The Sacraments give power to live. They are actions of Christ
​on our souls. 
(The New Saint Joseph Baltimore Catechism)

Baptism

Our Lord, Jesus Christ said, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you."  (Matthew 28:19-20)

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states:  Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: "Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water and in the word." (paragraph 1213)

For infant baptism, please contact the parish office at 419-669-1864 as soon as possible. Preferably while the mother is pregnant. 

Confirmation

The Sacrament of Confirmation is typically celebrated for parishioners who are in the seventh and eighth grade.   Seventh and eighth grade students who attend public school receive their catechesis by participating in our Religious Education program. Please call Joyce Walker at  419-669-3741 to register.

Adult Catholics who have never been confirmed are strongly encouraged to receive the sacrament.  Often this is done at the Easter Vigil.  Some catechesis is required first. Simply call the office for more information.

Eucharist

The Vatican Council II stated well that the Mass is "the summit toward which the activity of the Church is directed; it is also the fount from which all her power flows." (Sacrosanctum Concilium, no. 1029)

Students prepare and receive their First Communion in the second grade or at an 'age of reason'.  Students attending St. Louis school will prepare in the classroom.  Elementary Religious Education is provided for those attending public school.  Please contact Joyce Walker at 419-669-3741 to register. 

Penance/reconciliation

A Penance Service if offered during the seasons of Advent and Lent.  Throughout the year, individual confessions can be heard upon request. 
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Anointing of the Sick

Please call the parish office if you or a loved one desires to receive Anointing of the Sick.  St. Louis Parish has a Prayer Hotline. Please contact Dianne Hoile at 419-669-2504 in an emergency to be added to the prayer list. 

Marriage

A minimum of six months prior notice is required before the actual wedding date for proper sacramental preparation.  Please call the parish office to schedule a time to meet. 

Holy Orders

God still calls men to follow Jesus in a special way as a priest or deacon.  The man must first hear God's call and then answer that call affirmatively.  Hearing God's call requires regular personal prayer and quiet time for reflection.

Ultimately, the man will face the question: Can I truly be happy setting aside my plans for life and doing what God asks of me?  The answer of course is yes, but this will require the man to come to know and love the heart of Jesus.  This is what will help him to be able to say "yes" to God and live a life of joy and holiness.  This is also true for men and women considering becoming a religious brother or sister.  These, too, are callings from God but are not, strictly speaking, sacraments of Holy Orders.

Please encourage our young people to consider becoming a priest or religious brother or sister.  Pray that more young people may have the courage to answer God's call.  Let them know that God Himself can fulfill, more than anything or anyone here on earth can, the deepest desires and longings of the human heart!

Sr. Petra Flowers First Profession 
Dominican Sisters Immaculate Conception Province 
 May 1, 2023

Bishop Leonard Blair and Bishop Robert Donnelly
Ordination of Reverend Jeffery Joseph Walker
June 22, 2013