Santa Barbara Catholic Parish

The Sacraments

The seven sacraments are the foundation of the Catholic faith, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church.

The Foundation of Christian Life

Sacraments of Initiation

"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."

CCC 1213

Baptism is the first sacrament of initiation, cleansing us from original sin and welcoming us into the Body of Christ. Through the waters of Baptism, we are reborn as children of God and members of the Church.

Practical Information

To arrange a Baptism, please contact the parish office at least one month in advance. Parents and godparents are required to attend a preparation class.

"The effect of the sacrament of Confirmation is the full outpouring of the Holy Spirit as once granted to the apostles on the day of Pentecost."

CCC 1302

Confirmation strengthens the grace received at Baptism and seals us with the gift of the Holy Spirit. Through this sacrament, we are more perfectly bound to the Church and enriched with special strength to spread and defend the faith.

Practical Information

Confirmation preparation typically involves a period of catechesis. Please contact the parish office for information about the current confirmation program.

"The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life. The other sacraments, and indeed all ecclesiastical ministries and works of the apostolate, are bound up with the Eucharist and are oriented toward it."

CCC 1324

The Eucharist is the source and summit of Christian life. In this sacrament, bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. Through Holy Communion, we are united with Christ and with one another.

Practical Information

First Holy Communion preparation is available for children and adults. Contact the parish office for class schedules and requirements.

Restoration and Grace

Sacraments of Healing

"The whole power of the sacrament of Penance consists in restoring us to God's grace and joining us with him in an intimate friendship."

CCC 1468

Also known as Confession or Penance, this sacrament offers God's forgiveness for sins committed after Baptism. Through the ministry of the priest, Christ himself absolves us and restores us to communion with God and the Church.

Practical Information

Confessions are available by appointment. Please contact the parish office or speak with a priest to schedule a time.

"The first grace of this sacrament is one of strengthening, peace, and courage to overcome the difficulties that go with the condition of serious illness or the frailty of old age."

CCC 1520

This sacrament provides spiritual and sometimes physical healing to those who are seriously ill or approaching death. Through the anointing with holy oil and the prayers of the priest, the sick person receives the grace of the Holy Spirit.

Practical Information

If you or a loved one is seriously ill or preparing for surgery, please call the parish office to arrange for the Anointing of the Sick.

Called to Serve

Sacraments at the Service of Communion

"Holy Orders is the sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to his apostles continues to be exercised in the Church until the end of time."

CCC 1536

Through Holy Orders, men are ordained as deacons, priests, or bishops to serve the Church. This sacrament confers a special configuration to Christ and empowers the ordained to act in His person for the service of the faithful.

Practical Information

If you feel called to the priesthood or religious life, please speak with one of our priests for guidance and discernment.

"The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life, is by its nature ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring."

CCC 1601

In the Sacrament of Matrimony, a man and a woman establish a lifelong partnership ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of children. Their union becomes a sign of Christ's love for the Church.

Practical Information

Couples planning to marry should contact the parish office at least six months before the desired wedding date to begin marriage preparation.

Additional Rites

Other Sacramental Rites

"The Church who, as Mother, has borne the Christian sacramentally in her womb during his earthly pilgrimage, accompanies him at his journey's end, in order to surrender him into the Father's hands."

CCC 1683

The Catholic funeral liturgy is the Church's way of commending the deceased to God's mercy and offering comfort and hope to the bereaved. The funeral rites include the Vigil (wake), the Funeral Mass, and the Rite of Committal at the burial site.

Practical Information

When a death occurs, please contact the parish office as soon as possible to make arrangements for the funeral liturgy. Our priests and staff are here to support you during this difficult time.

Contact the parish office for more information

6801 W 30th Ave, Hialeah, FL 33018