Sacraments

Sacramental Preparation

Christ instituted the sacraments of the new law. There are seven: Baptism, Confirmation, the Eucharist, Penance, the Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony. The seven sacraments touch all the stages and all the important moments of Christian life; they give birth and increase, healing and mission to the Christian’s life of faith. There is thus a certain resemblance between the stages of natural life and the stages of the spiritual life. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1210)

There is always a need for volunteers to assist people in preparation for the sacraments. If you would like to be a volunteer please contact the Parish office.

Baptism

Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: “Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water and in the word.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1213)

If you are interested in Baptism, please setup an appointment with Father Pascal by emailing [email protected] or calling (406) 543-3129.

Matrimony

“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; this covenant between baptized persons has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1601) 

 Contact the parish at least six months in advance of the date you intend to be married. This will allow time for the couple to complete the required sessions for marriage preparation. This affirming process provides you with the foundations needed for a solid marriage. “A Wedding lasts a day. A Marriage lasts a lifetime”.

Catechumenate (RCIA)

Children Catechumenate (RCIC)

(Rite of Christian Initiation of Children)
Parents of children, at or beyond the age of reason, (7 years and older) whose children are interested in becoming full members of the Catholic Church are invited to contact the Parish office for the schedule and outline of the preparation. This is a yearlong series culminating on the Easter Vigil. In addition to the R.C.I.C. initiation process, your child is encouraged to enroll in the Religious Education Classes at St. Anthony Parish.

Confirmation

Confirmation is available to all children age 11 and up. Programs begin each fall. See the Religious Education page of this website for more information.

Eucharist

The holy Eucharist completes Christian initiation. Those who have been raised to the dignity of the royal priesthood by Baptism and configured more deeply to Christ by Confirmation participate with the whole community in the Lord’s own sacrifice by means of the Eucharist. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1322)

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. For in the blessed Eucharist is contained the whole spiritual good of the church, namely Christ himself. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1324)

The First Eucharist preparation information can be found on the Religious Education page. 

 Join us at Mass to celebrate the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Mass times can be found on the home page.

Reconciliation

Anointing of the Sick

If you wish to celebrate this sacrament communally, it is celebrated twice during the year at special weekday Liturgies. Anointing of the Sick and Communion are available for anyone who is sick and/or homebound. Please call the parish office if you wish to receive this sacrament.