Baptism
Baptism is the first sacrament Catholics receive. At Baptism we are sealed as belonging to Christ. In the Sacrament of Baptism, we are welcomed into the Church and become children of God. Although many Catholics may be baptized as infants or young children, a person can be baptized at any age. During the Sacrament of Baptism, the immersion into water symbolizes that the person being baptized dies to sin and reses to new life in Christ, purified and sanctified. In Baptism, we are freed from original sins and our personal sins are forgiven.
First Communion
​First Holy Communion is considered one of the holiest and most significant occasions in a Roman Catholic person’s life. It marks the first time an individual receives the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, a core element of Catholic faith. During this sacrament, the communicant partakes in the consecrated bread and wine, which Catholics believe become the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. This sacred moment represents a deepening of the person’s relationship with Christ and full participation in the spiritual life of the Church. It is a joyful celebration often shared with family and parish.
Confirmation
In the Sacrament of Confirmation, we are sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit. Confirmation deepens the grace received at Baptism, and like Baptism we receive the Sacrament of Confirmation only once. Confirmation strengthens us to live as Christ’s followers. Through Confirmation, we become more Christ-like and are strengthened to be active witnesses of Jesus. Our relationship with the Church is strengthened as well; we are sent forth to live our faith in the world. Those who have prepared to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation, called candidates, are usually confirmed by a bishop during the celebration of the sacrament.
Matrimony
In the Sacrament of Matrimony, a man and woman become husband and wife and promise to by faithful to each other for the rest of their lives. Matrimony unites a married couple as loving partners and strengthens them to live out their promises to Christ and to one another. During the sacrament, the couple’s love is blessed and strengthened by the grace of the sacrament. The bride and groom are the celebrants in the Sacrament of Matrimony and the priest or deacon acts as a witness and blesses the union that God has joined together. Married couples serve the Catholic Church and by sharing the Gospel in their families, homes, and communities. See Below for more info.
Confessions
The Sacrament of Reconciliation brings about a true change of heart through God’s mercy, grace, and forgiveness. Also known as Confession or Penance, this sacrament was instituted by Jesus Christ to offer sinners the opportunity to be reconciled with God and the Church. Through the act of confessing sins to a priest, expressing genuine contrition, and receiving absolution, the penitent experiences spiritual healing and renewal. Reconciliation restores the soul to a state of grace, strengthens our relationship with God, and helps us grow in holiness and virtue.
Anointing the Sick
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is offered to those who are very sick or near death. Family, friends, and parish members gather to pray for God’s healing and mercy. The priest and those gathered pray that the sick person might be healed, and the priest anoints the sick person and prays of their health. Those who receive the sacrament are given the grace to respond to their illness with hope and strengthens their faith in a loving God. This sacrament may be celebrated during Mass or anywhere it is needed, including at the home or hospital of the sick person. Catholics can celebrate this sacrament more than once.
Additional Wedding Information
Hawaii Catholic Engaged Encounter
The Engaged Encounter Weekend offers couples a unique opportunity to look at their commitment to each other in a deeper way as they prepare for marriage.
Planning your Catholic Wedding
Please refer to the Diocese of Honolulu for further information & required documentation.
Visitors Wishing to Marry in Hawaii
Please refer to the Diocese of Honolulu for further information & required documentation.