On behalf of our St. Gerald Parish Family we are excited that you are here to find out more about the Sacraments of our faith. If you would like more information about any of the Sacraments offered at St. Gerald, we welcome you to call the Parish Office at 708-422-0234.
Anointing of the Sick is one of the seven Catholic sacraments. According to Catholic Doctrine, this sacrament serves as a channel for special graces from God that comfort and heal, physically and/or spiritually, people who are seriously ill and/or in danger of death. Please call the Parish Office at 708-422-0234 to request a visit to your loved one from one of our priests.
Baptisms are celebrated on the first Sunday of the month at the 11 am Mass and third Sundays of each month at 12:30pm. Parents are expected to attend a Baptismal Preparation session. Classes are held on the third Thursday of each month at 7 pm in the church. Please call the parish office at 708-422-0234 to register for the class and to schedule your child’s baptism. Please note that one Godparent must be a practicing Catholic who has received the sacraments of baptism, holy Communion and Confirmation.
Baptism signifies the baby’s entrance into the Church. We become members of Christ and the Church through the Sacrament of Baptism. The community of believers and the parents make a commitment to care for and teach this child as he or she is raised in the Catholic faith. Water is poured over a person’s head. The celebrant proclaims” “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
The person being baptized is anointed with two oils; the oil of catechumens is put on the chest, and chrism is put on the top of the head. Oil is a symbol of strength and healing.
A candle is lit during the celebration. This shows that the person baptized is asked to keep the flame of faith alive in his or her heart.
Through Baptism a person receives forgiveness of original sin as well as personal sins. The newly baptized person receives sanctifying grace and is sealed with a permanent spiritual mark.
The sacrament of Confirmation usually occurs in 7th grade for our grammar school students and in 8th grade for our Religious Education students. For details on the preparation necessary for Confirmation please contact the Religious Education Office at 708-423-0458.
First Holy Communion at St. Gerald usually occurs in second grade. For details on the preparation necessary for First Communion please contact the Religious Education Office at 708-423-0458.
God's gift of forgiveness
Peace be with you.The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available every Saturday at 4:oo pm -4:30 pm in church.
If it has been a while since your last confession, remember "Do not fear" Isaiah 41:10
1. PREPARATION: Before going to confession, take time to prepare. Begin with prayer, and reflect on your life since your last confession. How have you, in your thoughts, words and actions neglected to live Christ's commands.
2. GREETING: The priest will welcome you; he may say a short blessing or read a Scripture passage.
3. THE SIGN OF THE CROSS: Together, you and the priest will make the Sign of the Cross. You may then begin your confession with these or similar words: "Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It has been (give days, months or years) since my last confession."
4. CONFESSION: Confess all your sins to the priest. If you are unsure what to say, ask the priest for help. When you are finished, conclude with these or similar words: "I am sorry for these and all my sins."
5. PENANCE: The priest will propose an act of penance. The penance might be prayer, a work of mercy, or an act of charity. He might also counsel you on how to better live a Christian life.
6. ACT OF CONTRITION: After the priest has conferred your penance, pray an Act of Contrition, expressing sorrow for your sins and resolving to sin no more:
My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart.
In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good,
I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things.
I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more,
and to avoid whatever leads me to sin.
Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us.
In his name, my God, have mercy.
7. ABSOLUTION: The priest will extend his hands over your head and pronounce the words of absolution. You respond, "AMEN".
8. PRAISE: The priest will usually praise the mercy of God and will invite you to do the same. For example, the priest may day "Give thanks to the Lord for he is good." And your response would be, "His mercy endures for ever."
9. DISMISSAL: The priest will conclude the sacrament often saying, "Go in peace."