Sacraments are “powers that come forth” from the Body of Christ, which is ever-living and life-giving. They are actions of the Holy Spirit at work in his Body, the Church. They are “the masterworks of God” in the new and everlasting covenant (1116, Catechism of the Catholic Church)
Sacraments of Initiation
BaptismThe catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that "Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to the life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments" (CCC, 1213). The Sacrament of Baptism is not merely symbolic. It accomplishes what it symbolizes: we are washed clean from our sins, and the life of the Holy Trinity dwells in our souls. Through this gift of Baptism, we become a part of the Body of Christ, integrated into the Church and made sharers in her mission. To schedule a Baptism, contact Gloria Silva at (210)342-3826 or by email: gloria.asilva@stgregorys.net. For more information on the process, click here.
The holy Eucharist completes Christian initiation (CCC, 1322). It is "the source and summit of the Christian life...by the Eucharistic celebration, we unite ourselves with the heavenly liturgy and anticipate eternal life, when God will be all in all" (CCC,1326). The liturgical action called the Eucharist is also traditionally known as the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. For more information on scheduling your child to receive the sacrament, contact Gloria Silva at (210)342-3826 or email by email: gloria.asilva@stgregorys.net
"Confirmation perfects Baptismal grace; it is the sacrament which gives the Holy Spirit an order to root us more deeply in the divine filiation, incorporate us more firmly into Christ, strengthen our bond with the Church, associate us more closely with her mission, and help us bear witness to the Christian faith in words accompanied by deeds" (CCC, 1316). For those preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation, our parish offers a two-year preparation program led by a team of catechists who journey with families to help further develop the faith of their child. For more information on scheduling your child to receive the sacrament or if you are an adult seeking the sacrament of Confirmation, contact Gloria Silva at (210)342-3826 or email by email: gloria.asilva@stgregorys.net.
Sacraments of Healing
ReconciliationThe Sacrament of Reconciliation, also known as the Sacrament of Penance or Confession, has three elements: contrition, confession, and satisfaction. In this sacrament, we find God's unconditional forgiveness, and as a result, we are called to forgive others. "Those who approach the sacrament of Penance obtain pardon from God's mercy for the offense committed against him, and are, at the same time, reconciled with the Church which they have wounded by their sins and which by charity, by example, and by prayer labors for their conversion."(CCC, 1422). For more information contact Fr. Richard at (210)342-5271 or email padrerichard@stgregorys.net.
If you are an adult seeking the sacrament of reconciliation, it is offered each Friday from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm in the Church (two bilingual priests are available) and on Saturday from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm before the Vigil Mass. By appointment, call the Parish office at (210)342-3826.
"By the sacred anointing of the sick and the prayer of the priests the whole Church commends those who are ill to the suffering and glorified Lord, that he may raise them up and save them. And indeed she exhorts them to contribute to the good of the People of God by freely uniting themselves to the Passion and death of Christ" (CCC, 1499). The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick should be requested by anyone who is seriously ill, preparing to undergo surgery, advanced in years, or in danger of death. Please do not wait until last moments. To schedule an Anointing of the Sick, contact Fr. Richard at (210)342-5271 or email: padrerichard@stgregorys.net as soon as possible.
Sacraments at the Service of Communion
Matrimony“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” (CCC, 1601). Contact Gloria Silva at (210)342-3826 or email by email: gloria.asilva@stgregorys.net to begin the marriage preparation. For more information on the process, click here.
Holy Orders
Holy Orders is the sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to his apostles continues to be exercised in the Church until the end of time: thus it is the sacrament of apostolic ministry. It includes three degrees: episcopate, presbyterate, and diaconate (CCC, 1536). For more information, contact Fr. Richard at the Parish office at (210)342-5271 or email: padrerichard@stgregorys.net. You can also visit the website of the Vocation Office of the Archdiocese of San Antonio at, http://www.savocations.org/