Sacraments
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We emerge from the waters of Baptism a NEW person; we are given a candle lighted from the Easter candle. We hear the words: Receive the light of Christ. May it always be kept burning brightly. Baptism purifies us from sin and gives us new birth in the Holy Spirit (CCC 1262).
Listen to the powerful words of St. Paul to Timothy, "For this reason I remind you to stir into flame the gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control.” (2 Tim 6-7).
For Infants: The Sacrament of Baptism is celebrated on Sunday following the 11:00 a.m. Mass in Church. For a child to be baptized at St. Gerard Majella, the parents must be members of our parish and faithful Catholics. To assure that parents have a full understanding of what it means to have their child Baptized into the Catholic faith they will be asked to attend a learning and faith-sharing gathering. Materials for Godparents are available. This can be coordinated by the parish office at 314-965-3985.
For School-Age Children: Ready, Set, Grow: Children who have reached the age of reason, (usually seven or older), who have not been baptized or who have been baptized in another faith, and/or who have not received the Sacraments of the Eucharist or Reconciliation at the traditional age of second grade, may seek membership in the Catholic Church through this process. The children’s progress in faith education and spiritual formation depends on the help and example of their companions and the influence of their parents. Parent involvement is essential. Call the parish office at 314-965-3985.
For Adults - Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA): The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is the process in which a person who is not baptized or baptized in another faith denomination journeys with others like them and other Catholics to be fully initiated in the Catholic faith. It is a process of formation. There are four steps in this formation process which culminates at the Easter Vigil with the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation, Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. The parish community, through its prayers, witness, worship, service, and catechesis, offers the invitation and support for the men and women to be initiated into the Catholic Church. Weekly meetings are held beginning in September and ending in May. Call the parish office at 314-965-3985 for more details.
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Jesus Christ is always reaching out to us, to draw us closer to him. Even when we sin, Jesus is there with us, offering us his healing love and forgiveness. All we have to do is ask with a firm decision to turn away from sin. Every sin breaks our relationship with each other as Church. We Catholics are fortunate to be able to celebrate God’s loving forgiveness and our reunion with the family of God, the Church, in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The Sacrament of Reconciliation (also called "Confession" or "Penance") is celebrated on Saturday afternoon, from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
Other times may be arranged by appointment by contacting one of our priests.
For children, formal preparation for the first reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation normally begins in first grade in our Parish School of religion and our parish elementary school. First reception of Reconciliation of the Sacrament occurs in the fall of second grade.
If you have a child in third grade or older and who has not received First Reconciliation or First Eucharist help in preparing your child for these Sacraments is only a phone call away. Please call the parish office.
God, the Father of mercies, through the death and resurrection of his Son Has reconciled the world to himself and sent the Holy Spirit among us for the forgiveness of sins through the ministry of the Church may God give you pardon and peace, and I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
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Holy Eucharist, in the words of St. Thomas Aquinas, is the "Sacrament of sacraments" (S TH III, 65,3) celebrates unity, a Holy Communion, with God and with each other. As we receive the Body and Blood of Christ, you and I become Holy Communion for the world. Jesus offered us the greatest gift of all—himself. We offer, celebrate and receive that great gift each time we come to Mass. As Catholics, our greatest prayer is the Mass. For those who are homebound, and cannot join us at Mass, we have parish ministers who bring the Body of Christ to homes. Please call the parish office to make arrangements.
For School-Age Children: Ready, Set, Grow: Children who have reached the age of reason, (usually seven or older), who have not been baptized or who have been baptized in another faith, and/or who have not received the Sacraments of the Eucharist or Reconciliation at the traditional age of second grade, may seek membership in the Catholic Church through this process. The children’s progress in faith education and spiritual formation depends on the help and example of their companions and the influence of their parents. Parent involvement is essential. Call the parish office at 314-965-3985 for details.
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Confirmation is saying "Yes" to the promises first made at baptism. At our baptism, our parents and our godparents spoke for us. At Confirmation, it is our voice that is heard. We promise to reject Satan and all his empty promises. Confirmation increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit in us and completes our initiation into the Church. During Confirmation, The Laying on of Hands, when the Bishop extends his hands and prays over those to be confirmed echoes the Old Testament gesture as a sign of blessing and the passing on of authority. In the New Testament, by a touch of His hand, Jesus gave blessings and performed miracles and the Apostles delegated leadership. That is the opportunity being offered to us at Confirmation.
For Youth: Confirmation for youth generally takes place during the 8th Grade year. In order to be Confirmed, an individual must participate for at least 2 years of preparation. In addition to reflecting on their Faith in class, candidates are asked to participate in other service and prayerful projects. If a young person is beyond 8th Grade, and has still not received the Sacrament, he or she should contact the parish office to make arrangements.
For Adults: Occasionally, for various reasons, an individual may not have been Confirmed in his or her youth. Adults who are not yet Confirmed are invited to call the Parish Office, by January 1, to make arrangements to celebrate the Sacrament. Customarily, adults who have not been confirmed in their youth are invited to the St. Louis Cathedral Basilica for Confirmation. This may be coordinated by calling one of the priests at 314-965-3986.
2026-27 Confirmation Documentation
Goals for Confirmation Formation
Candidate Letter on Behalf of Sponsor
7 Themes of Catholic Social Teaching
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Arrangements for weddings must be made in person by the parties to the proposed marriage at least six months in advance of the wedding and prior to setting a firm date. This will allow sufficient time for the couple to complete the required FOCCUS survey, to attend the pre-marriage programs and to prepare a proper celebration of the sacrament. Call the Parish Office and ask to speak to one of the priests to arrange any Marriage preparations.
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Vocations : We pray for and with those people who are interested in living a life of service to God’s Church as a priest or religious brother or sister. Please contact Fr. Grosch or Fr. Seper re: Holy Orders, or click on the link below for information from the St. Louis Archdiocese: www.archstl.org/vocations
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The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults is the process in which a person who is not baptized or baptized in another faith denomination journeys with others like them and other Catholics to be fully initiated in the Catholic faith. It is a process of formation. There are four steps in this formation process which culminates at the Easter Vigil with the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation, Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. The parish community, through its prayers, witness, worship, service, and catechesis, offers the invitation and support for the men and women to be initiated into the Catholic Church. Weekly meetings are held beginning in September and ending in May. Call parish office at 314-965-3985 for more details.
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The sacramental life of our Church is a great source of comfort, strength and grace. We celebrate the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick with those whose health is seriously impaired by sickness, old age, or awaiting surgery. Through this sacrament, we support the sick in their struggle against illness and we continue Christ’s work of healing and message of hope and comfort. It is a great support for the sick to have family and friends present during this special time of prayer and anointing. Call the parish office to arrange for Anointing of the Sick. We also have a Communal Anointing of the Sick during a Saturday morning Mass in Advent and in Lent. In hospitals, a chaplain may be asked to administer this sacrament.
This Sacrament is not just for those in danger of death, but for anyone who suffers from serious or chronic physical or emotional illness or who struggles with the infirmities of age. Those scheduled for a surgery or hospital stay may request this sacrament prior to entering the hospital. Please call the office or speak to one of the priests to arrange a time. (314) 965-3985
Communion Calls: Holy Communion is brought to those who are sick or unable to attend church on a regular basis. Please call the Parish Office to arrange a visit. (314) 965-3985
Hospital Visitation: If you are hospitalized, we would like to visit and pray with you during your stay. Please call, or have a family member call the Parish Office. (314) 965-3985.
Most hospitals no longer automatically inform parishes when a parishioner is admitted. Someone on staff will be happy to visit you if we are notified.
