The saving words and deeds of Jesus Christ are the foundation of what he would communicate in the Sacraments through the ministers of the Church. Guided by the Holy Spirit, the Church recognizes the existence of Seven Sacraments instituted by the Lord. They are the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, the Eucharist), the Sacraments of Healing (Penance and the Anointing of the Sick), and the Sacraments at the Service of Communion (Marriage and Holy Orders). Through the Sacraments, God shares his holiness with us so that we, in turn, can make the world holier. [usccb.org]
baptism
Through Baptism, we become members of the Church, which is the body of Christ. In Baptism, the Holy Spirit moves us to answer Christ's call to holiness, to live as a light of Christ, and to trust in his wisdom. We are invited to submit our hearts to Christ with ever deeper love. Whether an adult seeking initiation or a parent looking to introduce your child to the Catholic Church, we are excited to help you begin a journey with the Body of Christ. For youth, a Baptism preparation course is required for parents at any of the St. Carlo Acutis Family of Parishes.
RECONCILIATION
Reconciliation, also known as Confession or Penance, is God's gift to us so sins may be forgiven. It is here we have the opportunity to repent and recover the grace of friendship with God. It is a holy moment in which we place ourselves in his presence and honestly acknowledge and are absolved of all our sins. For those who have already received their First Reconciliation, reoccurring reconciliation services are available on Saturdays at 4:00 p.m. at all St. Carlo Acutis Family of Parishes, and on Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. at St. Michael Church.
First Reconciliation is usually celebrated when a child is around seven or eight years old. To register your child for their first reconciliation and to follow along on their faith journey, please see the links below.
First Reconciliation is usually celebrated when a child is around seven or eight years old. To register your child for their first reconciliation and to follow along on their faith journey, please see the links below.
holy communion
The Eucharist, or Holy Communion, is the source and summit of the Catholic life and is another sacrament of initiation. During the celebration of Mass, through the power of the Holy Spirit, bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ. Holy Communion can be received daily through the celebration of Mass within our Family of Parishes.
Whether an adult seeking full initiation into the Church or a parent looking to bring their child to Christ's table, we are excited to deepen your journey with the Body of Christ. For youth, preparation classes and parent meetings should be anticipated when a child is around seven or eight years old. A child must have completed their First Reconciliation to be eligible for First Holy Communion.
Whether an adult seeking full initiation into the Church or a parent looking to bring their child to Christ's table, we are excited to deepen your journey with the Body of Christ. For youth, preparation classes and parent meetings should be anticipated when a child is around seven or eight years old. A child must have completed their First Reconciliation to be eligible for First Holy Communion.
CONFIRMATION
Confirmation is the final sacrament of initiation and serves to “confirm” a person in the Catholic faith. Confirmation deepens one's baptismal promises and calls us to be witnesses of Jesus Christ out in the world. By the power of the Holy Spirit, we embrace our faith in a deeper and more intensive manner.
Preparing for the sacrament of Confirmation is a wonderful time for our parish. Together we celebrate the completion of the initiation process that began at Baptism. In the sacrament of Confirmation, we receive God's grace and are strengthened by the Holy Spirit.
To be eligible for Confirmation preparation, candidates need to be baptized and regularly participating in the sacraments of Penance (confession) and Eucharist. Starting in eighth grade and continuing through adulthood, candidates may enter the preparation process.
Preparing for the sacrament of Confirmation is a wonderful time for our parish. Together we celebrate the completion of the initiation process that began at Baptism. In the sacrament of Confirmation, we receive God's grace and are strengthened by the Holy Spirit.
To be eligible for Confirmation preparation, candidates need to be baptized and regularly participating in the sacraments of Penance (confession) and Eucharist. Starting in eighth grade and continuing through adulthood, candidates may enter the preparation process.
marriage
The Sacrament of Marriage is a blessed covenant, a holy union of two people in the eyes of the Church who are called to love each other and God. By marriage, the couple witnesses Christ's spousal love for the Church. The marriage preparation process deepens your relationship with your fiancé through vital discussions of faith, life, future, and history.
Annulment Information
Whether a divorced person is Catholic or non-Catholic, those considering getting married in the Catholic Church will go through the annulment process. Although annulments are more properly called "declarations of nullity," there are various types. For this purpose, there is no substitute for meeting face-to-face with a priest or qualified pastoral minister (the procurator) who has been formally trained in the annulment process and is familiar with the process and forms used by the Ecclesiastical Tribunal of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.
Whether a divorced person is Catholic or non-Catholic, those considering getting married in the Catholic Church will go through the annulment process. Although annulments are more properly called "declarations of nullity," there are various types. For this purpose, there is no substitute for meeting face-to-face with a priest or qualified pastoral minister (the procurator) who has been formally trained in the annulment process and is familiar with the process and forms used by the Ecclesiastical Tribunal of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.
anointing the sick
Anointing of the Sick gives strength and comfort to the sick and ill by bestowing the Holy Spirit's gift of peace, spiritual healing and courage to deal with the difficulties of illness. The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is not about those who are dying. It is about those who are seriously ill, those who are battling ongoing or chronic illness - whether in terms of physical or mental health - and those who are embracing the eventually seriously debilitating effects of aging. One may be anointed at anytime by contacting our parish office during regular business hours to make an appointment. During a medical emergency after hours, you may reach a priest by calling (513) 777-6433 and following the correct prompts. Additionally, Anointing is offered at select Masses throughout the year. Please turn to Events for upcoming Anointing Masses.
HOLY ORDERS
Holy Orders is the sacrament by which bishops, priests and deacons are ordained and receive the power and grace to perform their sacred duties. The sacred rite by which orders are conferred is called ordination. For more information about vocations to the priesthood and diaconate, contact Fr. Ed Burns.
All registrations for our youth faith formation programs will be checked against the registered families of our three parishes. Our parishes follow the guidelines of the Catholic Church that reflect the teachings of Canon Law and the Catechism. As such, for your child to be formally registered in our sacramental programs, we must receive a letter from your parish pastor, releasing your parish of record from the obligation of preparing your child for the sacraments. Please contact your pastor to obtain this letter. Parish staffs are preparing for a certain number of families to participate in their programs. A sudden influx of students from other parishes can create an unnecessary financial hardship on our churches.
We also require six months of active participation in our parish before enrolling your child in our sacramental programs.
We also require six months of active participation in our parish before enrolling your child in our sacramental programs.