Sacraments

The seven sacraments are the outward signs of inward grace, instituted by Christ for our sanctification

The Catholic Church celebrates seven sacraments — sacred rites through which God's grace is made present in our lives. At St. Joseph Parish, we are honored to celebrate these holy moments with our parishioners and their families. Please contact the Rectory to schedule any sacrament.

Baptism First Reconciliation & First Communion Confirmation Marriage Holy Orders Anointing of the Sick Bereavement

Sacraments of Initiation

Baptism

This sacrament signals a new beginning.

Baptism is the first and most fundamental sacrament. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as children of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission. Baptism is the sacrament of faith, of new life in Christ, and of entrance into the community of the Church. Contact the Rectory to schedule a Baptism or to attend a Baptism preparation class.

Learn More About Baptism

Sacraments of Initiation

First Reconciliation & First Communion

Reconciliation is a time to repent and recover God's grace. First Holy Communion is a time to discover and partake of the mysteries of Christ.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation (also called Penance or Confession) is God's gift of forgiveness and healing. Through the ministry of the priest, we receive pardon for our sins and are reconciled with God and the Church. First Holy Communion is one of the most important milestones in a Catholic's life — the first time a person receives the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. Regular Confession is available at St. Joseph Parish on Sundays from 8:45–9:15 AM.

Learn More

Sacraments of Initiation

Confirmation

During this time, students are "confirming" their Catholic faith.

Confirmation is the sacrament by which those born and baptized into the Church receive a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Through Confirmation, the baptized are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit. They are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed. Confirmation preparation classes are available for young people and adults.

Learn More About Confirmation

Sacraments of Service

Marriage

The covenant of marriage is more than a contract.

The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life, is by its nature ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring. This covenant between baptized persons has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament. Couples wishing to be married at St. Joseph Parish should contact the Rectory at least six months in advance to begin marriage preparation.

Learn More About Marriage

Sacraments of Service

Holy Orders

Consecrated in Christ's name to feed the Church by the word and grace of God.

Those who receive the sacrament of Holy Orders — as a deacon, priest, or bishop — are consecrated in Christ's name "to feed the Church by the word and grace of God." The ministerial priesthood is at the service of the common priesthood of the faithful. It is directed at the unfolding of the baptismal grace of all Christians. For more information on Holy Orders, please visit The Josephites to learn more about priestly ministry in the African-American Catholic tradition.

Learn About the Josephites

Sacraments of Healing

Anointing of the Sick

There is no need to wait until a person is at the point of death to receive this Sacrament.

The Rite of Anointing tells us there is no need to wait until a person is at the point of death to receive the Sacrament. A careful judgment about the serious nature of the illness is sufficient. The Sacrament may be repeated if the sick person recovers after the anointing but becomes ill once again, or if, during the same illness, the person's condition becomes more serious. A person should be anointed before surgery when a dangerous illness is the reason for the intervention. Please contact the Rectory to request Anointing of the Sick.

USCCB: Anointing of the Sick

Sacraments of Healing

Bereavement

The Church intercedes on behalf of the deceased and ministers to the sorrowing.

"At the death of a Christian, the Church intercedes on behalf of the deceased because of its confident belief that death is not the end, nor does it break the bonds forged in life. The Church also ministers to the sorrowing and consoles them in the funeral rites with the comforting Word of God and the Sacrament of the Eucharist." (Order of Christian Funerals, no. 4) St. Joseph's Bereavement Ministry offers ongoing support to those who have lost a loved one. Please contact the Rectory for assistance.

Contact the Rectory

Schedule a Sacrament

To schedule a sacrament, request more information, or speak with a member of our clergy, please contact the St. Joseph Parish Rectory. We are here to walk with you through every milestone of your faith journey.

Phone

(251) 456-2273

[email protected]

Address

1504 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave, Mobile, AL 36603

Office Hours

Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM