Sacraments

The seven sacraments - Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and the Matrimony - are the life of the Catholic Church. Each sacrament is an outward sign of an inward grace. When we participate in them worthily, each provides us with graces—with the life of God in our soul. In worship, we give to God that which we owe Him; in the sacraments, He gives us the graces necessary to live a truly human life.

Baptism

As the first of the seven sacraments instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, Baptism is the door of the spiritual life. It makes us members of Christ and unites us with the Church. Through this sacrament a believer receives the remission of original and personal sin and begins a new life in Christ and the Holy Spirit. The rite of Baptism consists of immersing the candidate in water, or pouring water on the head, while pronouncing the invocation of the Most Holy Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

We celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism in St. Patrick’s Church on second and fourth Sunday of the month at 1:30 pm in English, and on the second and fourth Saturday of the month at 11:00 am in Spanish.

We ask that the Parents and God-Parents attend one Pre-Baptism Class which is set up at the registration for Baptism.

See the Baptisms Page for more information on registering for this important Sacrament!

OCIA and OCIC (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist)

Each year we celebrate the beautiful liturgy of Easter Vigil which is highlighted by the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist). That night, we welcome to our church community those who made their faith journey through the process of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) and the Order of Christian Initiation of Children (OCIC). Through this process, one who has never been baptized, or has already been baptized in another Christian faith, can come to a full communion with the Catholic Church.
OCIA classes are year round and take place on Sunday mornings. Please see the OCIA Page for more information or contact Deacon Chuck Reyburn at: chuck@olmstpatrick.org or 209-749-1255
OCIC is a two year process where children of school age participate with their parents in special instructions. This process runs alongside our Catechism (1st - 8th grades) and Youth Confirmation (9th - 12th grades). Please register alongside these programs in the summer and let us know your child is not yet Baptised. Please watch the bulleting shortly after Easter for registrations!

Eucharist

This sacrament completes Christian initiation. Christ present under the appearances of bread and wine is the principal sacramental celebration of the Church. In the Holy Eucharist the mystery of our salvation through participation in the sacrificial death and glorious resurrection of Christ is renewed and accomplished. In the Eucharist, we receive the Body and Blood of Christ and unite in communion with Jesus and other baptized Christians in the Church.

Reconciliation

In this sacrament, also known as Penance or Confession, forgiveness of sins committed after baptism is granted through the priest's absolution to those who convert their hearts toward God and away from sin. Thus, they become reconciled with God and with the Church.

Our confessions are held every Tuesday at 4:30 pm in St. Patrick's Church and on the 1st Saturday of each month at 9:45am at OLM Church.

We also offer a two year program to children 2nd - 8th grade preparing for First Reconciliation and First Communion. Please contact Mrs. Maria Jessie Lopez for more information about the program (209-455-3271 or maria@olmstpatrick.org). Visit the First Communion Page for further details.

Confirmation

Confirmation completes the grace of Baptism by a special outpouring of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which seal the baptized in union with Christ and make them strong and perfect Christians and soldiers of Jesus Christ for active participation in the worship and apostolic life of the Church.

Adult Confirmation is an accelerated course with classes held on Monday nights at 7pm in the Parish Hall. Registration takes place in early Fall and Spring. Watch the bulletin and the Adult Confirmation Page for details.

Youth Confirmation is a 2 year program with classes held on Sunday afternoons. Registration takes place in late summer. Please watch the bulletin and the Youth Confirmation Page for details.

Anointing of the Sick

This sacrament is administered by a priest to a baptized person through prayer and the anointing of the body with the oil of the sick. The effects of the sacrament include a special grace of healing and comfort to the Christian who is suffering the infirmities of illness or old age, and the forgiving of the person's sins. Through the Sacrament of Anointing the Holy Spirit renews confidence and faith in God and strengthens against discouragement and anguish at the time of illness. It leads to spiritual healing and, often, bodily healing as well.

A priest is on call day and night. Please call us early. Do not wait until the sick person is in a coma or actually dying. You can help; an honest word with the sick may be less cruel than to let them die without having the consolation of consciously settling their spiritual affairs.

Please send your request to info@olmstpatrick.org or call 209-383-3924 to make arrangements for a priest's visit. You may also request a Eucharistic Minister to bring the Holy Communion to the sick who is unable to come to church. If you reach us after office hours, follow the automated prompt to be directed to our emergency after hours answering service. They will immediately reach out to the priest on duty.

Holy Orders

In the Sacrament of Holy Orders, or Ordination, the priest being ordained vows to lead other Catholics by bringing them the sacraments, by proclaiming the Gospel, and by providing other means to holiness.

If you are interested in Priesthood or Religious Life, please contact the Vocations office of the Diocese of Fresno (vocation@dioceseoffresno.org). Also, please pray for and support our Seminarians.

Matrimony

When validly contracted between two baptized people, marriage is a sacrament (Matrimony). A covenant of life between a man and woman, which is ordered to the well-being of the spouses and to the procreation and upbringing of children.

Please be aware that it is necessary to give us at least six months notice before the sacrament can be celebrated. Contact Mrs. Veronica Ochoa for all the details veronica@olmstpatrick.org or 209-749-1246.

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