Sacraments
The Seven Sacraments are the life of the Catholic Church. Each sacrament is an outward sign of an inward grace. When we participate in them worthily, each provides us with graces – with the life of God in our soul. In worship, we give to God that which we owe Him; in the sacraments, He gives us the graces necessary to live a truly human life.
Guided by the Holy Spirit, the Church recognizes the existence of Seven Sacraments instituted by the Lord. They are the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Holy Communion, and Confirmation), the Sacraments of Healing (Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick), and the Sacraments at the Service of Communion (Holy Matrimony and Holy Orders). Through these Sacraments, God shares his holiness with us so that we, in turn, can make the world holier (USCCB).
Baptism
Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua), 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.” (*CCC 1214)
The celebration of Baptism is a moment of grace for those to be baptized, for their families, and for the entire Parish Community. A preparation Baptism Class is held the last Wednesday of each month at , and all baptisms are scheduled with the Pastor.
To schedule a Baptism, call the Parish Office at (803) 831-9095.
*Catechism of the Catholic Church, Section 1214
Holy Communion
At the last supper, on the night he was betrayed, our Savior instituted the Eucharistic sacrifice of his Body and Blood. This He did in order to perpetuate the sacrifice of the cross throughout the ages until he should come again, and so to entrust to His beloved Spouse, the Church, a memorial of His death and resurrection: a sacrament of love, a sign of unity, a bond of charity, a Paschal banquet ‘in which Christ is consumed, the mind is filled with grace, and a pledge of future glory is given to us.’ (*CCC 1323)
First Holy Communion for children is a two year program usually beginning in the first grade. Class is held on Sunday mornings at To learn more about First Holy Communion at All Saints, or to register for First Holy Communion classes, contact Joanne Kazista, DRE at (803) 367-3299 or email Joanne.
*Catechism of the Catholic Church, Section 1323
Confirmation
Confirmation perfects Baptismal grace; it is the sacrament that gives the Holy Spirit in order to root us more deeply in divine filiation, incorporate us more firmly into Christ, strengthen our bond with the Church, associate us more closely with her mission, and help bear witness to the Christian faith in words accompanied by deeds. (*CCC 1316)
Candidates must be in ninth or tenth grade to join the program. This is a two year program held on Sunday evenings at
Learn more about Confirmation at All Saints. Or to register for Confirmation classes, contact Joanne Kazista, DRE at (803) 367-3299 or email Joanne.
Adult Confirmation is accomplished through the R.C.I.A. program.
*Catechism of the Catholic Church, Section 1316
Reconciliation
Christ instituted the sacrament of Penance for all sinful members of his Church: above all for those who, since Baptism, have fallen into grave sin, and have thus lost their baptismal grace and wounded ecclesial communion. It is to them that the sacrament of Penance offers a new possibility to convert and to recover the grace of justification. (*CCC 1446)
Reconciliation is offered on Saturdays from 4:0 to , or by appointment. To make an appointment, call the Parish Office at (803) 831-9095.
*Catechism of the Catholic Church, Section 1446
Anointing of the Sick
Like all the sacraments the Anointing of the Sick is a liturgical and communal celebration, whether it takes place in the family home, a hospital or church, for a single sick person or a whole group of sick persons. It is very fitting to celebrate it within the Eucharist, the memorial of the Lord’s Passover. If circumstances suggest it, the celebration of the sacrament can be preceded by the sacrament of Penance and followed by the sacrament of the Eucharist. As the sacrament of Christ’s Passover the Eucharist should always be the last sacrament of the earthly journey, the “viaticum” for “passing over” to eternal life. (*CCC 1517)
If you or a member of your family needs the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, call the Parish Office at (803) 831-9095, or in the case of an emergency call Rev. John at (803) 322-6055.
*Catechism of the Catholic Church, Section 1517
Holy Matrimony
The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life, is by its nature ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring; this covenant between baptized persons has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament. (*CCC 1601)
To arrange for marriage, call the Parish Office at (803) 831-9095
*Catechism of the Catholic Church, Section 1601
Holy Orders
Holy Orders is the sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to his apostles continues to be exercised in the Church until the end of time: thus it is the sacrament of apostolic ministry. It includes three degrees: episcopate (Bishop), presbyterate (Priest), and diaconate (Deacon). (*CCC 1536)
To talk about a possible vocation, call the Parish Office at (803) 831-9095
*Catechism of the Catholic Church, Section 1536
