THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM

Baptism is the sacrament by which a person shares in the divine life of God and formally belongs to the Church. According to our Lord Himself and affirmed by the Church, baptism is necessary for salvation. For this reason it is important to have infants baptized within days or weeks of birth, whenever possible. Parents and guardians must attend one class which is offered once monthly in the parish for their first child to be baptized. At least one parent or guardian must be a practicing Catholic who is committed to raising the child in the Catholic Faith. For older children or adults who wish to be baptized, contact the Parish Office and a priest will discuss an appropriate formation plan in order to prepare for the sacrament.

SACRAMENT OF CONFESSION

The faithful are encouraged to go to confession on a regular basis and are required to go to confession for any mortal sins they have committed. Anyone in a state of mortal must still attend Sunday Masses but also must abstain from receiving Holy Communion until having made a good confession. Confessions are scheduled on Saturdays at Holy Trinity from 4-5pm and Saint Augustine from 8:30am-9:30am. In addition priests often hear confessions prior to weekday Masses and between some Masses. Confessions are also done by request so long as they do not delay the start of Mass. Our parish does not offer communal forms of this sacrament.

MASS AND THE HOLY EUCHARIST

The Holy Mass is the Unbloody Sacrifice of Christ to the Father which renews the original Sacrifice on the Cross and becomes a channel of grace for the faithful. Those who are suitably disposed and not impeded by mortal sin or an ecclesiastical impediment may receive our Lord in Holy Communion. This Sacrament is offered for the first time to children who have reached the age of reason, age seven, following suitable religious formation and preparation. Suitable preparation can be accomplished in our School, our Religious Education Program or by Home Schooling. First Confession precedes First Communion in order to prepare a soul to receive our Lord in the Holy Eucharist. Boys who are practicing the Faith and sufficiently mature in the fourth grade and older are eligible to be trained and then assist at Mass as Altar Boys. Likewise, girls are eligible to sing in choirs for English or Latin Masses.

All Masses, whether English or Tridentine, are done ad orientem at the high altars. Communion rails are used at all Masses as well.

In addition to both English and Tridentine Masses in our church and oratory there is perpetual Adoration of the Holy Eucharist available in our Adoration Chapel on the Holy Trinity campus.

.

THE  SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION

The Sacrament of Confirmation is normally received in 8th grade for children who have been prepared in our Parish School, Religious Education Program or through Home Schooling. It is scheduled once annually through the Archdiocese, in the Cathedral, typically in spring or summer. Adults who have not been confirmed and wish to receive the Sacrament should contact the Parish Office. Faith instruction is offered twice yearly for adults, in a twelve week course offered by Father Robert Altier. For those interested in becoming Catholic or learning more about the Catholic Faith, this course is available without cost. For more information see the bulletin or call the Parish Office.

HOLY MATRIMONY

Catholic couples must be actively practicing and living out the Catholic Faith. Please contact the parish office a minimum of six months in advance of a proposed wedding date—or sooner when possible. The parish will commit to a wedding date and time only after an initial meeting with a parish priest. Weddings are done on Saturdays at 1:00pm. Please do not make any commitments to particular dates and times prior to meeting with a priest.

THE SACRAMENT OF ANOINTING

The Sacrament of Anointing or Extreme Unction is available for those who are approaching death, suffering a serious sickness or facing serious surgery. For those very close to death the priest will also offer the Apostolic Blessing or Pardon, which includes a plenary indulgence to the recipient. To arrange for this sacrament contact the Parish Office or speak to a priest in the Sacristy prior to Mass or after Mass.

HOLY ORDERS

There are currently three priests and one permanent deacon who serve Holy Trinity Parish. All three priests have the facility to offer both the English Mass and Sacraments, as well as the Tridentine Mass and Sacraments. The deacon assists at English Masses and is often the Minister of the Sacrament of Baptism when done in English. Since service in the sanctuary is the realm and responsibility of the ordained, only boys and men assist as altar servers at both English and Tridentine Masses.