Celebration of the Sacraments

Infant Baptism:

(newborns and those not yet of catechetical age (5 and younger)

The Lord’s Day is the Church’s preferred time for infant baptism, especially at Mass, but the sacrament may be celebrated at other times. Preparation for new parents or those new to the parish (and godparents if available) is held on a monthly basis. Those interested in having an infant baptized should call the Coordinator of Initiation —Mrs. Nancy Greenwell— at the parish office to sign up for the preparation or referral to the Pastor. The preparation session is usually held on the third Thursday of the month at 6:30pm.

Catholic Christian Initiation:

Children of Catechetical Age (ages 6 - 17); Adults (ages 18 +):

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a process of discernment for adults and children seeking initiation into the Catholic Church. This process prepares adults and children for the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation--Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. Conversion is marked by ritual celebrations--the Rite of Acceptance, Rite of Election, and the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation--during the faith journey of the catechumens and candidates.

RCIA meetings are held weekly and begin in September continuing through May. Those interested in joining the Catholic faith community may contact Mrs. Nancy Greenwell at the parish office.

Confirmation: 

         (For those baptized and initiated to Eucharist in childhood)

The preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation begins in the fall with classes twice a month and lasts around six months. St. Pius X invites youth who have reached 8th grade and anyone older who has yet to receive the sacrament to join us for the preparation. The preparation consists of: 1) Orientation Session- the gathering of candidates, parents and sponsors to allow an opportunity to ask questions. 2) God's Loving Call- an overnight retreat which takes place at Camp Loucon in Leitchfield, Kentucky. The retreat explores God's call in each of our lives. 3) Acts of Disciples Today! - this continues the process of faith exploration by helping the candidates learn about the Spirit alive and active in the Church today. 4) Living Sacrament - continues the process of faith exploration by helping the candidates learn about the symbols and sacraments, and the personal and communal meaning of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. 5) Rehearsal- this is designed for the candidate, parent, and sponsor, to promote community building and readiness for the Rite of Confirmation. 6) Follow-Through Gathering- This allows the recently confirmed the opportunity to reflect on their experience of Confirmation, its preparation and celebration, and to consider their future lives as disciples. The Confirmation Coordinator is Tammy Nealen. For information on dates for Confirmation, contact the parish office.

Eucharistic Initiation of Children:

(For children baptized in infancy, is preceded by preparation for First Reconciliation)

Preparation for Eucharistic Initiation is for children who have reached age 7 (the age of reason) and are enrolled in Catholic school or religious education program. The preparation process includes: two parent/child meetings and a prayer day for each sacrament. Parents are the primary educators of their children in the faith. These meetings support and supplement the preparation within the home. Each family also receives a home study book and a sacramental preparation handbook .

First Reconciliation is celebrated during Advent, and First Eucharist is celebrated on the first Sunday in May.

Anyone interested in having a child prepare for Eucharistic Initiation should contact Mrs. Nancy Greenwell at the parish office.

Reconciliation:  By Appointment or

         Wednesday — 4:00 - 5:oopm

         Saturdays — 12:00n - 1:30pm

Marriage Preparation:

An Engaged Couple must contact their Pastor at least six months prior to the expected date of the wedding (Statute of the Diocese of Owensboro). Preparation will consist of: (1) sessions with the Pastor inclusive of a pre-marital inventory of communication and expectations, general preparation, and formal documentation; (2) Marriage Sponsor Couple Program or Engaged Encounter; (3) Dispensations (if needed) and Liturgical Preparations. Anyone previously married will need proof of freedom to marry in the Catholic Church — e.g., evidence of being widowed, declaration of invalidity, etc.). No weddings will be scheduled until all requirements of preparation are accounted for.

Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick & Ministry to the Sick:

Anointing of the Sick is celebrated twice a year at the weekend Masses with the whole community. Any parishioner having surgery or wishing to receive the sacrament is asked to see the Pastor or call for an appointment. Families are asked to contact the Parish if a family member is hospitalized, admitted to a nursing home, or is homebound for an extended period.

Holy Communion to the Homebound:

Homebound parishioners are asked to arrange with the Pastor for regular reception of Holy Communion by calling the Parish. Especially is this true in case of serious illness or the danger of death. When Hospice care is arranged, it is certainly time for the reception of Holy Communion as Viaticum (Eucharist in danger of death).