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.  

 Please contact the  rectory office for a registration form.   Feel free to call the church office at (562)421-8966 with any questions.   THE PARENTS AND GODPARENTS MUST TAKE A PRE-BAPTISMAL CLASS BEFORE THE BAPTISM.   

Adult baptisms are handled through the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) 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 cristy Hull in the Religious Education office at (562)420-7613.

Adults wishing to make their First Holy Communion must be enrolled in the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (oCIA) program.  Please contact rectory office(562)421-8966 for registration and information.
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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 cristy hull 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.
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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 luis lopez 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 : If you are planning your wedding in the Church, Congratulations. We pray that God bless your marriage abundantly and thank you for wanting to celebrate your union according to God’s plan from the beginning of creation that “the man and the woman become one” The first step is to talk to one of our priests at (562) 425-8966. The priest will explain to you what is needed and address any particular questions or difficulties you may have in fulfilling the requirements.



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.