Sacraments
Sacraments of The Church
“Sacraments are ‘powers that comes forth’ from the Body of Christ,which is ever-living and life-giving. They are actions of the Holy Spirit at work in his Body, the Church. They are “the masterworks of God’ in the new and everlasting covenant..”
Baptism
We schedule Baptisms after the 10:30 AM Mass on Sundays. In preparation for infant baptism, instructional classes are held for new and expectant parents. These classes will help them understand their responsibility in sharing the Catholic faith with their child. They will also familiarize them with the Rite of Baptism. The Baptism prep class is usually held the 3rd Tuesday of the month in the Parish Center. Call the parish office at 513-721-4045 to register. After completing the class, you may schedule your child’s Baptism.
In preparation for adult Baptism, the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is offered throughout the year. Contact Fr. Jacob Boddicker, SJ to learn more.
Confirmation
For junior high students, the preparation for Confirmation occurs within our parish Religious Education classes on Sunday mornings. We ask that our young people study about all the sacraments, develop a deeper relationship with God, and recognize the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives. Service to the poor and to the community ought to be a part of one’s personal preparation.
To enroll in Confirmation classes, contact Fr. Jim Ackerman, SJ.
Eucharist
The Eucharist is the “source and summit” of our faith, the font from which all other sacraments flow. Catholics believe that in the Eucharist, Jesus Christ is most profoundly present with the Church. In the Eucharist, Jesus Christ fulfills His promise to the Church: ‘I am with you always, until the end of the age’ (Mt. 28:20).
Children (usually 2nd or 3rd grade) who would like to make First Eucharist attend Religious Education classes on Sunday morning. To enroll in First Communion, contact Fr. Jim Ackerman, SJ.
Reconciliation
Individual confession with a priest is the principal means of absolution and reconciliation of grave sins within the Church. The Sacrament of Reconciliation frees us from sinful patterns of behavior and calls us to complete conversion to Christ. Reconciliation heals the soul and repairs our relationships.There are two confessionals in the back of St. Xavier Church.
Confession Schedule:
- Monday – Friday beginning at 12 PM
- Saturday beginning at 11 AM
- By appointment at 513-721-4045
Matrimony
For Catholics, the Sacrament of Matrimony is a sacred covenant between a man and a woman, initiated by God, and designed to be a primary place where God’s love is seen and known, since your love is meant to be as self-giving as the love that Christ Jesus has for His People, the Church.
Engaged couples wishing to be married must contact one of the priests or deacons at least six months prior to the desired date of the wedding. Preparation sessions are held in the parish. Wedding arrangements must be made by contacting Tina Ernst, Director of Marriage Ministries.
Please refer to the Weddings page for more information.
Holy Orders
Holy Orders is the sacrament by which bishops, priests and deacons are ordained and receive the power and grace to perform their sacred duties. The sacred rite by which orders are conferred is called ordination. The apostles were ordained by Jesus at the Last Supper so that others could share in his priesthood. All Christians are called to discern their vocation in life: whether that be marriage, the single life, religious life as a sister, nun, deacon, brother or priest.
- To explore more about vocations, check out the VISION Vocation Network.
- To learn more about becoming a Jesuit priest or brother, visit Jesuit Vocations.
- Contact the Vocation Director of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati at 513-421-3131 or visit Cincinnati Vocations.
Anointing of the Sick
The Sacrament of Anointing is meant for those Christians whose health is seriously impaired by sickness and old age. Through the anointing the Church supports the sick in their struggle against illness, continuing Christ’s work of healing.
If you would like to celebrate the Sacrament of Anointing, or know of someone who would benefit from it, call the parish office at 513-721-4045 and ask to speak to a priest.
Interested in becoming Catholic?
Contact Fr. Jacob Boddicker, SJ to learn more about St. Xavier Church’s RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) program. The classes are held on Tuesday evenings.