Sacraments
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The word sacrament is a direct translation of the Greek word mysterion meaning mystery, as the sacraments are called mysteries in the Eastern Churches. The Catholic Church recognizes seven sacraments; Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Eucharist, Penance, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony. The three sacraments of Christian Initiation are Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist. The two sacraments of Healing are Penance and Anointing of the Sick, and the two sacraments of Vocation are Holy Orders and Matrimony. Three sacraments, Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders, are given only once, as they render a permanent seal or character upon one’s soul.
Each sacrament consists of a visible external rite, which is composed of matter and form, the matter being the action, such as the pouring of water, and the form being the words spoken by the minister. Each sacramental rite confers a special ecclesial effect and sacramental grace appropriate for each sacrament. The sacraments occur at pivotal events and give meaning to a person’s life.
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Parents must attend a preparation meeting. Please call the parish office, at (865) 522-1508 x1000, to register in advance.
Adults who would like to be baptized are most welcome. Contact Brigid Johnson, (865) 522-1508 x1005 or [email protected], for details. Ask about the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) for non-Catholics.
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This sacrament is the full initiation into the Church community. Confirmation completes the grace of Baptism by a special outpouring of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which seal or “confirm” the baptized in union with Christ and equip them for active participation in the worship and apostolic life of the Church. For additional information, contact Brigid Johnson at (865) 522-1508 x1005 or [email protected].
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The Holy Eucharist is the oldest experience of Christian Worship as well as the most distinctive. Eucharist comes from the Greek word which means thanksgiving. In a particular sense, the word describes the most important form of the Church’s attitude toward all of life. The origin of the Eucharist is traced to the Last Supper at which Christ instructed His disciples to offer bread and wine in His memory. The Eucharist is the most distinctive event of Catholic worship because in it the Church gathers to remember and celebrate the Life, Death, and Resurrection of Christ and, thereby, to participate in the mystery of Salvation.
Children receive First Holy Communion as second graders after a year of preparation in our Religious Education Program. Parents gatherings also take place during that time.
For additional information, contact Brigid Johnson at (865) 522-1508 x1005 or [email protected]
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The Sacrament of Reconciliation (also known as the Sacrament of Penance) has three elements: conversion, confession and celebration. In it we find God’s unconditional forgiveness, and as a result we are called to forgive others.
At Immaculate Conception, Reconciliation is offered on Mondays - Fridays from 11:30 AM until noon, on Saturdays from 4:00 until 4:30 PM, or by appointment.
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In the theology of the Catholic Church, marriage, also called matrimony, is an indissoluble bond between a man and a woman, created by human contract and ratified by divine grace. It is one of the seven sacraments. It is ordinarily celebrated in a Nuptial Mass. The nature of the covenant requires that the two participants be one man and one woman, that they be free to marry, that they willingly and knowingly enter into a valid marriage contract, and that they validly execute the performance of the contract.
A six month notification is required. Contact a priest to schedule your marriage. Marriages are not scheduled during Advent and Lent. All couples are required to attend an Engagement Encounter Weekend.
Either the bride, groom, or both must be Catholic to be married at Immaculate Conception.
It is not necessary that you be an Immaculate Conception parishioner. Please contact the Church with any questions.
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The sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, formerly known as Last Rites or Extreme Unction, is a ritual of healing appropriate not only for physical but also for mental and spiritual sickness.
Please contact one of our priests to arrange for administration of this sacrament.
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