Sacraments of Christian Initiation

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• Baptism

  “Let the little children come to me, for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven”Sacrament of Baptism for Infants (Ages up to 6yrs. Old)

  Baptism Coordinator: Donna Scalia
  210-494-7434 ext. 325
  dscalia@stmarkevangelist.com

   

  “Baptism is our birth as Christians”

  The staff of St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church congratulates you on your new family addition and welcomes you to our Baptism Preparation. We encourage you to complete the necessary steps before the birth or adoption of your child.

   

  Steps to be Taken

  • Complete as much information as you can on the “Baptism Information” sheet.
    • Baptism Preparation Sheet
    • Information Sheet Download PDF (fillable form) 
  • A Copy of your child’s birth certificate must be submitted prior to the baptism
  • An interview with both parents must be scheduled by the Baptism Coordinator.
    • Baptism Calendar 2011-2012
  • Parents and God-parents are to attend a “Baptism Class” held once a month
  • Call Donna Scalia with any questions 210-494-7434 Ext. 325

• Confirmation

  Confirmation can be seen as God's injection of spiritual vitamins for the journey through life This sacrament is the one that suggests to us the wonderful inpouring of the strength of the Holy Spirit which enables us to walk with strength and conviction through the murky waters of the world that is not truly God-centred. Call the Faith Formation Office for more information.

• Eucharist

  Just as we need food to sustain us through the long hard climb that we know as life, so in the climb to the spiritual goal we need sustentation. This is the Eucharist, the Bread of Life, the Cup of Eternal Salvation.

  The Eucharist occupies a unique place as the ‘sacrament of sacraments’: “All the other sacraments are ordered to it as to their end” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1211). Call the Faith Formation Office for more information or click to view our First Eucharist Preparation registration form.

Sacraments of Healing

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• Penance or Reconciliation

  The sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession, Penance) is the means and the sign that Christ gave us to show His willingness to heal us when, through our own human frailty, we turn in on ourselves and away from Him and our neighbour. This is the sign God has given us that through the words of His priest ("I now absolve you from your sins") whatever harm we have done to our relationship with our God is healed and we are restored to a state of warm friendship with our Father in heaven. For more information contact the Pastoral Office or click here to view our First Reconciliation Registration Form.

• Anointing of the Sick

  This sacrament is now known as the sacrament of Holy Anointing. It used to be known as the sacrament of Extreme Unction because it involved the dying person and the priest in a rite of departure from this life into the next life with God. Now it is available to all who are ill, and is a prayer for healing. It is the sign of a God who has sustained us through life now assisting our transfer from this earthly life to the eternal life with God.

  Call the Pastoral Office for more information.

Sacraments of the Service of Communion

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• Ordination

  The deacon's ministry of the Word includes reading the Gospel at the Eucharist, preaching and teaching. The ministry at the Altar includes various parts of the Mass proper, including being the proper minister of the cup. Deacons can administer the sacrament of Baptism and serve as the church's witness at the sacrament of Holy Matrimony, which the bride and groom administer to each other. Deacons may preside at funerals, the Liturgy of the Hours, various services such as Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament and they may give blessings. They cannot give absolution, anoint the sick, or say Mass. The Formation time period for permanent deacon is five years at Assumption Seminary and Oblate School of Theology studying along side seminarians.

  • For Information on the Sacrament of Holy Orders or Permanent Deacon, contact Deacons Steve Marques or Gilbert Hernandez. The Diaconate Program contact and Director is, Rev. John O’Donoghue, (210) 930-8118.
  • For inquiry regarding the priesthood, please contact Msgr. Kevin in the Pastoral Office at 494.1606

• Matrimony

  Man and woman could wed and through their union produce children without the intervention of the priesthood. But the sacrament of Matrimony is God's way of blessing a union He has already created and sanctioned. The grace of the sacrament of matrimony is intended to perfect the couple’s love and to strengthen their indissoluble union. Call the Pastoral Office for more information.