Sacraments

Baptism
Celebrating the Sacrament of Baptism is great gift for the individual, the family, and the faith community gathered.  The Sacrament itself cleanses the person from original sin, makes them an adopted child of God, and allows our community to welcome them into the Catholic Church.

College Students/Adults
To prepare for the Sacrament of Baptism, adults are expected to participate in our RCIA program which runs throughout the school year. Baptisms are then held during regular Sunday Masses. Contact our Director of Campus Ministry Biff Rocha for more information.
​
Parents
Parents choosing to have a child baptized should be registered in the respective parish, must attend a baptism preparation class, and set up the date for baptism.  We celebrate Baptisms during Sunday Masses. This allows the community to be a public witness of the Sacrament and to be introduced to the family and the child being baptized. Contact Fr. Jon about Baptism Preparation and setting a date.

Comfirmation
Celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation is great gift for the individual, the family, and the faith community gathered.  The Sacrament itself is a celebration of an adult Catholic's profession of faith as well as receiving the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

College Students/Adults
To prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation, adults are expected to participate in our RCIA program which runs throughout the school year. Confirmations are then held during regular Sunday Masses. Contact our Director of Campus Ministry Biff Rocha for more information.
​

Eucharist
We celebrate the gift of the Eucharist almost every day. We have a schedule updated weekly to support your devotion to the Eucharist.

Reconciliation
If you have a desire to turn back to God and begin to live again with a renewed heart, let us help you. Here's the place for times you can seek God's mercy and receive His grace individually or communally.

Individual Reconciliation
Sundays 9:45-10:15am 
Wednesdays 8:15-8:45pm
​Anytime by appointment, contact Fr. Jon

Communal Reconciliation
We celebrate Reconciliation twice a school year, during the seasons of Lent and Advent.  The evening begins with song and prayer. There is a quiet time of reflection and an examination of conscience is lead by the students.  There are usually several priests present to allow people to celebrate the Sacrament individually in a timely manner. Check our calendar of events for more specific dates and times.

Marriage
Preparation for Marriage
Couples seeking the Sacrament of Marriage will need to meet individually with Fr. Jon to discuss the preparations for marriage.  
​Marriage Preparation consists of the following:
  • Initial meeting with the priest at least six months prior to the wedding
  • Take the FOCCUS Inventory
    • ​Those marrying at St Stephen the Witness will review this with a Sponsor Couple
    • Those marrying in their home parish will review the results with Fr. Jon.
  • Attend a pre-marriage retreat either at St. Stephen the Witness or other places
  • Complete the pre-nuptial questionnaire and request needed dispensations  
  •  Both parties must provide a baptismal certificate (if baptized)
  • Plan the wedding celebration
​
Wedding Day
The Sacrament of Marriage is a special event for the couple, the family, and the faith community.  Weddings are not private celebrations, all are welcome to witness this gift of love. The ceremony should be modeled after the Sunday Mass with a focus on the bride and the groom and the sharing in the Body and Blood of Christ. Extra decorations, large number of attendants, and other things that detract from the bride and groom or the Eucharist should be avoided.  If children are involved in the liturgy, they should be school aged.  The liturgical ministers should be trained and practicing these liturgical roles in their home parishes.  (Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, Greeters)  This assures you that they will enhance your liturgy and not detract from the sacredness of the event.  

Anointing of the Sick
This Sacrament is offered to those seeking physical, mental, and/or spiritual healing. The Sacrament of Anointing, once known as Extreme Unction, can be celebrated more than once.  It is not just for those who are dying but also for those seeking healing in their lives.  As with all the Sacraments, there are external symbols such as the oil, laying on of hands, and the support of the community. The internal graces received assist us with our spiritual journey of seeking God's peace, love, and forgiveness in our lives.

Individual Anointing
This Sacrament can be celebrated individually at the Student Center, in your home, or at the hospital by contacting Fr. Jon
​
Communal Anointing
Communal Anointing is celebrated by our community twice a school year, usually during the seasons of Lent and Advent at Mass. Check our calendar of events for more specific dates and times.