Sacraments

Baptism

In the Sacrament of Baptism, we enter into Jesus and his body the Church.  For this reason, we want the whole world to baptized!!

Baptism is the sacrament that frees us from original sin, and makes us a member of Christ and His Church. It is thus the gateway to a new and supernatural life.  

To have your newborn baptized at St Joe’s, parents and godparents need to attend a class presented by Fr. Mike or Deacon Tom.  These classes take place in English on the 2nd Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in the St. Joe Office.  In Spanish, they take place on the 2nd Sunday of the month, right after Mass in Spanish in St. Joe Church.

After attending the class, please speak with Fr. Mike or Deacon Tom about a date and time.  Some prefer during Mass, some after Mass, some on Saturdays. We are happy to be flexible.

Eucharist

“I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world” (John 6:51).  “For as often as you eat this bread, and drink the cup, you proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes.” (1 Cor. 11:26).

Every child in second grade should somehow be enrolled in First Communion Preparation. This takes place beautifully for those students enrolled in our school, as it is taught on a daily basis and children attend Holy Mass multiple times a week.  Those students not enrolled in our school should be taking faith formation classes to prepare for this sacrament.

Confirmation

“The sacrament of confirmation completes the sacrament of baptism. If baptism is the sacrament of re-birth to a new and supernatural life, confirmation is the sacrament of maturity and coming of age.” (Catholic Online) 

Confirmation preparation at St. Joe’s is offered for freshmen in high school.  We currently meet most Sundays after the 10:30am Mass (from 11:30 to 12:45).  Students receive the sacrament during September of their sophomore year. 

Confession

“‘As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.’ And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained’” (John 20:21–23).

Preparation for this sacrament takes place during a child’s second grade year (see Eucharist above). 

Confession times

Anointing of the Sick

“Is anyone among you sick? Let them call for the priests of the church, and let the priests pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. The prayer of faith will save the sick persons and the Lord will raise them up” (James 5:14-15).

Fr. Mike will drop almost anything to anoint when needed. Call his cell phone at 812-391-0047.

Holy Matrimony

“‘The two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh” (Mark 10:8).

Preparation for Holy Marriage takes place with the priest.  Typically, Fr. Mike meets with couples four times. Couples also attend a retreat and meet with a sponsor couple.  The first step is to speak with Fr. Mike to get your marriage on the books and begin the process. Call his cell phone at 812-391-0047 or email him at [email protected]. 

Holy Orders

We need priests!  If it is your calling, it is the best thing you could ever imagine!  The first step to answering God’s call is to speak with Fr. Mike. Call his cell phone at 812-391-0047 or email him at [email protected].