The Seven Sacraments of the Catholic Church

The Sacraments are defined as outward signs of inward grace, instituted by Christ to help individuals in their spiritual life and to grow in holiness. Sacraments are mysteries; they are signs of the sacred presence of our God in our midst today. They are more than mere signs, however, for the sacraments impart grace. The sacraments help to make people holy and build-up the body of Christ. They are a way to relate to God throughout life’s transitions and help us to give praise and worship to God. They help us nourish, strengthen, and express our faith. Through the sacraments, Jesus remains with His people, strengthening, healing, feeding, and forgiving them as they face life’s challenges.

The Catholic Church celebrates seven Sacraments, which were instituted by Christ during his earthly ministry and which continue to define the liturgical life of the Church today. The Sacraments nourish, strengthen, and express faith.

Sacraments of Christian Initiation

Christian initiation is accomplished by means of the sacraments which establish the foundations of Christian life. The faithful born anew by Baptism are strengthened by Confirmation and are then nourished by the Eucharist. Read more about the Sacraments of Christian Initiation.

The Sacrament of Baptism

"Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons (and daughters) of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission.…" —Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 1213)

Baptisms take place as a group on the second and fourth Sunday of each month at 12:30pm.

Would you like to have your child Baptized?

Contact Kristen McArdle in the Parish Office at 781-934-5055 x110 or email office@holyfamilyduxbury.org

Are you an Adult Seeking Baptism?

Contact Kristen McArdle at office@holyfamilyduxbury.org.

The Sacrament of Confirmation

“And while staying with them Jesus charged them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, He said, ‘You heard from me, for John baptized with water, but before many days you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit'”—(Acts 1:4-5).

Even though the apostles had lived with Jesus for three years, been witnesses of His miracles, and saw Him risen from the dead, it was not until they received the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost that they were filled with courage to proclaim the Gospel to those around them. The Sacrament of Confirmation is the reception of that same Spirit, completing our initiation sending us out into the community to tell others of the Risen Lord.

Are you a teen who is ready to begin the process of receiving the sacrament of Confirmation?

It is a two year process that usually begins in ninth grade but it is never too late.

Contact Matt Bensman at 781-934-5055 x113 or mbensman@holyfamilyduxbury.org.

The Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist

“The Eucharist is Jesus who gives himself entirely to us. To nourish ourselves with him and abide in him through Holy Communion, if we do it with faith, transforms our life into a gift to God and to our brothers,”—the Pope said Aug. 16.

Do you have a young child that is ready to begin preparing for First Reconciliation and First Communion?

Contact Mary Hayes at 781-934-5055 x128 or mhayes@holyfamilyduxbury.org.

Adoration of the Holy Eucharist

Join us for Adoration each Friday beginning after the 8:15 Mass and ending with Evening Prayer and Benediction at 5:00pm. On the First Friday of each month, we have 24 hour adoration beginning after the 8:15 am Mass and ending with Mass on Saturday morning. Sign up to participate in 24 hour adoration.

Sacraments of Healing

Christ, the physician of our soul and body, instituted these sacraments because the new life that he gives us in the sacraments of Christian initiation can be weakened and even lost because of sin. Therefore, Christ willed that his Church should continue his work of healing and salvation by means of these two sacraments. Read more about the Sacraments of Healing.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession)

Like the merciful father in the parable of the prodigal son, God is eager to forgive, adds Pope Francis: “Each time we go to confession, God embraces us. God rejoices!”—(General Audience Feb. 2014).

Want to go to Confession?

The sacrament of Reconciliation is offered on Saturdays from 4:00-4:45pm. We will often have additional opportunities during Advent and Lent.

If you would like to make an appointment to receive the sacrament of Reconciliation, please contact Fr. Bob at 781-934-5055.

Do you have a child that is ready to begin preparing for First Reconciliation and First Communion?

Contact Mary Hayes at 781-934-5055 x128 or mhayes@holyfamilyduxbury.org.

The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick

“Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord”—(James 5:14).

Many of us, perhaps, remember a time when this sacrament was celebrated only for those who were dying. However any illness of serious nature can be a legitimate reason to celebrate the sacrament. What’s more, the sacrament may be repeated if the sick person recovers after the anointing but becomes ill once again, or if, during the same illness, the person’s condition becomes more serious. Any person over the age of reason (age seven) preparing for surgery is encouraged to contact one of the priests to receive the sacrament.

Do you feel you need the Anointing of the sick?

Contact the Parish Office at 781-934-5055.

Sacraments at the Service of Communion and Mission

Two sacraments, Holy Orders and Matrimony, confer a special grace for a particular mission in the Church to serve and build up the People of God. These sacraments contribute in a special way to ecclesial communion and to the salvation of others. Read more about the Sacraments at the Service of Communion and Mission.

The Sacrament of Marriage (Matrimony)

A sacrament is a visible sign of an invisible reality that gives grace. In marriage, the visible sign is the love that a husband and wife have for each other. The invisible reality to which they point is the love that Jesus has for his bride, the Church. In the Sacrament of Marriage, God gives grace, that is to say, supernatural power, to make His own love, mercy, generosity, kindness, and compassion tangible.

Would you like to have your wedding at Holy Family?

Arrangements including date and time of wedding must be made at least six months in advance with the priest or deacon. The first step is to call the parish office and be connected to a priest or deacon who will prepare you for the sacrament of marriage. At the first meeting with the priest or deacon, the wedding date is confirmed. Wedding dates cannot be confirmed by phone, therefore it is best for your own planning to take the first step and have your initial meeting before booking our reception facility. We cannot guarantee a date or time is available until the first meeting.

The Sacrament of Holy Orders

“Christ is knocking very hard at many hearts, looking for young people like you to send into the vineyard where an abundant harvest is ready.”—St. John Paul II

Do you think God Might be calling you to the priesthood or diaconate?

Fr. Bob would be happy to talk with you! The Diocesan Vocation Office has a website with many opportunities and resources to assist your discernment.

Funerals

If you have experienced the loss of a loved one and would like a Funeral Service here at Holy Family, please contact the office at 781-934-5055. If you are interested in pre-planning your funeral arrangements, please contact Mary Keefe at 781-934-5055 x116.