Sacraments
A sacrament is a visible sign of an invisible grace. Please see below for the Church of St. Jerome’s sacramental offerings.
Baptism
Baptism is a time of joy as the Catholic Community welcomes a new member to the Church. At Baptism we become a child of God, united with Jesus at His death and resurrection, as we die to sin and rise again, washed clean through the waters of Baptism. We are changed forever by the experience.
Baptism preparation classes for expectant parents are held on an as needed basis. Call the parish office at (651) 771-1209 to find out when the next baptism preparation class is to be held.
Sponsor/Godparent Guidelines:
The sponsor(s) must be 16 years of age and must be a Catholic who has been confirmed and has already received their First Holy Communion and who leads a life of faith in keeping with the function to be taken on. Only one sponsor is required, and the maximum number of sponsors is two, in which case they must BOTH be Catholics, and one male and one female. A baptized person, who is not Catholic, can participate with a Catholic sponsor, but only participate as a witness to the baptism.
If seeking Baptism for a child over 7 years old or an adult, please contact the parish office for assistance.
Confirmation
Confirmation is a sacrament by which the Holy Spirit is poured out upon the baptized person in a special way. It leaves an “indelible” mark on the believer, and increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit found in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 and in the Catechism paragraph # 1831. Confirmation offers an increase in “sanctifying grace” so that the believer can more boldly profess his or her faith in Christ.
At St. Jerome, preparation for Confirmation is normally offered to 9th graders with classes starting in the fall and Confirmation in the spring. We also have an RCIA program for anyone who desires to complete the sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, First Eucharist). Please contact the parish office at (651) 771-1209 for more information.
Holy Communion
“The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life. The other sacraments, and indeed all ecclesiastical ministries and works of the apostolate, are bound up with the Eucharist and are oriented toward it. For in the blessed Eucharist is contained the whole spiritual good of the Church, namely Christ himself, our Pasch.” (see Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1324-1326)
Based on Jesus’ teaching, the Church encourages Catholics to receive frequent Communion, every day if possible, but at least once a year during the Easter season.
Second Graders from our School and Religious Education program make their First Holy Communion (also called First Eucharist) in April or May. Parents should check the Religious Education calendar for information on the parent meetings, preparation, and the date of the First Eucharist Mass. If your child is not a student at St. Jerome, call the parish office at (651) 771-1209 to find out how to prepare for First Holy Communion.
Reconciliation – Also known as Penance or Confession
“The Sacrament of Penance is God’s gift to us so that any sin committed after Baptism can be forgiven. In confession we have the opportunity to repent and recover the grace of friendship with God. It is a holy moment in which we place ourselves in his presence and honestly acknowledge our sins, especially mortal sins. With absolution, we are reconciled to God and the Church. The Sacrament helps us stay close to the truth that we cannot live without God.” – United States Catholic Cathecism for Adults
Reconciliation Second Graders from our School and Religious Education program make their first Reconciliation in February. Parents of children about to receive this sacrament should check the Religious Education calendar for information on the parent meetings, preparation, and the date of the First Reconciliation Communal Penance service.
Confession is available on Saturdays from 3:30 to 4:00pm.
Matrimony
“So they are no longer two, but one flesh” (Matthew 19:6)
The Sacrament of Matrimony is one of the two Sacraments at the service of communion. Like Holy Orders, Matrimony contributes to the salvation of others. The matrimonial covenant between a man and woman is a partnership for life and contributes toward each other’s salvation, the salvation of their children and a building up of the body of Christ. (see Catechism of the Catholic Church 1601)
We welcome couples planning to marry. Couples must be registered in the parish and make marriage arrangements with the priest or deacon at least nine months before the proposed marriage date. Call the parish office at (651) 771-1209 for an appointment.