Sacraments are sacred and visible signs of God’s grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church.

The Catholic Church celebrates the seven sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders and Matrimony. As explained in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, “The seven sacraments touch all the stages and important moments of the Christian life” (CCC 1210). Christ is truly present in the celebration of each and every sacrament!

Becoming Catholic! Order of Christian Initiation for Adults
Are you considering joining the Catholic Church? Did you or your child miss sacraments at the traditional age such as Baptism, First Communion or Confirmation? Click below for information about starting (or resuming) your faith journey at St. Stephen the Martyr!

Baptism

Through the gift of grace in Baptism, God washes away the stain of original sin, makes us a part of His family, and offers us eternal life.

Baptism at St. Stephen is celebrated every Sunday at Noon for infants and children younger than seven. Parents are required to attend one of our monthly preparation classes prior to their child’s Baptism.

Anyone desiring baptism over the age of seven should click the button above for information about Becoming Catholic!

Holy 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. (CCC1213)

Reconciliation

Through the love of Jesus Christ in the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession), we receive full absolution of our sins, and our friendship with God is restored! Whether it is your first time receiving the sacrament or it has been many years since then, God is waiting to welcome you back with unfailing love and mercy.

Confession at St. Stephen is offered every Tuesday from 5:30 to 6:30 PM, Saturday from 3:30 to 4:45 PM, or by appointment.

Students enrolled in St. Stephen the Martyr Catholic School and Religious Education students receive the Sacrament of First Reconciliation in second grade.

Those who approach the sacrament of Reconciliation obtain pardon from God’s mercy for the offense committed against Him. At the same time, they are reconciled with the Church which they have wounded by their sins. The Church by charity, example, and prayer labors for their conversion. (CCC1422)

Eucharist

Jesus Christ is literally, not symbolically, present in the Eucharist—body, blood, soul, and divinity. Catholics have the opportunity to receive this sacrament at each Mass celebrated daily. Because sharing at the Eucharistic Table is a sign of unity in the Body of Christ, only those in communion with the Catholic Church may receive Holy Communion.

St. Stephen School and Religious Education students receive the Sacrament of First Holy Communion in second grade.

The 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. (CCC1322)

Confirmation

At Confirmation, the Holy Spirit is given to those already baptized in order to make them strong and perfect Christians and soldiers of Jesus Christ.

St. Stephen School and Religious Education students begin to prepare for Confirmation in eighth grade. Candidates participate in retreats, special events, and service hours. Students receive the Sacrament in the spring.

Anointing of the Sick

When the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is given, the hoped-for effect is that, if it be God’s will, the person be physically healed of illness. But even if there is no physical healing, the primary effect of the Sacrament is a spiritual healing by which the sick person receives the Holy Spirit’s gift of peace and courage to deal with the difficulties that accompany serious illness or the frailty of old age. To receive this Sacrament, call the parish office at (402) 896-9675.

By the sacred anointing of the sick and the prayer of the priests the whole Church commends those who are ill to the suffering and glorified Lord, that he may raise them up and save them. And indeed she exhorts them to contribute to the good of the People of God by freely uniting themselves to the Passion and death of Christ.” (CCC 1499)

Holy Orders

If you are interested or have been discerning a call to the priesthood or permanent diaconate, please contact the Omaha Archdiocese Vocation Director, Father Roza at (402) 558-3100 or ajroza@archomaha.org or Father Dave Belt at (402) 861-9675.

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, presbyterate, and diaconate (CCC 1536).

Matrimony

The Sacrament of Matrimony is a vocation – a public and covenantal commitment between a man and a woman to spend a lifetime together – creating and nurturing life, and helping each other to become their best self in Jesus, in life, and to others. The Sacrament is a visible sign of God’s unconditional love for us and brings grace and joy to the new couple.

Preparation for Marriage begins at least 6 months prior to the desired wedding date. Contact the parish office at (402) 896-9675 for details.

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 (CCC1601).