Sacraments
The Seven Sacraments are ceremonies that point to what is sacred, significant, and important for Christians.
They are special occasions for experiencing God's saving presence.
Baptism
For Catholics, the Sacrament of Baptism is the first step in a lifelong journey of commitment and discipleship. Whether we are baptized as infants or adults, Baptism is the Church's way of celebrating and enacting the embrace of God. There is a required preparation class for parents of infants that needs to be taken at least one month prior to the Baptism date. Registration is required. Please click here to register or contact our Parish Office at (513) 753-5566, ext. 101.
For adults wishing to be baptized, please click here for more information on RCIA. If you wish to have a child baptized who is 7 years old or older, please click here for more info on RCIC.
Reconciliation
The Catholic Sacrament of Reconciliation (also known as the Sacrament of Penance, or Penance and Reconciliation) 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. There is a required preparation class that needs to be taken to receive First Reconciliation.
Click here to learn more about PRP or contact our Director of Faith Formation — (513) 753-5566, ext. 105 or faithformation@stbameliaparish.org.
First communion
Catholics believe the Eucharist, or Communion, is both a sacrifice and a meal. We believe in the real presence of Jesus, who died for our sins. As we receive Christ's Body and Blood, we also are nourished spiritually and brought closer to God. There is a required preparation class that needs to be taken.
Click here to learn more about PRP or contact our Director of Faith Formation — (513) 753-5566, ext. 105 or faithformation@stbameliaparish.org.
confirmation
Confirmation is a Catholic Sacrament of a mature Christian. It is a commitment and a deepening of the Baptismal gifts. Like Baptism and Eucharist, it is a Sacrament of Initiation for Catholics and a Sacrament of faith in God's fidelity to us. There is a required preparation class that needs to be taken in order to receive the sacrament of Confirmation.
For more information, please contact our Director of Faith Formation — (513) 753-5566, ext. 105 or faithformation@stbameliaparish.org.
matrimony
For Catholics, the Sacrament of Marriage, or Holy Matrimony, is a public sign that one gives oneself totally to this other person. It is also a public statement about God: the loving union of husband and wife speaks of family values and also God's values. We value and support the sanctity and permanence of marriage. A parish-based marriage preparation process helps couples in their preparation for a lifetime together. The process ordinarily takes place during 9-12 months and includes: visits with Fr. Tim Ralston; the FOCCUS marriage survey instrument, which is administered by a trained parish couple; a Pre-Cana/Engaged Encounter experience. Engaged couples should begin the preparations as soon as possible. Also, if you have been married by a minister or civic official, arrangements can be made for a convalidation (a Catholic marriage).
For more information, please contact the pastor, Fr. Tim Ralston at 513-753-5566, ext. 102, or pastor@stbameliaparish.org
holy orders
In the Sacrament of Holy Orders, or Ordination, the priest being ordained vows to lead other Catholics by bringing them the sacraments (especially the Eucharist), by proclaiming the Gospel, and by providing other means of holiness.
Interested in learning more about the priesthood? Click this link to visit the Archdiocese Vocations page.
Interested in learning more about Consecrated Life? Click this link to visit the Archdiocese Consecrated Life page.
anointing of the sick
The Catholic 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. If you or a loved one is in need of Anointing of the Sick, please contact the pastor, Father Tim Ralston at (513) 753-5566, ext. 102, or tralston@stbameliaparish.org.
In an emergency, please call 513-549-2198.