Sacraments

“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.” (CCC 1213)

For children less than 7 years of age: Attendance at a  Pre-Baptismal class is required for both parents and godparents. 

The Baptism Preparation Classes are offered every other month on a Tuesday from 6:30-8:30 PM in the Cathedral Center.  

See the 2019 Class Schedule

Before the baptism can be scheduled, the following items are required: a copy of your child’s birth certificate, Baptism Registration form, and a Godparent form for each Godparent. 

Children over the age of seven who are not baptized must go through the Christian Initiation processes. 

“Those who approach the sacrament of Penance obtain pardon from God’s mercy for the offense committed against him, and are, at the same time, reconciled with the Church which they have wounded by their sins and which by charity, by example, and by prayer labors for their conversion.” (CCC 1422)

First Penance is available for all baptized Catholics who are above the age of reason (7 years old). 

Please see the parish schedule for regular confession times. For emergencies please call the Cathedral Office: (903) 592-1617

A guide to Confession 

For those 7-16 years of age: Candidates are involved in a systematic faith formation for three years (in Family Catechesis or Catholic Education), attend Sacramental Workshop Sessions, and participate regularly in the Sacrament of Penance. After this period, the candidate is assessed for eligibility for the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Holy Communion.

For Adults: Christian Initiation

“The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life. The other sacraments, and indeed all ecclesiastical ministries and works of the apostolate, are bound up with the Eucharist and are oriented toward it. For in the blessed Eucharist is contained the whole spiritual good of the Church, namely Christ himself, our Pasch.” (CCC 1324)

For those 7-16 years of age: Confirmation and First Holy Communion are prepared for and celebrated at the same time. Please see the Confirmation section for further information.

For Adults: Christian Initiation

“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.”  (CCC 1601)

For more details, contact Jodi Todd: 903-592-1617 ex 130 or jtodd@thecathedral.info

 Preparation Process

“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)

For guidance in your discernment, contact the Vocations Office of the Diocese of Tyler.

Religious Life (not one of the Seven Sacraments)

“The state of consecrated life is thus one way of experiencing a “more intimate” consecration, rooted in Baptism and dedicated totally to God.⁴⁵⁵ In the consecrated life, Christ’s faithful, moved by the Holy Spirit, propose to follow Christ more nearly, to give themselves to God who is loved above all and, pursuing the perfection of charity in the service of the Kingdom, to signify and proclaim in the Church the glory of the world to come.” (CCC 916)

For guidance in your discernment, see Consecrated Religious of The Diocese of Tyler  

“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)

If you are in need of this Sacrament, please call to make an appointment with a priest. 

Call the parish office: 903-592-1617                                                                                                                                     If in danger of death, call: 903-279-7886