Jesus gave us the Sacraments
to call us to worship God,
to build up the Church,
to deepen our faith,
to show us how to pray,
to connect us with the living Tradition of the Church,
and to sanctify us.  While God works primarily through the
Sacraments, He also touches us through the community of the church,
through the lives of holy people, through prayers, spirituality, and acts of love.
But, “for believers, the Sacraments of the New Covenant
are necessary for salvation.”

– United States Catholic Catechism for Adults.

 

Baptism

Baptism serves as our pathway into the Church, the beginning of an eternal relationship with God, and a prerequisite for all other sacraments. Through Baptism, we are freed of our sins and united with Christ. By accepting the call to Baptism, our invitation from God, we are accepting a call to join the Christian community and to live as disciples of Christ.

Parents looking to have their child baptized are asked to call the Parish Office at (330) 542-3466 to arrange for a baptism meeting. A date for the Baptism will be arranged at your meeting.

Communion

Originating with the words and actions of Jesus at the Last Supper, the Eucharist is “the source and summit of the Christian life” (Second Vatican Council, Lumen gentium [LG], 11). When we the Bread and drink the wine, we become united with the love and sacrifice of Jesus, whose body and blood are truly present within the Eucharist.

Eucharist is typically celebrated for the first time in second grade. Parent meetings, home preparation, and regular attendance at Religious Education are required. If your child was not baptized in the Catholic Church, please inform us immediately so that we can facilitate his/her reception of these Sacraments with his/her class. If you have questions or concerns, contact Al Pompeo, the Coordinator of Religious Education, at (330) 542-3466.

Adults who have not received their First Communion  should contact the Parish Office at (330) 542-3466 for info on the RCIA program.

Reconciliation

The Sacrament of Reconciliation grants us God’s forgiveness through his limitless, merciful love. With the graces Reconciliation provides us, we are brought into a closer union with God.

Second grade is the usual grade for children to receive these sacraments. Parent meetings, home preparation, and regular attendance at Religious Education are required. If your child was not baptized in the Catholic Church, please inform us immediately so that we can facilitate his/her reception of these Sacraments with his/her class. If you have questions or concerns, contact Al Pompeo, the Director of Religious Education, at (330) 542-3466.

This sacrament occurs each Saturday from 3:00-3:45 and is also available by appointment. An appointment can be made by contacting the Parish Office at (330) 542-3466.

Confirmation

Through Confirmation, we complete our Baptism and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This gift of the Holy Spirit provides us the strength to put the grace of our Baptism into practice within our lives as a witness for Christ. Upon receiving Confirmation, we become full-fledged members of the Catholic Church.

Eighth grade is the usual grade for children to receive this Sacrament. Children must regularly attend Religious Education from first through  eighth grades. Confirmation preparation will take place during scheduled Religious Education classes along with special sessions scheduled during the school year. Parents and sponsors will also be responsible for some of the child’s Confirmation preparation. If you have questions or concerns, contact Al Pompeo, the Director of Religious Education, at (330) 542-3466.

Adults who have not received their Confirmation  should contact the Parish Office at (330) 542-3466 for info on the RCIA program.

Marriage

Marriage comes about through a promise made between a man and a woman before God and the Church. Because God established the bonds of sacramental marriage, this union is permanent.

The Sacrament of Marriage requires special consideration and preparation. According to Diocesan policy, those desiring marriage must contact the parish office, (330) 542-3466, at least six months prior to the desired wedding date. After scheduling the date with the priest who is presiding at the ceremony, they will meet with him on at least two occasions. They also either must meet with a parish sponsor couple or participate in an engaged encounter retreat.

Anointing of the Sick

As God’s love in human form, Jesus came to heal the whole person, body and soul. The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is open to everyone whose health is in a critical state. “The special grace of the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick has as its effects:
– the uniting of the sick person to the passion of Christ, for his own good and that of the whole Church;
– the strengthening, peace, and courage to endure in a Christian manner the sufferings of illness or old age;
– the forgiveness of sins, if the sick person was not able to obtain it through the sacrament of Penance;
– the restoration of health, if it is conducive to the salvation of his soul;
– the preparation for passing over to eternal life” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1532).

To request anointing, please call the parish office at (330) 542-3466.

Holy Orders

Through the Sacrament of Holy Orders, the man who is ordained receives a gift of the Holy Spirit, which grants him a sacred authority that is conferred upon him by Christ through the bishop. Holy Orders has three different degrees: bishop, priest, and deacon.

Men who feel called to the priesthood or deaconate need to discern that calling with the help of the Church.  If you think you may have a religious vocation, contact the Parish Office at (330) 542-3466.