Sacraments

We invite you to experience the foundation of our faith, the holy sacraments.  The Latin word sacramentum means “a sign of the sacred.” The seven sacraments are ceremonies that point to what is sacred, significant and important for Christians. They are special occasions for experiencing God’s saving presence. That’s what theologians mean when they say that sacraments are at the same time signs and instruments of God’s grace.

If you learn more about the sacraments, you can celebrate them more fully.

First Reconciliation, First Communion and Confirmation are generally received by children in the Religious Education Program, however adults who have not received all of these Sacraments of Initiation may be interested in our R.C.I.A. program. To arrange a Baptism, Marriage, Anointing of the Sick or to learn about the path to Holy Orders contact the Parish Office by phone or email through the link below.

New Parishioners

New members to our community are asked to fill out a registration form found online at the link below or in the back of the church and drop it in the collection basket, or contact the Parish Office.   

Email:  StPatrick-Hartland@RockfordDiocese.org     Phone: (815) 338-7883 

Click here for online registration

Baptism

Let us welcome you or your child into our faith.  For Catholics, the Sacrament of Baptism is the first step in a lifelong journey of commitment and discipleship. Whether we are baptized as infants or adults, Baptism is the Church’s way of celebrating and enacting the embrace of God.

To participate in the Sacramental Baptismal preparation program, contact the Parish Office.

Email:  StPatrick-Hartland@RockfordDiocese.org     Phone: (815) 338-7883

Reconciliation

The Catholic Sacrament of Reconciliation (also known as Penance, or Penance and Reconciliation) is a gift to help us reconcile damaged relationships with God, the Church, family, and community. Reconciliation has three elements: conversion, confession and celebration. In it we find God’s unconditional forgiveness; as a result we are called to forgive others. 

During Reconciliation, we acknowledge our sins and our sorrow for our sins. We receive forgiveness from Christ and the Church. With God’s grace, we make reparation for our sins and resolve to do better in the future.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available 30 minutes prior to the 8:00 A.M. and 10:15 A.M. Sunday Masses.

Eucharist

The Eucharist, or Holy Communion, celebrates Jesus’ Last Supper and is done in His remembrance during Mass.  This sacrament is recorded in the New Testament, with Jesus giving His disciples bread and wine, which He transformed into His Body and Blood for them and for us. Catholics believe the Eucharist, or Communion, is both a sacrifice and a meal. We believe in the real presence of Jesus, who died for our sins. As we receive Christ’s Body and Blood, we also are nourished spiritually and brought closer to God.

Mass is celebrated on Sundays at 8:00 a.m. and 10:15 a.m.

Children will be permitted to approach First Eucharist upon completion of the Parish Religious Education Program required for the reception of Holy Communion.

Confirmation

Confirmation is a Catholic Sacrament of mature Christian commitment and a deepening of baptismal gifts. The sacrament of Confirmation makes “more perfect” the bond of faith that began with the grace  It is one of the three Sacraments of Initiation for Catholics.  Confirmation bestows the gift of the Holy Spirit as the recipients are welcomed fully into the Church.

Matrimony

For Catholics, the Sacrament of Marriage, or Holy Matrimony, is a public sign that one gives oneself totally to this other person. It is also a public statement about God: the loving union of husband and wife speaks of family values and also God’s values.

Rev. Burt Absalon should be contacted at least one year prior to the anticipated date for the marriage.  It is the policy of the Rockford Diocese that those to be married be at least 19 years of age, and will be required to participate in instructional programs, including Pre-marriage and Natural Family Planning Seminars.  One of those to be married must be a registered member of the St. Patrick Parish of Hartland.

Vocations

If you feel a call by God to the priesthood or religious life, the Sacrament of Ordination or the reception of religious vows is the rite by which you will become a priest or religious.

If you or someone you know are called to the priesthood or religious life, you can either call Father Burt at the Parish Office or find more information at the Rockford Diocese website http://www.rockforddiocese.org/vocations

Email:  StPatrick-Hartland@RockfordDiocese.org     Phone: (815) 338-7883

Anointing of the sick

The Catholic Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, formerly known as Last Rites or Extreme Unction, is a ritual of healing appropriate not only for physical but also for mental and spiritual sickness.  The Sacrament of Anointing brings spiritual and even physical strength to people suffering from physical, emotional, or psychological illness.  We pray to God that the sick be healed in body, in soul, and in spirit and we trust God to heal our suffering, our fear, our confusion, and our loneliness.

With the healing presence of God and the prayers of a community, those who are sick will face their challenges with the support of a loving Father, the presence of His only Son, and the power of the Holy Spirit.

Whenever someone is seriously ill, hospitalized, or is dying, please contact the Parish Office immediately.

Email:  StPatrick-Hartland@RockfordDiocese.org     Phone: (815) 338-7883

Becoming a Catholic – Right of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)

RCIA welcomes adults who have never been baptized and also those who have been baptized in another Christian tradition. It is for those who are considering joining the Catholic Church. The journey is celebrated through the sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) at the Easter Vigil.