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.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) is offered in the reconciliation room, located at the rear of the church worship space. During the regularly scheduled time, simply come to the church, where a priest will be available to hear your confession.
Individual confession is also available by appointment with the pastor. Please contact the parish office to schedule an appointment.
The Sacrament of the Eucharist
At the heart of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is the Eucharist. Through the words of consecration and the power of the Holy Spirit, the bread and wine truly become the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ, while retaining the appearances of bread and wine. This mystery, traditionally called transubstantiation, is the source and summit of the Christian life.
In Holy Communion, we receive not merely a symbol, but Jesus Christ Himself—truly, really, and substantially present in the Most Blessed Sacrament. Through the worthy reception of His Sacred Body and Precious Blood, we are united more intimately with Christ and, in Him, with His Church.
Catholics who are properly disposed and in a state of grace are invited to receive Holy Communion. Because the Eucharist is both a sign and a reality of our full communion in the Catholic faith, those conscious of grave sin should first receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation before approaching the altar for Holy Communion.
The Sacrament of Confirmation
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 Office Manager 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.