"All the sacraments have a deifying purpose: Baptism introduces the Divine Life into us. Confession restores it when it's lost through sin. Confirmation strengthens it. Matrimony and Holy Orders give it vocational direction. Anointing of the Sick prepares us for the transition to our heavenly homeland. And the Eucharist is meant to Christify us."
- Bishop Robert Barron

Baptism

​Through Baptism, we become members of the Church, which is the body of Christ. This is one of three sacraments of initiation. In Baptism, the Holy Spirit moves us to answer Christ's call to holiness, to live as a light of Christ, and to trust in his wisdom. We are invited to submit our hearts to Christ with ever deeper love.

The sacrament of Baptism is celebrated during weekly liturgies on a rotating basis. All parents are required to attend a Baptism Preparation Program. It must be taken before the baptism and it need only be taken once. The preparation programs give parents the opportunity to consider the meaning of their own faith, the Church's understanding of Baptism, and the elements of the Rite of Baptism. In addition to the class, a baptism form must be completed before scheduling a baptism. Baptism forms are available at the Baptism Formation class.

​First Communion

The Eucharist, or Holy Communion, is the source and summit of the Catholic life and is another sacrament of initiation. During the celebration of Mass, through the power of the Holy Spirit, bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ. Holy Communion can be received daily through daily Mass within our family of parishes.

Baptized children in second grade and up are invited to prepare for the celebration of the First Eucharist. Preparation and formation for First Eucharist can be done through enrollment at St. Michael Parish School or the St. Michael Church Religious Education Program. A parent meeting will be held with explanations and expectations are shared. Celebration of the sacrament occurs at select weekend masses during the Easter Season.​

Reconciliation

The Sacrament of Reconciliation brings about change of heart through God's mercy and forgiveness. Also known as confession or penance, this sacrament is a lifelong gift to heal the wounds of sin. Reconciliation services are offered at any parish within our family at 4:00 p.m. on Saturdays and at St. Michael Church at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesdays.

Children in the second grade and up are invited to prepare for the celebration of Reconciliation. Preparation and formation for First Reconciliation can be done through enrollment at St. Michael Parish School or the St. Michael Church Religious Education Program. 

Confirmation

The Sacrament of Confirmation serves to “confirm” a person in their faith. Confirmation deepens our baptismal promises and calls us to be witnesses of Jesus Christ out in the world. By the power of the Holy Spirit, we embrace our faith in a deeper and more intensive manner. 

​Preparation and formation for Confirmation can be done through enrollment at St. Michael Parish School or the St. Michael Church Religious Education Program.

Matrimony​

Having a special purpose in life, a vocation, is a gift from God that comes with our birth and our Baptism. It’s a privilege—and it’s well worth our time and effort to discover and prepare for our vocation in life. Marriage preparation is an important process in wedding planning and should be started quickly after engagement. The marriage preparation process deepens your relationship with your fiancé through vital discussions of faith, life, future, and history. If you have a prior marriage and are in need of annulment, please feel free to contact the Parish Office.
Annulment Information
Whether a divorced person is Catholic or non-Catholic, those considering getting married in the Catholic Church will go through the annulment process. Although annulments are more properly called "declarations of nullity," there are various types. For this purpose, there is no substitute for meeting face-to-face with a priest or qualified pastoral minister (the procurator) who has been formally trained in the annulment process and is familiar with the process and forms used by the Ecclesiastical Tribunal of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.

Anointing of the Sick

Anointing of the Sick gives strength and comfort to the sick and ill by bestowing the Holy Spirit's gift of peace, spiritual healing and courage to deal with the difficulties of illness. During a medical emergency after parish office hours, you may reach a priest by calling (513) 777-6433 and following the correct prompts.

Holy Orders

In Catholicism, holy orders is the sacrament by which men are ordained as priests or deacons. For more information about vocations to the priesthood and diaconate, please contact Fr. Ed Burns and learn more about the process for becoming a priest on the Archdiocese of Cincinnati's website.