Catholic worship and liturgy is rooted in the seven sacraments Jesus instituted and entrusted to His Church. In each sacrament, Christ comes to meet us and acts to produce spiritual effects through the physical words and actions of the Sacrament. See below to learn how we prepare for and celebrate the Sacraments at St. Thomas.

Christian Initiation

Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist are the three Sacraments of Initiation, the ordinary means by which our relationship with Jesus is established. Through these sacraments, we become members of the Body of Christ, receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, and are commissioned to be Missionary Disciples. The process of preparation for receiving these sacraments depends upon a person's age and circumstances.

Baptism of Children

Congratulations on the birth of your child! From her earliest days, the Church has encouraged parents to bring their children to be Baptized soon after birth. Through Baptism, your child becomes an adopted son or daughter of God and receives the gift of faith. As a parish, we rejoice when parents bring their children to be baptized, and we promise to support you as you nurture the gift of faith your child receives in Baptism.

Sunday is the preferred day on which to celebrate Baptism, since it is the weekly celebration of Jesus’ Death and Resurrection, in which Baptism gives us a share. Baptism may be celebrated either during the parish's celebration of Sunday Mass or in a Liturgical Rite outside of Mass.

Please complete the Baptism Form found under the Forms tab.

Baptism of Adults

Unbaptized adults become Catholic through a process of prayer, study, and formation known as the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA). Participants gather regularly with catechists (teachers and clergy) and Sponsors (Catholics who accompany them during the process) to ask questions, read from the scriptures, learn to pray, and explore the beauty of our Catholic faith. This process unfolds over a year long journey and is marked by several distinct stages and liturgical rites. The Initiation process culminates at the Easter Vigil, when adults are Baptized, Confirmed, and receive the Eucharist for the first time.

The Catholic Church recognizes as valid the baptisms administered by most other Christian communities. For this reason, Christians who were baptized in a non-Catholic community and wish to become Catholic are usually not rebaptized. They participate in an appropriate period of prayer and study, and when ready are received into Full Communion with the Catholic Church.

If you would like more information about becoming Catholic or are curious about the Catholic faith, please contact Diane Hagan, Director of Religious Education, or speak to Father Brandon or Deacon Scott.

Eucharist and Reconciliation

Once we become members of the Body of Christ through the Sacraments of Initiation, our union with Christ is nourished through regular participation in the Eucharist, obligatory on Sunday. When that union is damaged by sin, Christ forgives and restores us to grace through the Sacrament of Reconciliation (also called Confession). Christ also invites us to spend time with him in Eucharistic Adoration.

Baptized children usually receive the Eucharist for the first time (First Communion) in second or third grade after first celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation (First Reconciliation). In the Archdiocese of Louisville, young people typically receive the sacrament of Confirmation in or near eighth grade.

See the Weekly Liturgy Schedule for regular times of Mass, Reconciliation, and Adoration at St. Thomas. Reconciliation is also available outside scheduled times by appointment.

Marriage and Holy Orders

Pastoral Care of the Sick

If you or a loved one are unable to attend Mass due to medical or physical limitations and would like Holy Communion brought to your home, please contact the parish office.
 
Any Catholic facing serious illness, struggles due to advanced age, or preparing to undergo surgery should request the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. Previously referred to as "extreme unction" or "last rites," this sacrament should not be delayed until the point of death. When death is imminent, the Church offers the Eucharist as viaticum , "food for the journey."
 
Please call the parish office or speak to Father Brandon if you or a loved one are in need of anointing or viaticum. In an emergency, the parish office number will provide instructions to contact Father Brandon 24/7.

Christian Burial