Sacraments of InitiationThe whole liturgical life of the Church revolves around the Eucharistic sacrifice and the sacraments. There are seven sacraments in the Church: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Reconciliation (Penance), Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony. Sacraments are “powers that comes forth” from the Body of Christ, which is ever-living and life-giving. They are actions of the Holy Spirit at work in his Body, the Church. They are “the masterworks of God” in the new and everlasting covenant. |
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BaptismHoly 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 in the word. Parents wishing to have their child baptized should contact the Parish Office at (865) 482-2875. Any of our priests or deacons would be happy to meet with you to help you prepare for Christ’s Sacrament of Baptism.
Parents should take care that newborns are Baptized in the first few weeks. Therefore, as soon as possible after the birth or even before it, they are to go to a member of the parish clergy to request the sacrament for their child and to be prepared properly for it. Consent of the parents, or at least one of the parents or a legal guardian, is required for the celebration of the sacrament. There must be a reasonable hope that the infant will be brought up in the Catholic religion; if such hope is altogether lacking, the Baptism is to be delayed. Insofar as possible, a person to be Baptized is to be given a sponsor (“godparent”) who together with the parents presents an infant for Baptism. A sponsor also helps the Baptized person to lead a Christian life in keeping with baptism and to fulfill faithfully the obligations inherent in it. There is only one male sponsor or one female sponsor, or one of each. To be permitted to take on the function of sponsor a person must: (a.) be so designated by the parent(s), (b.) be at least sixteen years of age, (c.) be a Baptized Catholic who has been Confirmed, received Holy Communion and leads a life of faith in keeping with the function to be taken on, and (d.) not be the father or mother of the one to be Baptized. A Baptized person who belongs to a non-Catholic community may, together with a Catholic sponsor, serve as a witness of the Baptism.
ConfirmationJesus invites everyone into His Church. Once we accept His invitation, He welcomes us with the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Communion. Baptism initiates us into the death and resurrection of Christ; Confirmation initiates us into a relationship with the Holy Spirit; and Holy Communion initiates us into communion with the Father, who receives the same body and soul of His Son that we receive in this sacrament. The Bishop will Confirm 5th graders each spring. Parents of Confirmation-aged children not enrolled at Saint Mary School should enroll their children in the parish Confirmation program at the proper time. Adults who desire to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation should contact one of the pastors.
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 Father Pontian Kiyimba, A.J. – Associate Pastor
 Deacon Gary Sega, Pastoral Associate – Phone: (865) 482-2875  Deacon John DeClue, Pastoral Associate – Phone: (865) 482-2875 Ext. 9
 Cyndi Panter, Parish Director of Religious education –
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Holy EucharistThe Holy Eucharist completes Christian initiation. Those who have been raised to the dignity of the royal priesthood by Baptism and configured more deeply to Christ by Confirmation participate with the whole community in the Lord’s own sacrifice by means of the Eucharist. Communion is available to Catholics in the state of grace at every Mass. Those who are sick and unable to attend Mass may receive Communion from extraordinary ministers. First Eucharist: This sacrament is usually celebrated in the second grade. Please contact the Director of Religious Education for more information. |