Parishes of Blessington & Valleymount
Valleymount · Lacken · Manor Kilbride · Crosschapel · Blessington
Sacraments
“The sacraments are efficacious signs of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, by which divine life is dispensed to us (CCC 1131)”. In other words, the sacraments are not merely symbolic rituals, they are a means in which God shares his divine life with us. There are seven sacraments in the Catholic Church, grouped into three categories: The Sacraments of Initiation form the process of becoming Christian These are Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Communion The Sacraments of Healing bring spiritual and sometimes physical healing. These are Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick The Sacraments at the service of Communion are directed toward serving others and building up the Church. These are Marriage and Holy Orders.
Sacrament of Baptism
Baptism is the first Sacrament of Initiation and the beginning of a lifelong journey of faith. Through the pouring of water and the words “I baptise you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,” a person is welcomed into God’s family and into the life of the Church. It is a joyful and sacred moment for families and for our whole parish community.
Sacrament of Holy Communion
The Eucharist is at the heart of our parish life. The Catechism describes it as “the source and summit of the Christian life” (CCC 1324). At Mass, through the power of the Holy Spirit, bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ. Jesus is truly present, and we are nourished by Him in Holy Communion.
Sacrament of Confirmation
Confirmation is the sacrament in which the gift of the Holy Spirit, first received at Baptism, is strengthened and deepened. Through the anointing with sacred chrism and the laying on of hands by the bishop, candidates are sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit and strengthened to live as committed disciples of Christ.
Sacrament of Penance/ Reconciliation
Available after the 6pm Vigil Mass
“God never tires of forgiving us; we are the ones who tire of seeking His mercy.” Pope Francis
Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick
Anointing of the Sick is a sacramant rooted in the healing ministry of Jesus, who showed a particular care for people suffering with illness. Through the laying on of hands and the anointing with blessed oil, the sick person receives a special grace of the Holy Spirit. This grace brings strength, peace and courage to endure illness and unites the person more closely to Christ’s Passion.
Sacrament of Matrimony/Marriage
Marriage is a beautiful vocation and a sacred covenant of love. In the Catholic Church, a couple stand before God and their community to promise lifelong love and fidelity. From the beginning, marriage is part of God’s loving plan — a partnership of the whole of life, centred on mutual support and open to the gift of children.