Sacraments

The Seven Sacraments of the Catholic Church

The Latin word sacramentum means "a sign of the sacred." The seven sacraments are ceremonies that point to what is sacred, significant and important for Christians. They are special occasions for experiencing God's saving presence. That's what theologians means when they say that sacraments are at the same time signs and instruments of God's grace.


Baptism: For Catholics, the Sacrament of Baptism is the first step in a lifelong journey of commitment and discipleship. Whether we are baptized as infants or adults, Baptism is the Church's way of celebrating and enacting the embrace of God.

Infant baptisms at St. Cornelius are held the second Sunday of each month at 1:30 p.m. and the  fourth Saturday of each month at 11:00 a.m.  The parents and godparents must take  a pre-baptismal class before the baptism.  Our class at St. Cornelius is held the first Thursday of each month at 7:15 in the church.  No need to register,  just come, complete the class and receive the certificate.  Also you need to pick up the baptismal package in the rectory office or at the class.  At  least one parent or godparent must be Catholic. Call the church office at (562)421-8966 for more information and questions.
Baptism Requirements: click here
Baptism Registration Form: click here

Adult baptisms are handled through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) program.  Please contact rectory office (562)421-8966 for registration and information.


Eucharist: 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 also are nourished spiritually and brought closer to God.

For children seeking their First Holy Communion, contact Evelyn Padian in the Religious Education office at (562)420-7613.

Adults wishing to make their First Holy Communion must be enrolled in the Right of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) program.  Please contact rectory office(562)421-8966 for registration and information.


Reconciliation: The Catholic Sacrament of Reconciliation (also known as Penance) has three elements: conversion, confession and celebration. In it we find God's unconditional forgiveness; as a result we are called to forgive others.

For children wishing to make their First Reconciliation, contact Evelyn Padian in the Religious Education office, at (562)420-7613.

Adults wishing to make their First Reconciliation must be enrolled in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) program.  Please contact rectory office at (562)421-8966 for registration and information.


Confirmation: Confirmation is a Catholic Sacrament of mature Christian commitment and a deepening of baptismal gifts.  It is one of the three Sacraments of Initiation for Catholics. It is most often associated with the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Those in High School wishing to participate in the Confirmation program, contact Evelyn Padian in the Religious Education office at (562)420-7613.

Adults seeking to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, contact the rectory office, at (562)421-8966.


Marriage: For Catholics, the Sacrament of Marriage or Holy Matrimony, is a public sign that one gives oneself totally to this other person. It is also a public statement about God: the loving union of husband and wife speaks of family values and also God's values.

Those wishing to marry need to contact the rectory office at (562)421-8966 to make an appointment with the pastor.

Marriage Guidelines: click here


Holy Orders: In the Sacrament of Holy Orders, or Ordination, the priest being ordained vows to lead other Catholics by bringing them the sacraments (especially the Eucharist), by proclaiming the Gospel, and by providing other means to holiness.


Anointing of the Sick: The Catholic Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, formerly known as Last Rites or Extreme Unction, is a ritual of healing appropriate not only for physical but also for mental and spiritual sickness.

Those wishing to receive this Sacrament should contact the rectory office at (562)421-8966.