The Sacraments

The Sacrament of Baptism

Please call the church at least one month prior to Baptism. Baptism preparation will be scheduled with a clergyman.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession)

Confession Times can be found here.

Individual celebration of reconciliation is offered in the reconciliation room (at the rear of the church worship space) To celebrate this sacrament, come to the church and the priest will be ready for you. Individual confession is also available by appointment with the pastor. Please call the church office if you would like to schedule an appointment.

The Sacrament of the Eucharist

During the Eucharistic Prayer, the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ. Through the reception of the Body and Blood of Christ, we are intimately united with Jesus, Our Lord and Savior, and all the other persons gathered for the Mass. Catholics, in a state of grace, are invited to participate in Holy Communion.

The Sacrament of the Eucharist

Confirmation can be conferred upon children (7 years old and older) or adults. Families of children seeking Confirmation are asked to enroll in the Sacrament Process and Family Faith Formation program. For adults who have been baptized in the Catholic Church but have not been confirmed, there is a time of preparation prior to the celebration of the sacrament of Confirmation. Please contact the church office with any questions.

The Sacrament of Matrimony

Contact the Director of Music and Ministries at wmoulton@sacredheartelkrapids.org at least six months prior to the anticipated date of your wedding. Generally, Sacred Heart does not host “destination” weddings. Because of the sacramental nature of Catholic Marriage, only Catholics who are parishioners, or who have close family members who are parishioners should consider having their wedding at Sacred Heart. However, it is recognized that Elk Rapids is the seasonal home of many people who may be registered as parishioners in different places. Seasonal attendees of Sacred Heart are invited to discuss the possibility of having their wedding at the parish, if they would like.

The Sacrament of Holy Orders

Catholic priests are ordained by a bishop by means of the sacrament called Holy Orders. The priest is both the leader of the parish and the servant of the family of God gathered in a particular parish. He leads by example, word, deed, and by encouraging people to respond to Jesus’ love for us. The pastor of a parish is priest and administers the sacraments and proclaims the Word of God. He also is responsible for the administration of the parish. The priest/pastor is a servant, serving the people of God during their joys and sorrows, sadness and contentment.

Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick

By appointment. Please call the office when you are seriously ill or hospitalized.

When people are sick or suffering – especially for a long time or with a terminal disease – they become discouraged, depressed, angry and afraid. Anointing of the Sick gives people the grace, strength and encouragement to bear their illnesses with dignity until, God willing, they recover. The sacrament also assures people that they are not alone in their suffering, that God is with them and the Christian community is praying for that individual.