The origin and foundation of Christian Baptism is Jesus. Before starting his public ministry, Jesus submitted himself to the baptism given by John the Baptist. The waters did not purify him; he cleansed the waters. . . . Jesus did not need to be baptized because he was totally faithful to the will of his Father and free from sin. However, he wanted to show his solidarity with human beings in order to reconcile them to the Father. By commanding his disciples to baptize all nations, he established the means by which people would die to sin – Original and actual – and begin to live a new life with God.

In Baptism, the Holy Spirit moves us to answer Christ's call to holiness. In Baptism, we are asked to walk by the light of Christ and to trust in his wisdom. We are invited to submit our hearts to Christ with ever deeper love. 

~from the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults

FOR INFANTS

The Sacrament of Baptism is usually celebrated every Sunday of the month following the 11:00 a.m. Mass in Church. If this is not convenient, please notify the parish office to discuss an alternative time. 

For a child to be baptized at St. Francis Borgia, at least one parent must be a faithful Catholic.  To assure that parents have a full understanding of what it means to have their child baptized into the Catholic faith, they are asked to participate in the Baptism Instruction Program. This is a one-time class which explains the meaning and importance of Baptism, and does not have to be repeated for subsequent children. 

Baptism classes are held at 6:30 pm at Notre Dame Hall on the third Monday of each month with Fr. Tim Henderson and the first Thursday of the month with Fr. Jeff Maassen. Please call the parish office to register for the class.
 

FOR ADULTS

Adult baptism is an integral part of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). The RCIA process provides information and formation to individuals seeking to learn more about the Catholic faith. Non-baptized participants are called Catechumens to identify their status more closely with those seeking Christianity in the early Church. Participants who have been previously baptized into another Christian denomination are called Candidates. 

RCIA classes normally begin in September and culminate at the Easter Vigil when the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist (Communion) are administered. Times and dates of classes can be tailored to individual needs as necessary.

For more details, please contact:

Deacon David Tobben, Sacramental Ministry

dtobben@borgiaparish.org

The prophets of the Old Testament foretold that God's Spirit would rest upon the Messiah to sustain his mission. Their prophecy was fulfilled when Jesus the Messiah was conceived by the Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. The Holy Spirit descended on Jesus on the occasion of his baptism by John. Jesus' entire mission occurred in communion with the Spirit. Before he died, Jesus promised that the Spirit would be given to the Apostles and to the entire Church. After his death, he was raised by the Father in the power of the Spirit.

Confirmation deepens our baptismal life that calls us to be missionary witnesses of Jesus Christ in our families, neighborhoods, society, and the world. . . . We receive the message of faith in a deeper and more intensive manner with great emphasis given to the person of Jesus Christ, who asked the Father to give the Holy Spirit to the Church for building up the community in loving service. 

 ~from the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults

FOR YOUTH

Confirmation is a Catholic sacrament of mature Christian commitment and a deepening of the baptismal gift of the Holy Spirit. Any baptized person, freely seeking this sacrament receives, through the Holy Spirit, the strength to witness to God’s love in word and deed.

This sacrament typically happens in the fall of eighth grade, either as part of St. Francis Borgia’s School, the Parish School of Religion (for students who attend public school), special sessions (for students who attend private Catholic schools unattached to a parish) or for home schooled students.

In January of the students seventh grade year, we will begin preparations for this sacrament. This begins with a parent/student retreat and information gathering. All families with children who wish to be confirmed will need to attend this gathering. 

For more information, please contact:

Kyra Gulledge, Coordinator of Religious Education

kgulledge@borgiaparish.org

636-239-6701 ext 1277
 

FOR ADULTS

Adults who are participating in the RCIA process receive the Sacrament of Confirmation during the Easter Vigil. Occasionally, for various reasons a baptized Catholic has received the Sacraments of Eucharist and Reconciliation, but has never received the Sacrament of Confirmation. Two options are available for individuals in this situation. After proper preparation, they may be confirmed at the Easter Vigil with the RCIA participants, or they may opt to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation at the Cathedral Basilica in St. Louis on the Feast of Pentecost. This occurs in May or June. In either case, contact the parish office at least two months prior to Easter. 

Weekly RCIA meetings are held beginning in September and culminate with the Easter Vigil. 

For more details, please contact:

Deacon David Tobben, Sacramental Ministry

dtobben@borgiaparish.org

The Eucharist, or Communion, is the sacrament in which Jesus Christ gives his Body and Blood – himself – for us, so that we too might give ourselves to him in love and be united with him in Holy Communion. Through this, we are joined more deeply with our faith community – the one Body of Christ, the Church.

FOR YOUTH

While the lives of their Catholic parents and family members always provide formation about the importance of the Eucharist, preparation for this sacrament begins in the first grade year and will continue into second grade. This takes place either within the St. Francis Borgia School curriculum or the Parish School of Religion. The sacrament is celebrated in the spring of the students second grade year.

In February of the students second grade year we will have a parent/student retreat and informational gathering. All families with children who wish to receive their First Eucharist, will need to attend this gathering. If your child is preparing for their First Eucharist as a home-schooled student, we ask that you attend the parent/student retreat and informational gathering as well.

For more information, please contact:

Kyra Gulledge, Coordinator of Religious Education

kgulledge@borgiaparish.org

636-239-6701 ext 1277

FOR ADULTS

Adults prepare to receive the Sacrament of the Eucharist, or Communion, during the RCIA process. RCIA participants receive the Eucharist for the first time during the Easter Vigil.

Weekly RCIA meetings are held beginning in September and culminate with the Easter Vigil. 

For more details, please contact:

Deacon David Tobben, Sacramental Ministry

dtobben@borgiaparish.org

Not only does the Sacrament of Penance free us from our sins but it also challenges us to have the same kind of compassion and forgiveness for those who sin against us. We are liberated to be forgivers. We obtain new insight into the words of the Prayer of St. Francis: "It is in pardoning that we are pardoned." 

Jesus entrusted the ministry of reconciliation to the Church. The Sacrament of Penance is God's gift to us so that any sin committed after Baptism can be forgiven. In confession we have the opportunity to repent and recover the grace of friendship with God. It is a holy moment in which we place ourselves in his presence and honestly acknowledge our sins, especially mortal sins. With absolution, we are reconciled to God and the Church. The Sacrament helps us stay close to the truth that we cannot live without God. "In him we live and move and have our being" (Acts 17:28).   

~from the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults

Opportunities to Receive the Sacrament

The Sacrament of Reconciliation (also called "Confession" or "Penance") is celebrated at Saint Francis Borgia on Saturday morning after the 8:00 am Mass, and on Saturday afternoon, from 3:30 pm to 4:15 pm. Other times may be arranged by appointment by contacting one of our priests.

During Advent & Lent, the parish offers additional times for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Consult the bulletin for details.

A pamphlet entitled "A Guide for Confession" is available to assist individuals in receiving the sacrament. You may contact a priest for a copy or click on link below to print a copy.

"A Guide for Confession"

"How to Make a Life Changing Confession"

FOR YOUTH

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

Preparation for this sacrament begins in first grade and takes place either within the St. Francis Borgia School curriculum or the Parish School of Religion.

In the fall of the students second grade year, we will have a parent/student retreat and informational gathering. All families with children who wish to receive their First Reconciliation, will need to attend this gathering. If your child is preparing for their First Reconciliation as a home-schooled student, we ask that you attend the parent/student retreat and informational gathering as well.

If you have a child in third grade or older and who has not received First Reconciliation or First Eucharist, help in preparing your child for these Sacraments is only a phone call away. 

For more information, please contact:

Kyra Gulledge, Coordinator of Religious Education

kgulledge@borgiaparish.org

636-239-6701 ext 1277

FOR ADULTS

Preparing adults to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time is part of the RCIA process. Catechumens, who are baptized during the Easter Vigil, are not required to receive Reconciliation prior to the Easter Vigil since Baptism removes all sin. They are encouraged to participate in the sacrament frequently subsequent to Easter. Participants in RCIA who have been previously baptized in another Christian denomination receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation just prior to the Easter Vigil.

Weekly RCIA meetings are held beginning in September and culminate with the Easter Vigil.
 

For more details, please contact:

Deacon David Tobben, Sacramental Ministry

dtobben@borgiaparish.org

Sacred Scripture begins with the creation and union of man and woman and ends with "the wedding feast of the Lamb" (Rev 19:7, 9). Scripture often refers to marriage, its origin and purpose, the meaning God gave to it, and its renewal in the covenant made by Jesus with his Church. 

By their marriage, the couple witnesses Christ's spousal love for the Church. One of the Nuptial Blessings in the liturgical celebration of marriage refers to this in saying, "Father, you have made the union of man and wife so holy a mystery that it symbolizes the marriage of Christ and his Church." 

The Sacrament of Marriage is a covenant, which is more than a contract. Covenant always expresses a relationship between persons. The marriage covenant refers to the relationship between the husband and wife, a permanent union of persons capable of knowing and loving each other and God. The celebration of marriage is also a liturgical act, appropriately held in a public liturgy at church. Catholics are urged to celebrate their marriage within the Eucharistic Liturgy. 

~ from the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults

Wedding Preparation Documents

The sacramental life of our Church is a great source of comfort, strength and grace. We celebrate the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick with those whose health is seriously impaired by sickness, old age, or awaiting surgery. Through this sacrament, we support the sick in their struggle against illness and we continue Christ’s work of healing and message of hope and comfort. It is a great support for the sick to have family and friends present during this special time of prayer and anointing. 



This Sacrament is not just for those in danger of death, but for anyone who suffers from serious or chronic physical or emotional illness or who struggles with the infirmities of age. Those scheduled for a surgery or hospital stay may request this sacrament prior to entering the hospital. 

Opportunities to Receive the Sacrament

At St. Francis Borgia, we have a Communal Anointing of the Sick immediately following 9:00 am Mass on Sundays. Parishioners in local nursing homes receive the sacrament twice a year. In hospitals, a chaplain may be asked to administer this sacrament.

Please call the parish office (636-239-6701) or speak to one of the priests to arrange a time to request this sacrament.

PASTORAL CARE OF THE SICK

The Pastoral Care Ministry at St. Francis Borgia exists to give spiritual care to our parishioners. We visit the sick, those who are homebound, those in adult homes or nursing homes. We visit people after they have been hospitalized and follow up with hospice patients. When the Church cares for the sick, it serves Christ himself in the suffering members of his Mystical Body. The Church shows this by visiting those in poor health, raising them up through the sacrament of anointing, and by nourishing them with the Eucharist during their illness. 

Please call the Parish Office (636-239-6701, ext. 1510) about receiving services from this ministry or volunteering for the ministry.

COMMUNION CALLS

Holy Communion is brought once a week to those who are sick or unable to attend church on a regular basis. Please call the Parish Office at 636-239-6701 to arrange a visit.

HOSPITAL VISITATION

If you are hospitalized, we would like to visit and pray with you during your stay. It is of great importance that members of St. Francis Borgia who are hospitalized notify the parish office. Due to the HIPPA Law, hospitals no longer automatically inform parishes when a parishioner is admitted. 

Remember, our Priests, Pastoral Associates, etc. will be happy to visit you if we are notified.

Please call the Parish Office at 636-239-6701.

From the moment of Jesus' conception in the womb of Mary until his Resurrection, he was filled with the Holy Spirit. In biblical language, he was anointed by the Holy Spirit and thus established by God the Father as our high priest. As Risen Lord, he remains our high priest. While all the baptized share in Christ's priesthood, the ministerial priesthood shares this through the Sacrament of Holy Orders in a special way. 

Ordination to the priesthood is always a call and a gift from God. Christ reminded his Apostles that they needed to ask the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into the harvest. Those who seek priesthood respond generously to God's call using the words of the prophet, "Here I am, send me" (Is 6:8). This call from God can be recognized and understood from the daily signs that disclose his will to those in charge of discerning the vocation of the candidate.

~from the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults

How Is God Calling You To Serve?

God calls us all to live our faith and seek out our vocation to become a deacon, priest, religious sister, married or single person. Perhaps God is calling you to the priesthood or consecrated life. Will you have the courage to follow your heart? 

For more information, follow the link to Archdiocese of St. Louis Office of Vocations. 

Becoming a Deacon

If you are being called to become a deacon or would like more information,  please contact Father Mike, Father Tony or Deacon Leon Noelker at our parish; visit the Diaconate website at www.archstl.org/diaconateoffice; or contact Deacon Dale Follen at the Office of the Permanent Diaconate at 314-792-7433, or by email at dalefollen@archstl.org