The Seven Sacraments
The seven sacraments are at the heart of Catholic spiritual life. The catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that sacraments are “efficacious signs of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, by which divine life is dispensed to us. The visible rites by which the sacraments are celebrated signify and make present the graces proper to each sacrament. They bear fruit in those who receive them with the required dispositions.”
Sacramental information
Baptism is the entry point to a life in Christ. Jesus’ baptism not only marked the beginning of his public ministry, but it was also the last command that he gave to the Apostles at the time of his Ascension: to go forth “Baptizing all of the nations in the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
In the sacramental waters of Baptism, the soul comes into contact with the Spirit of God for the first time. For a child, who is baptized under the authority of his parents, this means that they are brought under the Sacramental Grace of God’s protection, their eyes are opened to be able to see the Light of the Son of God and they become marked with the Seal of Christ, being claimed as his very own. It is an indelible mark, that is, permanent, that remains throughout their life, giving us assurance that Jesus Christ will never abandon them.
For an adult who receives Baptism, the effects remain the same, but it also adds a dimension of turning away from a life in sin and the absence of God’s Friendship, into resurrection in a new life.
For a Child
Parents should contact Hayley Shaver, or the parish office to schedule Baptism preparation.
For a Child (7 or over)
The Church considers a child who has reached the age of 7 to be an adult in terms of their awareness and ability to choose Faith in Christ. They enter the Church in reception of all three Sacraments of Initiation. Please contact Hayley Shaver,, or the parish office for information about RCIC.
For Adults
Adults typically enter through the RCIA, Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. You may visit our RCIA page for more information, or contact the parish office at the number below.
Godparents
Godparents must be baptized Catholics. Each of the baptized may have a Godfather and a Godmother, but must have at least one. They cannot have two Godfathers or two Godmothers.
Reconciliation schedule
See the front page of the bulletin. Also watch for seasonal communal penance services in Lent.
About the sacrament
Sin is a fact of life. And all sin takes us away from the love of God. Many people become comfortable with living in the state of sin and never really make any effort to turn their hearts back toward the Lord with repentance and a firm desire to avoid sin and grow in holiness.
The good news is that Jesus Christ wants to free us from our sin, give us new life in grace, and lead us to the heights of holiness. But, because we have free will, we must be willing to say “yes” to His gifts of grace and forgiveness. The very first step along that path is to make a good, sincere, heartfelt confession of our sins.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a difficult one for many of us. We need think no further than the story of Adam and Eve in the garden. Rather than admit wrongdoing, it was so much easier for them to put the blame somewhere else.
God love us! God knows what the challenges of human life are all about. God is ready to forgive. You can change your life today, by going to confession!
First Reconciliation
The sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist for children who do not attend Catholic School are prepared for and celebrated in the School of Religion. This is usually done in second grade. These sacraments are celebrated in the Spring.
Click here for more information on School of Religion (S.O.R.)
For more information contact the parish office at the number below or click here to email “To whom it may concern.”
What we believe
Read what the church teaches about the Eucharist in an excerpt from the Catechism of the Catholic Church on the Vatican website.
First Eucharist
The sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist for children who do not attend Catholic School are prepared for and celebrated in the School of Religion. This is usually done in second grade. These sacraments are celebrated in the spring. Click here for more information on School of Religion (S.O.R.), including contact information.
For more information contact the parish office, 816.942.2492 or click here to email “To whom it may concern.”
Eucharist for the homebound
Please phone the parish office when a friend or family member is hospitalized. If you are homebound and wish to receive weekly Communion, call Larry LeFebvre or Peggy.
Youth Confirmation
contact Hayley Shaver,
Adult Confirmation:
In Confirmation, we are strengthened by the gifts and grace of the Holy Spirit to perfect and use the gifts God has given us both for worship, and in the world.
RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)⇒
Getting married?
Contact our pastor when you are engaged. (We prefer at least nine month’s notice.)
Once couples have started the marriage process, Our pastor helps guide them through.
Materials/Information for couples
Looking for support/resources?
For troubled marriages
The Retrouvaille program offers support for troubled marriages. See their website here.
Suggested reading
- The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman
On the web
Natural Family Planning (NFP)
Discover a natural way to postpone or achieve a pregnancy…the Art of Natural Family Planning® (NFP) is based on an awareness of a woman’s fertility. It’s medically safe, 99% effective in postponing pregnancy, very low cost, often has a positive effect on the couple’s marriage, and is morally acceptable to all major religions.
Call the parish office at the number below or email “To Whom it May Concern” for more information.
NFP online
- The Couple to Couple League International website includes information on the advantages of NFP, how to learn, FAQs, church teachings, and marriage-building effects: http://ccli.org
- Local CCL Chapter/Schedule: www.cclkc.org
- Program at St. Joe Medical Center: www.fertilitycarekc.com
- Learn NFP online: www.learnnfponline.com
- NFP only Medical Providers: http://www.omsoul.com
Click here to go to the vocations website of the Diocese of Kansas City- Saint Joseph web site for information about the priesthood, consecrated life, and diaconate.
This sacrament is administered to bring spiritual and even physical strength during an illness, especially near the time of death. The Catechism says, “The anointing of the sick is not a sacrament for those only who are at the point of death. Hence, as soon as anyone of the faithful begins to be in danger of death from sickness or old age, the fitting time to receive this sacrament has certainly already arrived.” (CCC 1514)
Parishioners are encouraged to seek the sacrament at morning Eucharist before entering the hospital. For more information, please call the church office at the number below or click here to email one of our clergy.
Eucharist for the Homebound
If you are unable to come to Mass to receive the Eucharist, you can make arrangements to have it brought ot you. Click here for more information.
What is an annulment? An annulment, officially known as a declaration of nullity, is the decision made with moral certainty by the competent authority of the Church that a marriage bond in question never existed. Typically this is because it becomes evident, based on the facts and testimony provided, that one or more essential elements for a binding marriage was not present at the time the marriage was contracted. Contrary to popular belief, an annulment from the Church has no civil ramifications nor does it affect in any way the legitimacy of the children born from that union. Each parish in our Diocese, including St. Thomas More, has trained advocates who act as liaisons between those petitioning a declaration of nullity and the local Tribunal (the organization of the diocese that is in charge of making declarations of nullity). If you or anyone you know are interested in pursuing a declaration of nullity, or would simply like more information, please contact the church office at the number below or email “To whom it may concern” for more information.