Receiving the Sacrements
Receiving the Sacrements
Celebrated worthily in faith, the sacraments confer the grace that they signify.* They are efficacious because in them Christ himself is at work: it is he who baptizes, he who acts in his sacraments in order to communicate the grace that each sacrament signifies. The Father always hears the prayer of his Son's Church which, in the epiclesis of each sacrament, expresses her faith in the power of the Spirit. As fire transforms into itself everything it touches, so the Holy Spirit transforms into the divine life whatever is subjected to his power (CCC 1127).
*Cf. Council of Trent (1547): DS 1605; DS 1606. Cf.
- Mater Dei Office
- 1212 Morningside Ave. Sioux City, IA 51106 Phone: 712-276-4821 Fax: 712-276-3034 Hours: M-F 8AM - 4:30PM
History of the Sacraments
Catholics believe that the seven sacraments were directly instituted by Christ. He told His apostles to 'Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit...' (Matthew 27:19).
He also gave them the gift of the Eucharist on the night before He died when He said, 'This is My Body' and 'This is the chalice of My Blood' (see Matthew 26:27-29, Mark 14:22-25, and Luke 22:14-23).
Sacrament of Baptism
In baptism, God's saving grace, His very presence, enters into the human soul. The essential rite of baptism is very simple. The person celebrating the sacrament (usually a priest) says 'I baptize you in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit' while pouring water over the head of the person receiving the sacrament or dipping the person in water. For Catholics, baptism is the sacrament of salvation and the door to all other sacraments.
By appointment with Pastor. One session of "Welcome Your Child" which is required prior to Baptisum. Please contact the Mater Dei office to register.
Sacrament of Eucharist
Referred to as First Communion. Those who partake in the Eucharist receive the real Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ in what appears to be bread and wine. During Mass, regular bread and wine are consecrated by the priest, through God's power, when he repeats Jesus's words, 'This is My Body' and 'This is the chalice of My Blood.'
Please contact the Mater Dei office to register.
Sacrament of Confirmation
Confirmation provides a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit, which helps the confirmed Catholic witness to Christ and lead a mature Christian life. The rite of confirmation, usually performed by a bishop, involves the anointing with chrism (holy oil), the laying on of hands, and the words 'Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit.'
Please contact the Mater Dei office to register.
Sacrament of Reconciliation
In reconciliation, which is also called 'confession' or 'penance,' a Catholic confesses his or her sins to a priest in the spirit of true repentance and receives forgiveness. The priest acts as a visible representative of Christ, who forgives sins through Him, when he says the words of absolution: 'I absolve you of your sins in the Name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.'
Please check confession
Sacrament of Anointing of the sick
Anointing of the sick offers the comfort of God's grace to those who are ill. The sacrament provides spiritual and sometimes physical healing, according to God's will, but also allows the sick person to join his or her sufferings to Christ and prepare for death. The essential rite of this sacrament involves anointing with the oil of the sick and prayer.
Please contact the Mater Dei office.
Sacrament of Marriage
Marriage, or matrimony, joins a man and a woman together in a life-long covenant of self-giving love. The two spouses give their consent to join together in marriage as the Church defines it. God gives special grace to the couple that they may live out their vow.
Arrangements at least 6 months prior to marriage. Interview with the pastor is required before date for marriage can be given. Please contact the Mater Dei office to register.
Sacrament of Holy Orders
In holy orders, men are ordained as bishops, priests, and deacons through a bishop's laying on of hands and prayer. These men are given the grace to live out their lives in service to the Church and to God's people.
Please contact the Mater Dei office and schedule visit with the pastor.