Welcome to our sacraments. Below we have information on Baptism, Reconciliation, Eucharist, Confirmation, Marriage, Holy Orders and Anointing of the Sick.
BAPTISM
Baptism is a sacrament in which we recognize and celebrate God’s presence in our lives and our response to that call in living a life of holiness.
The Church urges parents to have infants baptized within the first weeks after birth. Parents are required to attend a class, preferably before the birth of their first child or soon thereafter. This class discusses the effects of the sacrament of baptism on the child, the role and obligations of the parents and the Godparents, the baptismal ritual, and the significance of the symbols, gestures, and words used in administering the sacrament. Those seeking baptism should contact Deacon Andy Rammel.
Adults new to the catholic faith are baptized at the Easter Vigil service on Holy Saturday. To receive Baptism through this method, adults are required to complete our Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA). For more information on the program, contact Curtis Kneblik, ckneblik@preciousbloodchurch.org.
Those requesting Baptism in an emergency situation should call the parish office immediately to contact the pastor.
Complete the Baptismal Request Form Online.
Download the Baptismal Request Form.
RECONCILATION
Our parishes celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation in many ways. A weekly celebration is held from 3:30-4:15 PM before our 4:30 Saturday evening liturgy. The priest will gladly celebrate the sacrament with anyone wishing to receive the gift.
Our second-grade children receive First Reconciliation before their First Communion. This service is held in the late fall/early winter time frame. Children receiving this sacrament are required to be enrolled in Mother Brunner School or our religious education programs on Sunday mornings at St. Paul Parish.
During Advent and Lent, one of our parishes holds a communal reconciliation service. This service includes several readings, common prayer, and the singing of hymns. There is time for quiet reflection and private confession with one of the many priests available for the liturgy. Check this website or the parish bulletin for times and dates for this service.
Those who are gravely ill may also choose to receive the sacrament of reconciliation as part of their Last Rites. If you or a family member need last rites administered, please contact your parish office.
As always, the pastor may be available to celebrate reconciliation through a private appointment. Call a parish office for details.
EUCHARIST
As Catholics, the Eucharist is the “source and summit of our faith.”
The Sacrament of First Eucharist is usually received in second grade. Preparation takes place in the classroom during PSR or RE on Sunday mornings for public school children or during the school day at Mother Brunner School. Registration is required prior to the start of classes in September. For further information contact Erica Rudemiller, erudemiller@preciousbloodchurch.org, Children’s Faith Formation Director.
CONFIRMATION
In our Catholic beliefs, Confirmation seals us with the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and completes our initiation into the Catholic Church.
Currently, our regional 8th grade students are welcomed into full communion with the church through confirmation during the spring. Teens are required to begin preparation classes in the 7th grade. For more information contact Erica Rudemiller, erudemiller@preciousbloodchurch.org.
Adults receive confirmation after completing a course of study usually through the Ritual for Catholic Initiation for Adults (RCIA). Please contact Curtis Kneblik, ckneblik@preciousbloodchurch.org for more details.
MARRIAGE
Because Christian marriage is a sacrament, the Catholic Church wants couples to be well-prepared. Our parishes offer marriage preparation to help couples develop a better understanding of the sacrament; to evaluate and deepen their readiness to live married life; and to gain insights into themselves as individuals and as a couple.
Marriage preparation includes a weekend retreat; being matched with a “sponsor couple”; and participating in a series of Natural Family Planning classes offered on line or by the archdiocese. The important thing for engaged couples to keep in mind as they check numerous items off their pre-wedding “to-do” list is the well-known adage, “Your wedding lasts a day, but your marriage lasts a lifetime.” The Church encourages couples to invest time and energy into the all-important work of preparing for their married life together.
For couples planning to marry in the Catholic Church, please contact your parish nine months before your anticipated wedding date to begin the marriage preparation process. Please refer to this Archdiocesan website: http://www.catholiccincinnati.org/ministries-offices/family-life/engaged-couple-programs/ The contact person for St. Rita, St. Paul and Precious Blood parishes is Deacon Mike Prier @ mprier1@gmail.com.
HOLY ORDERS
Catholics considering a religious vocation in their lives should do so with much discernment and prayer. If you believe that a religious vocation is your calling, then we recommend contacting the following:
- For information to become a diocesan priest, contact our Diocesan Vocations office by calling 513.421.3131 or email vocations@catholiccincinnati.org or visit the Archdiocese website.
- For information to become a priest or brother with the Missionaries of the Precious Blood, please contact Rev. Vincent Wirtner, C.PP.S., by calling the provincial office at 937.228.9263.
- If you are considering becoming a deacon, you can contact the pastor or our deacon through the parish office or via email. You might also check this information out on the Archdiocesan website.
- If you are considering becoming a member of a women’s religious order, you are welcome to contact the Sisters of the Precious Blood at 937-837-3302 or through their website. They are located at 4960 Salem Avenue, across the street from Precious Blood Church.
- If you want more information about other orders or the vocation overall, please visit the Archdiocesan website.
ANOINTING OF THE SICK
Our parishes celebrate the Anointing of the Sick three times a year as part of a special 4:30 PM Regional Mass. Call a parish office for details.
Due to privacy policies, we do not receive a listing of patients in need of anointing at medical institutions. If you or someone you know is going into a hospital, please contact us before your visit if possible.
Anointing the gravely ill is available by request.