Sacraments
We believe that human life is infused with the sacramental goodness of God. The Catholic Church has defined seven sacraments instituted by and through the life of Jesus Christ. It is through the experience of the sacramental ritual that
we are infused with God’s grace. The Sacraments nourish and strengthen us as they express and build up our faith.
Sacraments of Initiation
BAPTISM
The Sacrament of Baptism is administered regularly on the first and third Sundays of the month at 12:30pm.
Parental instruction is mandatory before Baptism. Classes are held on the fourth Sunday of every other
month and should be attended prior to the baptism of the child. At least one Godparent must be a
practicing Catholic for the valid reception of baptism. That person must also receive a certificate of
eligibility from their Catholic Parish. A non-Catholic Christian is permitted to act as a witness. Parents should begin to make arrangements for baptism during pregnancy. For more information on baptism at Holy
Guardian Angels, please contact Rachel Toledo at 610-921-2729, ext. 2200 or rtoledo@hgaparish.com.
EUCHARIST
The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life. The term “Eucharist” originates from the Greek
word eucharistia, meaning thanksgiving. In the celebration of the Eucharist, bread and wine become the
Body and Blood of Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit and the instrumentality of the priest.
CONFIRMATION
At Confirmation, we receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit and confirm our baptismal promises.
Greater awareness of the grace of the Holy Spirit is conferred through the anointing of chrism oil
and the laying on of hands by the Bishop. Confirmation perfects Baptismal grace; it is the sacrament
which gives the Holy Spirit in order to root us more deeply in the divine filiation, incorporate us more
firmly into Christ, strengthen our bond with the Church, associate us more closely with her mission,
and help us bear witness to the Christian faith in words accompanied by deeds.
Sacraments of Healing
PENANCE (RECONCILIATION)
The virtue or disposition of heart by which one repents of one's own sins and is converted to God. Also the punishment by which one atones for sins committed, either by oneself or by others. And finally the sacrament
of penance, where confessed sins committed after baptism are absolved by a priest in the name of God.
ANOINTING OF THE SICK
The Anointing of the Sick is administered to bring spiritual and even physical strength during an illness, especially near the time of death. It is most likely one of the last sacraments one will receive.
A sacrament is an outward sign established by Jesus Christ to confer inward grace. In more basic terms,
it is a rite that is performed to convey God’s grace to the recipient, through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Sacraments of Vocation
MARRIAGE
The process of preparation for the Sacrament of Matrimony within the Church takes at least six months.
We encourage you to begin the following steps as soon as you become engaged. Couples will meet
with Father Finlan at least three times to discuss the wedding day details and to prepare for their
lifelong commitment. Diocesan marriage preparation classes are also required. Please call the rectory
at 610-921-2729 to set up an appointment and to book your ceremony date and time.
HOLY ORDERS
Is God calling you to serve Him more closely? Do you desire to know what plan God has for you?
Do you have an inner longing to seek the Father's will and to do something extraordinary with your life?
Do you sense a call to the Priesthood of Jesus Christ? If you have answered "yes" to any of these questions,
God may be calling you to serve Him as a Priest. Our Heavenly Father loves you and calls you to Holiness.
This sacrificial love of the Father is poured out for you through His Son Jesus Christ. At this time,
allow the Holy Spirit, who is Love, to guide you through quiet reflection and persistent prayer.
For more information on Vocations in the Diocese of Allentown, please contact
Rev. Mark Searles, Director of Vocations at msearles@dioceseofallentown.org.