What are the Sacraments?
The seven sacraments are expressions of Jesus’ love, made present through the Holy Spirit in human rituals instituted by Christ. These ceremonies connect us with God at key moments in life, showing that God walks with us throughout our journey. Each sacrament combines words, gestures, and physical elements (like water, bread, wine, and oil) to reveal God’s grace. Like Jesus, the sacraments are both human and divine, serving as signs of God’s loving presence and action in our lives.
Allow St. Joseph of the Palisades Parish serve you in your faith journey through the important milestones of Catholicism.
Baptism
The sacrament of Baptism “is birth into the new life in Christ”. Here at St. Joseph’s, it is the formal way in which we receive families and infants into our family.
Reconciliation
First Reconciliation is celebrated by children as part of the First Communion Preparation. This sacrament restores the soul’s connection with God.
First Communion
First Eucharist is a very important and holy day for Catholic children because they are receiving for the first time, the body and blood of Jesus Christ.
Confirmation
Confirmation lays the foundation for Candidates to live in deeper relationship with Jesus Christ and in a commitment to following His way.
Holy Matrimony
Catholic marriage as a distinctive spirituality that is sacramental, communitarian, and missionary through which Christ’s unbreakable love is made visible for all.
Last Rites
The Sacrament of the Annointing of the Sick, once called “extreme unction”, is a means of continuing the healing ministry of Jesus and his disciples today.
OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) – Becoming Catholic
OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) is a process of study, exploration, faith-sharing, and faith formation with specific liturgical rites for seekers and inquirers. Seekers and inquirers are non-baptized adults who desire to be fully initiated into the Roman Catholic Church and/or baptized adult Christians who desire full communion in the Roman Catholic Church.