Sacraments
There are seven Catholic sacraments: Baptism, Reconciliation, Eucharist, Confirmation, Marriage, Holy Orders, and Anointing of the Sick. 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
Whether we are baptized as infants or adults, baptism is the Church’s way of celebrating and enacting the embrace of God. Christ Himself ordered His disciples to preach the Gospel to all nations and to baptize those who accept the message of the Gospel.
Our online applications will detail the sacramental requirements and upcoming available dates/times.
Reconciliation (Confession)
“Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel.” Throughout his life, Jesus was sought out by men and women who, distressed and humbled, said, “Yes, I have sinned, have mercy on me.” Their faith drew them to believe in Jesus’ power of forgiveness – the living presence of the compassionate God. When we confess our sins, we are exercising the gift of our own free will – the choice to tell God that we have wronged Him and others and seek to have our relationship with them restored.
Reconciliation is available on weekdays at 11:50am and at 3:30pm on Saturdays in the church. To request a private confession outside of these hours, please call the Rectory Office, 617-445-2600.
Eucharist (Communion)
God’s love sent us his only-begotten Son into this world of sinners to redeem us by his ultimate gift of love — the sacrifice of his own life for our redemption. On the night before he died for the redemption of man’s sins, he shared bread and wine with his disciples, changing the bread and wine into his own body and blood. Each time we participate in the Eucharistic sacrifice, we ourselves become transformed and living members of the One True Christ, who is present in the Eucharistic, the Bread and Wine. All who are properly disposed are invited to experience Jesus’ true presence, body, soul and divinity in the Sacrament of the Eucharist.
Confirmation
In the Sacrament of Confirmation, the Holy Spirit completes the grace of baptism and offers the newly confirmed strength as a true witness of Christ. Thus, the newly confirmed is “more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed” (cf. CCC, 1285). Thus, the Holy Spirit completes what was begun at baptism. The Sacrament of Confirmation helps a person remain faithful to his or her baptismal commitment to witness to Christ and to serve others. The gifts of the Holy Spirit associated with Confirmation are strengths (or virtues) that Christian living requires if it is to be fruitful and complete. Thus wisdom, understanding, knowledge, counsel, fortitude, piety, and fear of the Lord, are divine aids to Christian living without which fulfilling one’s baptismal calling would be far more difficult, if not impossible.
Marriage
A Basilica wedding will provide you with exquisite and everlasting memories. You are the Sacrament – a sign of God’s love for you and God’s righteous presence in our world. We welcome you to share this grace with us and amid the company of your loved ones. As a parishioner, it is advised to approach a priest directly and inform him of your intentions of marriage at least six months in advance. During this time, he is able to meet with you and learn more about your relationship as well as prepare for the ceremony.
Please contact the Rectory Office regarding wedding arrangements, 617-445-2600.
Holy Orders
The Sacrament of Holy Orders is the continuation of Christ’s priesthood, which He bestowed upon His Apostles. The apostles were commissioned by Christ to preach the Gospel and baptize all in the name of Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. The Lord calls men from among the baptized faithful to be ordained to work for the salvation of the souls of others. If a man thinks he is being called to receive the sacrament of Holy Orders and be ordained a priest or permanent deacon, he should speak to his parish priest and be in touch with the Redemptorist Vocation Director or Archdiocesan Vocation Director.
Anointing of the Sick
“Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.” James 5: 14-15
The anointing of the sick can be administered to a member of the faithful who is sick or on the verge of death. Through this sacrament, the entire Church asks God to lighten sufferings, forgive sins, and bring eternal salvation. This sacrament can be repeated whenever the sick person again falls into a serious sickness after convalescence or whenever a more serious crisis develops during the same sickness.
Please contact the Rectory Office, 617-445-2600.