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Baptism

​Baptism is the gateway to life in the Spirit. It is the means through which we gain access to the other sacraments. Through baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as children of God. By baptism we become members of Christ and his church. The Diocese of Greensburg has official qualifications of baptism sponsors, as well as the appropriate number of sponsors required. 

Please contact Darleen Koury at 724-929-9300 for more information or to schedule your child’s baptism. Parents must attend Baptism Preparation at least one month prior to the baptism.

Reconciliation

​Given that sin destroys our relationship with God and undermines our relationship with other human beings, “reconciliation” designates that precise effect of Christ’s redemption of the human race that restores our relationship with God and our human fellowship. 

Reconciliation is celebrated on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. @ Epiphany of Our Lord, Monessen & Saturday at 3:30 p.m. @ St. Sebastian, (unless otherwise noted) in addition to regional services during Advent and Lent.

Second grade parishioners in our Religious Education program or in a Catholic School usually make their first Reconciliation in the winter. For more information, please contact Mr. Scott Martin, Director of Faith Formation, at 724-929-9300.

Eucharist

​The Eucharist completes Christian initiation. Through this sacrament of initiation we participate with the whole community of believers in the Lord’s own sacrifice.

​Second grade parishioners in our Religious Education program or in a Catholic School usually make their first Eucharist during the Easter Season. For more information, please contact us at 724-929-9300.

Confirmation

Confirmation brings to completion the grace received through baptism. By this sacrament the baptized are more perfectly bound to the church and are enriched by the strength of the Holy Spirit. This gift conforms believers more fully to Christ and strengthens them to bear witness to Christ for the building up of his body in faith and love.

The Diocese of Greensburg also has official qualifications of confirmation sponsors, as well as several guidelines and/or recommendations. 

The normative age for the reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation is eighth grade.  Additionally, the Sacrament of Confirmation is offered to adults each year during the Easter Season at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral, Greensburg.

For more information, please contact us at 724-929-9300.

Marriage

The marriage covenant prefigures the new and everlasting covenant between the Son of God and all mankind. Through this sacrament, Christians signify and share in the mystery of the unity and fruitful love that exists between Christ and his church. Christian couples are to strive to nourish and develop their marriage by undivided affection in good times and in bad.

For every Catholic couple seeking the key to living a happy and holy married life, visit For Your Marriage – the perfect resources for living happily ever after. The site was launched by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Committee on Marriage and Family Life. Find daily marriage tips, quizzes, blogs, facts and figures, “must have conversations,” a personality audit, personal stories, the biblical roots of marriage, prayers, church documents, and information about marital sexuality and spirituality.

At St. Sebastian Parish, marriages must be arranged at least one year in advance with Msgr. Statnick, pastor. The Diocese of Greensburg requires that all couples planning to be married in the Catholic Church attend Marriage Preparation Classes. Here at St. Sebastian these classes are offered on an as needed basis. As an alternative to the parish sessions, a couple may opt to attend an Engaged Encounter Weekend.  St. Sebastian Parish also has sponsor couples.  Formation for the Sacrament of marriage is arranged during your meeting with the pastor.

Anointing of the Sick

​The Catechism of the Catholic Church 1511 states, “The Church believes and confesses that among the seven sacraments there is one especially intended to strengthen those who are being tried by illness, the Anointing of the Sick.” A priest celebrates the sacrament either in a liturgical or communal celebration or on an individual basis. Special prayers are said, he lays his hands on the person, and anoints them with oil. Many may know this sacrament by other names, Extreme Unction or Last Rites, but by way of the Second Vatican Council, this Sacrament has been renewed. It is not only for those who are dying, but for those who are “being tried by illness.”  We celebrate a Mass that includes the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick twice a year, please see our parish bulletin for details.

If you are suffering from illness or other infirmity, or if you are preparing for surgery, you could be a candidate for this Sacrament! Maybe one of the most important things to know is that you don’t need to wait to receive the special graces imparted by Anointing of the Sick. Please contact the Parish Office at 724-929-9300 if you, or someone you love, needs to be anointed.

Holy Orders

Holy Orders is the sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to his Apostles continues to be exercised in the church. It includes three degrees: diaconate, presbyterate and episcopate. 

Episcopal consecration of a bishop confers the offices of sanctifying, teaching and ruling. Priests are consecrated to preach the Gospel and to shepherd the faithful, as well as to celebrate the divine liturgy. 

Deacons share in Christ’s mission and grace. Among other tasks, deacons assist the bishop and priests in the celebration of the divine mysteries, and in dedicating themselves to the various ministries of charity.

Please contact Fr. Mike Crookston at 724-929-9300 or visit www.gbgvocations.org for more information about the priesthood and permanent diaconate.