Sacraments

Eucharist

Also called Holy Communion, this sacrament unites us directly with Jesus. Through union with him and with one another, we are truly joined as a community. We know this because the Gospel tells us in Luke 22:19: “Then he took the bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body, which will be given for you; do this in memory of me.’” 

Jesus is truly present under the form bread and wine, which literally becomes the Body and Blood of Christ during the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Receiving Jesus in Holy Communion allows us to form a real union with him and to be strengthened by his divine grace. Holy Communion is offered at every Mass and should be received only by Catholics who are in a state of grace. If you are aware of having committed a serious sin, you should not present yourself for communion until after receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Baptism

This sacrament begins our Christian life. Baptism marks us as one who has been saved by Jesus Christ and sanctified with the Spirit of God. 

In order to have your child baptized, you must be a registered member of our parish. You will need at least one practicing Catholic in good standing to serve as godparents. If the child is your first, you must participate in a baptism-preparation class.To schedule a baptism or find out about classes, call the parish office at 423-282-6367.

Confirmation

This sacrament is one’s full initiation into the Church community. Confirmation completes the grace of baptism by a special outpouring of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which seal, or “confirm,” the baptized in union with Christ and equip them for active participation in the worship and apostolic life of the Church.

For more information, contact the parish office.

Marriage

Marriage is the rite by which the matrimonial union becomes a sign of God’s love and union with his people: “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the Church, and gave himself for it.” (Ephesians 5:25)

Marriage preparation and counseling sessions are required. Please contact the church office at 423-282-6367 to schedule an appointment at least four months in advance of your planned wedding date. Couples are also asked to complete an Engaged Encounter Weekend.

Confession

Also called penance or reconciliation, the sacrament of confession is the formal celebration of a sinner’s repentance and God’s immediate forgiveness. Reconciliation celebrates and reminds us of God’s mercy and helps us experience divine forgiveness. In the sacrament of reconciliation we experience that forgiveness and are reconciled once again with God, with the Church, and with ourselves.

Confession Times:

Wednesday: 6pm

Saturday: 9am and 4:30pm

Sunday: 7:30am, 9:30am, 11:30am and 1:30pm

Anointing of the Sick

This sacrament, which is the liturgical prayer for those who are seriously ill or preparing for surgery, was previously called “last rites” or “extreme unction.” Anointing of the sick celebrates and reminds us of God’s compassion and helps us experience spiritual and sometimes physical strengthening when we are ill. The signs of holy oil and laying on of hands used in administering this sacrament express our faith in God’s power over sickness and the meaning of suffering in the life of the community. One does not need to be near death to receive the sacrament.

If you or someone you know is about to have surgery, suffering from terminal illness or declining health, please contact the parish office to arrange for the administration of the sacrament.

Holy Orders

The sacrament of Holy Orders – the ordination of priests and deacons – is only performed by the Bishop after lengthy preparation by the candidates. If you are interested in the priesthood, please make your inquiry to the diocesan vocations office.