Sacramental Life

Sacraments are outward signs of inward grace. Jesus Christ instituted sacraments for our sanctification. They are signs of the sacred presence of our God we cannot see. They are mysteries. Sacraments are more than mere signs, however. For instance, Baptism is more than just a sign of union with Jesus; it actually washes away sins and gives the gift of the Holy Spirit.

The Catholic Church celebrates seven sacraments:

  • Baptism

    Infant Baptism

    "The Church received from the Apostles the tradition of giving Baptism even to infants."
    -Origen's Commentaries on Romans, written just after 244AD.

    • Applications are obtained in the Parish Office.
    • At least one parent must be an actively practicing Catholic, registered in this Parish.
    • The application must be completed and returned to the office one week before Baptism Preparation Class.
    • Preparation classes are held in the Conference Room 1 or Heeb in Kramer Center, at the Parish Office at 7pm on Thursday before the Sunday Celebration.
    • The Celebration of the Sacrament of Baptism is at 12:15pm on the second Sunday of every other month with exceptions.
    • Children older than seven and adults, please see baptism information at RCIA

  • First Reconciliation

    First Reconciliation

    "The Lord forgives all who repent, if their repentance leads to the unity of God and to the council of the bishop. I have faith in the grace of Jesus Christ; and He will remove from you every chain."
    -Ignatius of Antioch, Letter to the Philadelphians, 210 AD.

    • Children at all ages in a Catholic school or program prepare to tell God that they are sorry for what they have done wrong. They learn that God loves and forgives them and always calls them to do what is good.
      Canon 914, The Code of Canon Law mentions that the Sacrament of Reconciliation occurs before First Eucharist.
    • This year all parents of 1st Graders are going to prepare their child for First Reconciliation. This may seem a bit of a task but we think the children and their parents will share a valuable learning time. The Director of Religious Education will provide a workshop and materials to help families to prepare.
    • Sacramental reception is encouraged but not required except for serious sin before the reception of First Eucharist.
    • We will continue to have a class preparation and celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation in the 4th grade, not only for catch up but for an increased understanding for students.

  • First Communion

    First Communion

    "Once when Christ was discoursing with the Jews, He said, "If you do not eat my Flesh and drink My Blood, you do not have life in you." Not hearing His words in a spiritual way, they were scandalized and went away to the hinterlands believing that He had exhorted them to the eating of flesh. Do not, therefore, regard the Bread and the Wine as simply that; for they are according to the Master's declaration, the Body and Blood of Christ. Even though the senses suggest to you the other, let faith make you firm. Do not judge in this matter by taste, but be fully assured by the faith, not doubting that you have been deemed worthy of the Body and Blood of Christ."
    -St. Cyril of Jerusalem, 348 AD, Bishop of Jerusalem.

    Welcome to the Sunday celebrations and the Table of the Lord at St. Martha!

  • Confirmation

    Confirmation

    "The flesh is anointed, so that the soul may be dedicated to holiness."
    -Tertullian, 208-212 AD.

    Come, Holy Spirit! Enkindle in us the fire of your love.

  • Holy Orders

    Holy Orders

    "When a presbyter (priest) is to be ordained, the bishop shall impose his hand upon his head, while the presbyters touch the one to be ordained; and the bishop shall speak after the fashion of those things (to ordain a bishop), praying and saying:
    God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, look upon this your servant and grant him the Spirit of grace and the counsel of a presbyter, so that he may support and govern your people with a pure heart."
    -The Apostolic Tradition by St. Hippolytus, 215AD

    We call for prayer for all holy priests who serve with courage and honor. We boldly ask God for an increase of vocations, because our priests teach and heal and consecrate Eucharist in our midst by the power of the Holy Spirit at the word of their Lord who called them to it. The Archdiocese of Louisville handles the ordination of priests.

  • Matrimony

    Matrimony

    "It is proper for men and women who wish to marry to be united with the consent of the bishop, so that their marriage will be acceptable to the Lord and not entered upon for the sake of lust. Let all things be done for the honor of God."
    -Letter to Polycarp, St. Ignatious of Antioch, 110AD

    Couples wishing to marry at St. Martha are asked to call Fr. Mark Hamilton at 491-8535, at least 6 months in advance of their marriage celebration.

  • Anointing of the Sick

    Anointing of the Sick

    "You have heard how many sacrifices there are for sin in the Law; and, therefore, lest those accounts not so much raise up your souls for virtue as cast them down in despair, hear now how many are the kinds of forgiveness of sins in the Gospels."
    -From the Homilies on Leviticus, Origen, post 244 AD

    The Sacrament of Anointing is scheduled after all the Sunday Liturgies on December 7 in Advent and March 8th in Lent or by appointment any time.