Sacraments
Baptism
The Sacrament of Baptism is the first step in a lifelong journey of commitment and discipleship. Baptism is our birth as Christians. The staff of St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church congratulates you on your new family addition and welcomes you to our Baptism Preparation program.
Preparation classes for baptism of children birth to 3 years old are offered the first Monday of every month at 7 p.m. Please call the Church office to register for this class.
Preparation for children 4 years old and older is conducted by enrolling your child in Religious Education classes, or enrolled in a Catholic school for one year before the Sacrament is celebrated.
Required: Please provide a copy of your child's birth certificate issued by the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District, not the ceremonial birth certificate issued by the hospital.
Baptisms are celebrated after the 12 noon Mass on Sundays.
Choosing a Godparent
When selecting Godparents/Padrinos, keep in mind that both must be at least 18 years of older. At least one Godparent/Padrino must be an active, practicing Catholic who leads a life of faith who has already received the Sacraments of Baptism, First Communion and Confirmation.
Letter of Permission
If you do not reside within our parish boundary or have not registered as a member of our parish, we are happy to celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism. Please obtain a letter of permission from the parish church nearest your residence.
First Holy Communion
Catholics believe the Eucharist or Communion is both a sacrifice and a meal. We believe in the real presence of Jesus, who died for our sins. As we receive Christ's Body and Blood we are also nourished spiritually and brought closer to God.Preparation for First Holy Communion takes place each Spring for children in the 3rd grade who are enrolled in the Religious Education Program at St. Gregory. In general, this is a two-year preparation program. For specific details, please e-mail or call Gloria Silva in the Religious Education office.
Matrimony
Congratulations! You have made one of the most important decisions of your life: To celebrate the Sacrament of Marriage in the Catholic Church. Your decision calls for much preparation, prayer and reflection. It is our hope that your wedding provides a truly memorable beginning to your new life together.
In the Catholic Church, marriage is first-and-foremost a religious event, not merely a social one. Since marriage is a Sacrament and a Holy Act, the wedding liturgy is carefully governed by the Church.
Initial Interview
To schedule a wedding at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church, the couple must meet with the parish priest at least six months prior to the intended date. This will ensure that there is sufficient time to determine the freedom to marry in the Church of both the bride and groom; gather required documents; obtain any dispensations or permissions that may be needed, and attend the necessary instruction meetings and workshops. At the initial interview, the parish priest will give all necessary information to continue planning for the wedding date.
Sacrament of Reconciliation
The Sacrament of Reconciliation — also known as the Sacrament of Penance, or Penance and Reconciliation or Confession — has three elements: conversion, confession and celebration. In this sacrament, we find God's unconditional forgiveness and, as a result, we are called to forgive others.
Penitents should be well-prepared to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Approach this sacrament after spending some time examining your conscience. A thorough examination of conscience is essential to making a good Confession.Saturdays, 4-5 p.m. or by appointment.
Sacrament of Confirmation
The Sacrament of Confirmation is a mature Christian commitment and a deepening of baptismal gifts. Like Baptism and Eucharist, it is a Sacrament of Initiation for Catholics and a Sacrament of faith in God's fidelity to us.For information regarding High School Confirmation contact Gloria Silva in the Religious Education Office. For Adult Confirmation, please contact the Church office regarding RCIA class schedules.
Annointing of the Sick
The Sacrament of Annointing of the Sick is one of the seven sacraments which Jesus Christ instituted as a great comfort to those who are enduring illness or the frailty of old age.
Sometimes, it may bring about physical healing. However, it always affects the forgiveness of any sins and pours forth the grace of God into the heart of the Christian.
The Sacrament of the Annointing of the Sick should be requested by anyone who is seriously ill, preparing to undergo surgery, advanced in years or in danger of death.
If you desire to receive the Sacrament, either you or a family member should contact the parish office as soon as possible.
Additionally, a Mass with Anointing of the Sick is celebrated twice a year, once during Advent and once during Lent. See the parish bulletin for announcements regarding the date and time of the Mass.