

Anointing of the Sick – In the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, we pray for one's spiritual and physical healing and health. Once referred to as "extreme unction" or the "last rites" and reserved for the final moments of life, the sacrament is now available to all, even those who are not "ill" in the conventional sense of the word.

Baptism – Through the sacrament of Baptism, we are welcomed into the Body of Christ.

Baptism is the first sacrament of the Church, allowing an individual admittance to all other sacraments. If a person is baptized with water in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, the baptism is recognized as a valid incorporation into the Body of Christ, and the sacrament is never repeated.

Except in times of necessity, this sacrament is most appropriately celebrated in a church or home and by a priest or deacon. In cases of necessity, any person with good intention can baptize a non-baptized person. Ordinarily, for the baptism of infants, at least one parent must consent and at least one witness must be present.

Communion/Eucharist – Through the sacrament of Eucharist, we gather to partake of the Body and Blood of Christ and to be strengthened to better live as the Body of Christ in our world.

Referring to the Body of Christ, St. Augustine admonished, "Become what you receive." When we gather for the eucharistic liturgy (commonly called "Mass"), we are strengthened by God's Word and the sacrament of Eucharist. This sacrament is also a visible sign of our unity—saints and sinners that we are - with Christ.

Though most frequently celebrated on Sunday mornings, the eucharistic liturgy can be celebrated by a bishop or priest at any time, anywhere, and for any intention. Anyone can be admitted to the sacrament of the Eucharist, and no one is to be barred in this respect.

Confirmation - Confirmation is the sacrament by which Catholics receive a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Through Confirmation, the Holy Spirit gives them the increased ability to practice their Catholic faith in every aspect of their lives and to witness Christ in every situation.

The effects of Confirmation are as follows:

An increased portion of the gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, knowledge, right judgment, understanding, courage, piety, and fear of the Lord

A deepening and strengthening of the grace received at Baptism, which is considered the presence of God in the soul

A more intimate relationship with Jesus Christ

A closer bond with the Catholic Church

The ability to take a greater, more mature role in the Church's mission of living the Christian faith daily and witnessing to Christ everywhere

A special mark, or character, on the soul that can never be erased

Each person's ability to embrace these effects depends on his or her openness to the sacrament and willingness to accept it as God's personal gift.

Holy Orders – Through the sacrament of Holy Orders, men and women are commissioned to share the Church's sacraments with God's People. The orders to which one can be ordained include the offices of deacon and priest, both of which are rooted in scripture. For the validity of this sacrament, it is necessary that a person be ordained by a validly-consecrated bishop with apostolic succession. In the Catholic Apostolic Church in North America, the sacrament of Holy Orders will not be withheld from any person based on gender, marital status or sexual orientation.

If you are interested in the possibility of serving God's People as an ordained minister of the Church, please contact the Vocation Director at innocents@catskil.net

Marriage – Through the sacrament of Marriage, two people express their desire for a permanent, exclusive partnership through the establishment of the marital bond or covenant. In states that allow it, we are honored to celebrate this sacrament for two persons of the same gender. Fortunately, for the celebration of this sacrament, the Catholic Apostolic Church in North America does not possess the strictures and requirements demanded by other Catholic churches.

Reconciliation

Striving for communion with God and one another is the primary ministry of the Church. Reconciliation is a very intimate experience. It is the external expression of the interior transformation that conversion has brought about in us.

The conversion process begins with a realization that all is not right in our lives. Prompted by a faith response to God's call, conversion initiates a desire for change. Change is the essence of conversion.

Reconciliation plays a crucial role in contemporary society. The prevalence of racism, sexism, nationalism and consumerism indicates the need for reconciliation in our world, in our country, in our local community—even in our parish. If we are to be a sacrament—a visible sign—of reconciliation, we must actively pursue those works of justice and mercy that will make this reconciliation possible.

Here, the Sacrament of Reconciliation is open to anyone who wishes to receive it. General absolution is given at each Mass and individually by appointment.