Baptism

Qualifications of Baptism Sponsors

1. Be designated by the candidate, by the parents or guardians, or the pastor.
2. Have the qualifications and intention of performing the role of sponsor.
3. Be at least 16 years old.
4. Be a fully initiated Catholic (received baptism, confirmation and Eucharist).
5. Lead a life in harmony with the faith and role of a sponsor (i.e., be a member of a parish, attend Mass on Sundays and holy days, not be in an irregular marriage, etc.).
6. Not be bound by a canonical penalty.
7. Not be the father or mother of the one to be baptized.

Our diocese continues the practice of requiring proof of eligibility for sponsorship (in accord with the qualifications above) from the parish in which the sponsor is registered. The Number of Sponsors

1. Only one sponsor is required for baptism.
2. If, two sponsors are chosen one must be male and the other female.
3. The second sponsor may be a Christian Witness (i.e., a non-Catholic Christian may fulfill this role).

​In the event that neither the candidate, nor the parents or guardians select a sponsor, pastors may appoint a member of the parish community to fill the role of sponsor. Many parents are often concerned that they cannot find a suitable sponsor for a variety of reasons (i.e., unavailability of family members, being new to the area or unfamiliar with parishioners, etc.). In such cases, pastors have the responsibility of assisting parents and candidates in the selection of a parishioner to be a sponsor.

​Reconciliation | Penance 

Given that sin destroys our relationship with God and undermines our relationship with other human beings, reconciliation designates that precise effect of Christ’s redemption of the human race that restores our relationship with God and our human fellowship.   Christ breaks down the barriers that sin raises between us and God, and within the human community.  Our conversion from sin and reception of divine mercy are continually renewed by confession. Serious sin separates us from the body of the church, and sacramental penance reconciles us with God and the community of his people.  This sacrament is also referred to as the sacrament of penance or confession. 

​Confirmation 

Confirmation brings to completion the grace received through baptism. By this sacrament the baptized are more perfectly bound to the church and are enriched by the strength of the Holy Spirit.   This gift conforms believers more fully to Christ and strengthens them to bear witness to Christ for the building up of his body in faith and love.   These sacraments are offered according to the guidelines established by the code of canon law and the Diocese of Greensburg. The diocese also has official qualifications of confirmation sponsors, as well as several guidelines and/or recommendations. Qualifications of Confirmation Sponsors

1. Be designated by the candidate, by the parents or guardians, or the pastor.
2. Have the qualifications and intention of performing the role of sponsor.
3. Be at least 16 years old.
4. Be a fully initiated Catholic (received baptism, confirmation and Eucharist).
5.  Lead a life in harmony with the faith and role of a sponsor (i.e., be a member of a parish, attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days, not be in an irregular marriage, etc.).
6. Not be bound by a canonical penalty.
7. Not be the father or mother of the one to be confirmed.

Sponsors for the sacrament of confirmation must abide by the same qualifications as sponsors for the sacrament of baptism. In addition, the following guidelines and/or recommendations apply:

1. There is normally one sponsor for the sacrament of confirmation.
2. It is recommended that a baptismal godparent exercise the role of confirmation sponsor.
3. A non-Catholic may not serve as a sponsor for the sacrament of confirmation. (It is discouraged that a spouse serve as confirmation sponsor).

Our diocese continues the practice of requiring proof of eligibility for sponsorship (in accord with the qualifications above) from the parish in which the sponsor is registered. ​For additional information, please contact the parish office.

Anointing of the Sick

Through this sacrament, the whole church commends those who are ill to the Lord, that he may raise them up and save them.  By this sacrament, those who suffer are united to the passion and death of Christ. The Lord himself showed great concern for the sick and commanded his followers to do likewise.   Through this sacrament, Christ strengthens the faithful who are afflicted by illness, providing them with the strongest means of support.   A family member should contact the parish office in case of serious illness, or in an emergency. 

​Marriage

The marriage covenant prefigures the new and everlasting covenant between the Son of God and all mankind. Through this sacrament, Christians signify and share in the mystery of the unity and fruitful love that exists between Christ and his church. Christian couples are to strive to nourish and develop their marriage by undivided attention in good times and in bad.     Find daily marriage tips, quizzes, blogs, facts and figures, “must have conversations,” a personality audit, personal stories, the Biblical roots of marriage, prayers, church documents and information about marital sexuality and spirituality. The marriage covenant prefigures the new and everlasting covenant between the Son of God and all mankind. Through this sacrament, Christians signify and share in the mystery of the unity and fruitful love that exists between Christ and his church. Christian couples are to strive to nourish and develop their marriage by undivided attention in good times and in bad.    Find daily marriage tips, quizzes, blogs, facts and figures, “must have conversations,” a personality audit, personal stories, the Biblical roots of marriage, prayers, church documents and information about marital sexuality and spirituality. Marriage at Our Lady of the Assumption Parish Couples planning on marriage are to contact the parish office one year before the desired date to make the necessary arrangements.  

​Holy Orders

​Holy Orders is the sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to his Apostles continues to be exercised in the church. It includes three degrees: diaconate, presbyterate and episcopate.  Episcopal consecration of a bishop confers the offices of sanctifying, teaching and ruling. Priests are consecrated to preach the Gospel and to shepherd the faithful, as well as to celebrate the divine liturgy.  Deacons share in Christ’s mission and grace. Among other tasks, deacons assist the bishop and priests in the celebration of the divine mysteries, and in dedicating themselves to the various ministries of charity. Learn more about vocations in the Diocese of Greensburg by visiting www.gbgvocations.org.