SAINT ALPHONSUS CATHOLIC CHURCH

Baptism

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.

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All parents must participate in the Parish infant baptismal preparation program before a Baptism can be performed. Please contact the parish office to schedule an appointment. At least 2 weeks notice is required for scheduling Baptisms.

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Reconciliation

The Catholic Sacrament of Reconciliation (also known as Penance, or Penance and 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.

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Eucharist

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.

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Confirmation

Confirmation is a Catholic Sacrament of mature Christian commitment and a deepening of baptismal gifts. It is one of the three Sacraments of Initiation for Catholics. It is most often associated with the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

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It is the policy of the Diocese of Memphis that any child wanting to celebrate the Sacraments of Reconciliation, the Eucharist and/or Confirmation must be enrolled in a parish-based catechetical program for one year prior to beginning preparation for the sacraments. We recognize and support parents as the primary educators of their children in matters of faith but also acknowledge that the local church has the responsibility of ensuring the proper catechetical formation of those who desire the Church's sacraments.

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Marriage

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.

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Please call the parish office and schedule an appointment with the pastor at least six months in advance of the proposed wedding date. Church Law, as well as diocesan and parish policy requires that certain guidelines be met before a wedding may be scheduled.

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Holy Orders

In the Sacrament of Holy Orders, or Ordination, the priest being ordained vows to lead other Catholics by bringing them the sacraments (especially the Eucharist), by proclaiming the Gospel, and by providing other means to holiness.

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The Sacrament of Holy Orders is administered by the Diocese of Memphis.

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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.

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When a family member is hospitalized, call the parish office to request prayers and to arrange for a pastoral visit. According to the "Patient Privacy Act," it is the patient's and/or patient's family's responsibility to provide the patient's room number if a pastoral visit is desired.

 

 

Please call the parish office before making funeral arrangements to confirm the availability of the church and a priest if a Funeral Mass is to be celebrated.