Our Beliefs: The Sacraments

- Sacraments
  
  Our core beliefs come to life through the sacraments. More than traditions, they are encounters with Christ that allow us to experience His presence, receive His grace, and live out our Catholic faith each day.
  
  "And behold I am with you always, until the end of the age." — Matthew 28:20
SACRAMENTS OF INITIATION
- Baptism
  
  Welcomed into God’s family, renewed in Christ
  
  Baptism is the first step in a lifelong journey of faith. Through the pouring of water and the words of the priest, we are cleansed of sin, welcomed into God’s family, and made new creations in Christ. This joyful sacrament is celebrated with the community and marks the beginning of a life lived in God’s love, grace, and service.
  
  Video
  Baptism Explained: Rite of Baptism
  Sophia Institute for Teachers
- I would like to have my baby/child (under 7 years old) baptized. How should I proceed?
  To schedule a baptism for a child under 7 years old, please call the parish office at 636-332-9225, and we will guide you through the process. We’ll ask a few brief questions, including your parish registration status, whether this is your first child being baptized, if you’ve attended a baptismal class, and the names of the Godparents.
- I would like to have my child (7 years or older) baptized. How should I proceed?
  Each situation is a little different, so the best first step is to call the parish office at 636-332-9225. We’ll talk through your child’s age and circumstances, explain what preparation may be needed, and help you get started with the process.
- I am an adult interested in Baptism or other sacraments. How can I participate?
  We’d love to walk with you. Adults interested in Baptism or other sacraments are encouraged to contact Fr. Dan Shaughnessy to begin the journey and learn more about preparation through OCIA or other adult programs.
- When is OCIA or Adult Sacramental Preparation starting, and how do I register?
  OCIA (Becoming Catholic) and Adult Sacramental Preparation run from September to the Easter Vigil. Call the parish office for information on registration and how to start encountering Christ in these sacraments.
- Who can serve as godparents, and what are their responsibilities?
  Godparents can be one male and one female, or just one person. They should be at least 16 years old and active, practicing Catholics—meaning they’re registered in a parish, have received all the sacraments, and regularly attend Sunday Mass. Godparents are chosen to support the child’s faith journey and serve as a spiritual role model throughout their life.
- Are there any preparation classes or requirements before the baptism?
  Yes. If this is your first child to be baptized, St. Patrick Church asks that you attend a short, in-person baptismal class. The class helps you understand the meaning of Baptism and how to support your child’s faith journey. If you’ve already taken the class for an older child, you don’t need to take it again.
- Who do I contact if I have questions or want to schedule a baptism?
  For any questions or to schedule a baptism, please contact the Parish Office at 636‑332‑9225 or [email protected]. We’re happy to help!
- How do I get a copy of my sacramental records?
  If you received your sacraments at St. Patrick, please contact the parish office to request a certificate. Be ready to provide your name at birth, date of birth, date of baptism (if known), and your parents’ names (including your mother’s maiden name).
  If your sacraments were received at another active parish, contact that parish directly. For sacraments from a closed parish, requests are handled through the Archdiocese of St. Louis Archives Office.
- Confirmation
  
  Sealed with the Spirit, sent to witness Christ
  
  Confirmation completes the grace we first received in Baptism. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are strengthened in faith and sent forth to be witnesses of Christ in the world. This sacrament is celebrated with the support of the community and a chosen sponsor who walks alongside the confirmed in their journey of faith.
  
  Video
  The 5 Powerful Effects of the Sacrament of Confirmation
  Fr. Mike Schmitz - Ascension Press
- When is OCIA or Adult Sacramental Preparation starting, and how do I register?
  OCIA and Adult Sacramental Preparation run from September through the Easter Vigil. Call the parish office to learn more and register—we’ll help you get started!
- Who do I contact to learn more about Confirmation?
  Please reach out to Fr. Dan Shaughnessy—he’ll be happy to talk with you about Baptism, Confirmation, or any of the other sacraments and help you take the next step.
- Can a sponsor be a non-family member, and what is their role?
  Yes. A sponsor can be a non-family member as long as they meet the requirements of the Church. The sponsor’s role is to help guide you in living a faithful Christian life and to support you in fulfilling the promises of your baptism.
  A sponsor must:
  Be at least 16 years old
  Be a baptized and confirmed Roman Catholic who has received First Communion
  Be actively practicing their faith, including regular Sunday Mass attendance
  If married, be married according to the regulations of the Catholic Church
  Not be your parent, step-parent, foster parent, or guardian
  Whenever possible, the Church encourages you to choose one of your baptismal godparents as your Confirmation sponsor. Eligible sponsors may include a sibling, godparent, relative, friend, or neighbor who meets these requirements.
- Is Confirmation required before receiving other sacraments like Marriage or Holy Orders?
  Yes. The Church teaches that Catholics should be confirmed before receiving certain sacraments, such as Marriage or Holy Orders. Confirmation completes your Christian initiation and strengthens your commitment to live out your faith fully.
  In fact, the Introduction to the Rite of Marriage states that “Catholics who have not yet received the Sacrament of Confirmation are to receive it to complete their Christian initiation before they are admitted to marriage” (no. 18).
  If you have not yet been confirmed and are preparing for Marriage or discerning a vocation to Holy Orders, please reach out to Fr. Dan Shaughnessy for guidance on how to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.
- How do I get a copy of my sacramental records?
  If you received your sacraments at St. Patrick, please contact the parish office to request a certificate. Be ready to provide your name at birth, date of birth, date of baptism (if known), and your parents’ names (including your mother’s maiden name).
  If your sacraments were received at another active parish, contact that parish directly. For sacraments from a closed parish, requests are handled through the Archdiocese of St. Louis Archives Office.
- Eucharist
  
  Encounter Christ, receive His presence, be nourished in faith
  
  The Eucharist (also called Holy Communion) is the heart of our faith. In this sacrament, bread and wine truly become the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Jesus Christ. Through the celebration of Mass, we remember His passion, death, and resurrection, encounter His presence, and are nourished to live as members of His Body in the world.
  
  Video
  The The Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist
  Bishop Barron - Religious Education Congress
  
  Mass Schedule
  *livestream Facebook & YouTube
- When is OCIA or Adult Sacramental Preparation starting, and how do I register?
  OCIA and Adult Sacramental Preparation run from September through the Easter Vigil. Call the parish office to learn more and register—we’ll help you get started!
- My child needs their first communion, who should I contact?
  Thank you for your interest in your child's First Holy Communion at St. Patrick Catholic Church! To start the registration process, please contact Molly Hottovy, our Coordinator of Religious Education, at [email protected]. We look forward to supporting your family's spiritual journey!
- Do you take the Eucharist to Homebound, Sick, and Care Centers?
  If you or a loved one are unable to attend Mass due to illness or other circumstances, the parish can arrange for a weekly visit to bring Holy Communion. Please contact the rectory office to request the Eucharist for someone who is homebound, hospitalized, or in need of a pastoral visit.
  St. Patrick also serves the spiritual needs of the care facilities within our parish boundaries, including Cedarhurst of Wentzville and Twin Oaks Heritage Pointe of Wentzville. Mass is celebrated monthly at these locations, and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion visit residents during the other weeks.
- How can I visit the Adoration Chapel?
  The Adoration Chapel is located on the northeast side of the church. There are both outdoor and indoor keypads for entry. To obtain access codes, call the parish office at 636‑332‑9225.
- When is the Eucharist exposed for Adoration?
  The Eucharist is exposed Monday through Friday, 7 AM–8 PM (unless noted in the bulletin). At other times, the Blessed Sacrament is reserved in the tabernacle for private prayer. You don’t need to be on the schedule to visit—everyone is welcome. If you’d like to become a scheduled adorer, you can sign up at adorationpro.org/patrickwentzville.
- What are Holy Days of Obligation and when are they?
  Holy Days of Obligation are special days in the Church when Catholics are called to encounter Jesus more fully through Mass in addition to Sundays. The dates can vary each year, so it’s best to check the official list from the USCCB. At St. Patrick, we always include reminders in our bulletin and on our website.
- What are "Mass Intentions" and how do I schedule one?
  Offering Mass for a special intention is a cherished tradition in the Catholic Church, believed to grant special graces for those remembered. Masses can be offered for various reasons, such as for souls in purgatory, in memory of the deceased, or to celebrate a birthday or anniversary.
  
  To schedule a Mass intention, visit the parish office. It’s important to note that you do not "buy" a Mass; instead, you make an offering that signifies a personal sacrifice to connect with Christ in the Eucharist. Even if the intention is not mentioned during the Mass, the priests still carry that intention with them in their prayers throughout the day. Each bishop sets a suggested offering; in the Archdiocese of St. Louis, it's $10 per intention. We also provide complimentary cards to notify recipients of the Mass.
  
  Please note: Due to the large number of requests that we receive, if more than five Masses are requested for the same intention, the additional Masses may be sent to a priest or parish where Mass requests are needed. We will try to accommodate the dates that are requested as available.
- What is the Church's position on attending Mass for those concerned about their health?
  Parishioners who are sick, homebound, immunocompromised, and gravely concerned for their health retain the dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass, which has always been the case. Though we should take the obligation to attend Mass seriously, no one is ever morally obligated to do something that would jeopardize their health or the health of other people.
- Do you have an Inclement Weather Policy?
  Mass Attendance & Confessions
  Mass in Church: Regardless of weather conditions, regularly scheduled Masses and confessions will always take place, unless otherwise noted.
  Safety First: No one should put themselves or their family at risk to fulfill a ministerial assignment or to attend Mass.
  Sunday Obligation: The Code of Canon Law states: "On Sundays and other holy days of obligation, the faithful are obliged to participate in the Mass." (Canon 1247). However, Church law also states: "if participation in the Mass becomes impossible . . . for a grave cause (and winter weather can be a grave cause), it is strongly recommended that the faithful . . . devote themselves to prayer for a suitable time alone, or as a family" (Canon 1248.2).
  Events and Gatherings
  Follow School Closure: Events and gatherings will follow the snow closure and weather directions of St. Patrick Catholic School. When the school is closed due to weather, all gatherings will be canceled unless otherwise directed by your ministry/group leader. School closings are sent via text message to school families and shared with FOX 2, KMOV 4, and KSDK 5.
  Parish School of Religion: PSR closures are not directly associated with St. Patrick day school or Wentzville school closings, as road and weather conditions can change by evening. PSR closings will be on KSDK 5 and FOX 2 News. Parents/Guardians will receive an email.
  Ministries: Closure of St. Patrick Catholic School due to weather applies to all offices, events, and ministries at St. Patrick Church and School. Also on days when the school is closed, the Eucharist will not be exposed. The chapel will be open for prayer as usual, but the Blessed Sacrament will not be out.
  Weekend: If there is a sudden change in the weather during the day, or if there is a gathering scheduled for the weekend, the pastoral staff or ministry leader will make a decision as soon as possible to ensure safe travels.
  Parish Communications
  Every attempt will be made to post weather-related announcements on our parish website and/or delivered through Flocknote. If you are unsure whether a gathering is canceled, please contact your ministry/group leader directly.
SACRAMENTS OF HEALING
- Reconciliation
  
  Experience God’s mercy, be renewed in Christ
  
  The Sacrament of Reconciliation (also called Confession or Penance) is a gift of God’s mercy. Through the priest, who represents Christ and the Church, we receive forgiveness, are reconciled with God, and restored to the community. This sacrament invites us to turn from sin and embrace God’s love and grace in our daily lives.
  
  Video
  Making a Good Confession
  Fr. Mike Schmitz - Ascension Press
  
  Confession Schedule
  Confessionals are located on the southeast wall behind the pews.
- I would like to meet with a priest for confession but I can’t make the scheduled times. Who do I contact?
  You can always call the parish office to arrange a private confession with a priest. We’ll help you find a time that works for your schedule.
- What is an Act of Contrition, and how do I pray it?
  An Act of Contrition is a prayer expressing your sorrow for sins and your desire to turn back to God. There are many ways to pray it—your priest can guide you, or you can use a traditional version found in the missal or online. The important thing is speaking from the heart and asking God for forgiveness.
- Do I need to confess all sins, or only serious ones?
  Catholics are required to confess all serious (mortal) sins. Venial sins (less serious) can also be confessed, and doing so is encouraged because it helps you grow closer to God. A priest can help guide you if you’re unsure.
- Can non-Catholics receive Reconciliation?
  No, the Sacrament of Reconciliation is for baptized Catholics. Non-Catholics are always welcome to pray with a priest privately or to seek spiritual guidance, and we’re happy to answer any questions about the sacraments.
- Anointing of the Sick
  
  God’s grace, strength, and comfort in every trial
  
  The Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament of God’s healing and comfort. Those who are seriously ill, recovering from surgery, or facing the challenges of age or chronic illness are strengthened through prayer and the anointing with oil. This sacrament reminds us that God is always present, offering grace and peace in times of need.
  
  Video
  The Most Misunderstood Sacrament
  Fr. Casey - Breaking the Habit
- I (or someone I know) is sick and would like to receive the Anointing of the Sick. Who do I contact?
  If you or a loved one would like to receive the Anointing of the Sick, a sacrament that brings Christ’s healing and strength, please call the parish office. We’ll coordinate with a priest to find a time that works and make sure the sacrament can be celebrated.
- Is the Anointing of the Sick only for those near death?
  Not at all! This sacrament is for anyone who is seriously ill, facing surgery, or experiencing the effects of aging. It brings spiritual strength, comfort, and healing, not just at the end of life.
- Can this sacrament be received multiple times?
  Yes! The Anointing of the Sick can be received more than once if someone becomes seriously ill or their condition worsens. The frequency is determined by the priest, who will guide what’s appropriate for each individual.
- What should I expect during the sacrament?
  During the Anointing of the Sick, a priest will pray over you and anoint your forehead and hands with holy oil. It brings God’s grace, strength, and comfort. The sacrament can be celebrated in a church, hospital, or at home, depending on the situation.
- Bereavement and Funerals
  
  Honoring life, embracing hope, trusting in Christ
  
  While not a sacrament, the funeral liturgy is a sacred way to honor a loved one and support those who grieve. Rooted in Jesus’ resurrection, it reminds us that death is not the end, but a passage to new life in Christ. Through prayers, scripture, and the Eucharist, we entrust our loved ones to God’s mercy and celebrate the hope of eternal life.
  
  Video
  The Real Purpose of Funerals
  Fr. Mike Schmitz - Ascension Press
  
  Funeral Planning
- Who should I contact to plan a funeral or burial at St. Patrick?
  Contact the parish office to schedule a meeting with a priest or deacon who will guide you through planning the liturgy. If a funeral home is involved, they can help arrange this meeting. Planning is finalized only after meeting with the presider.
- How do I begin funeral planning or pre-planning?
  Families may begin planning at the time of need or in advance. Pre-planning allows you to prayerfully reflect on scripture readings, music, and other elements of the funeral liturgy ahead of time, offering clarity and peace of mind for you and your loved ones. To get started, you may download and complete the Funeral Planning Sheet, or borrow our Funeral Planning Book, available at any time from the Parish Office. Bring your completed materials to your meeting with the priest or deacon, who will guide you through the final details and ensure the liturgy reflects both the Church’s prayers and your loved one’s life of faith.
- Can St. Patrick provide a funeral luncheon?
  Yes! Our Table of Plenty Ministry prepares and serves luncheons for family and friends after the Mass or burial. Discuss arrangements with the presider during planning.
- What are the St. Patrick Cemetery and Columbarium options?
  St. Patrick has columbariums for Catholic burials. The cemetery is full, and burial plots are reserved for existing purchasers. For more information, please contact the Parish Office at 636‑332‑9225 or [email protected].
- Do you have a Bereavement Ministry at St. Patrick?
  Yes. Our Comfort in Christ Ministry offers support, prayer, and companionship to those grieving the loss of a loved one. You can learn more on our Comfort in Christ webpage or join the Flocknote group to receive updates and resources for comfort and healing.
SACRAMENTS OF VOCATION
- Holy Orders
  
  Called to serve, empowered to lead in Christ’s mission
  
  oly Orders is the sacrament through which Christ’s mission is entrusted to the Church. Men are ordained as deacons, priests, or bishops to preach the Gospel, administer the sacraments, and shepherd the faithful. This sacrament reminds us of God’s call to serve and lead in His Church.
  
  Video
  Sacraments 101: Holy Orders (what ordination means)
  Busted Halo
- I’m interested in joining a Holy Order or learning more. Who do I contact?
  If you feel called to explore the priesthood, diaconate, or religious life, we’d love to help you take that next step. Please contact any of our clergy. They can answer your questions and connect you with the Archdiocesan Office of Vocations for guidance and discernment resources.
- What are the different roles and responsibilities of deacons, priests, and bishops?
  In the Catholic Church, deacons assist at Mass, proclaim the Gospel, preach, and serve the needs of the community through charity and outreach. Priests celebrate the sacraments, lead the parish community, and provide spiritual care and teaching. Bishops oversee dioceses, ordain clergy, and guide the faithful in unity with the Pope.
- Can married men be ordained in the Catholic Church?
  In the Latin (Roman) Catholic Church, married men may be ordained as permanent deacons, but not as priests. In some Eastern Catholic Churches, married men may become priests. Once ordained, clergy in the Roman Catholic Church do not marry.
- How long is the formation process for ordination?
  The path to ordination depends on the vocation. Priestly formation typically takes 6–8 years and includes academic, spiritual, and pastoral preparation. Permanent deacon formation usually lasts about 5 years and is designed for men who continue to live and work in the community while preparing for ordination.
- Matrimony
  
  A covenant of love, rooted in Christ
  
  Matrimony is the sacred union of a man and a woman in a lifelong, exclusive, and life-giving bond. Through their vows and the blessing of the priest, couples are called to reflect Christ’s love, grow in holiness, and serve one another and their family.
  
  Video
  What makes Catholic marriage a sacrament
  Real + True
  
  Nuptial Mass Readings
- Can I get more information about getting married or having my marriage blessed in the Church?
  Whether you’re planning a wedding or seeking to have your marriage convalidated (“blessed”) in the Church, we’d love to walk with you through the process. Please contact the parish office to get started. We’ll help you connect with a priest or deacon and provide all the details you’ll need.
- I am getting married at another church and need paperwork from St. Patrick. Who should I contact?
  For more information, please contact the Parish Office at 636‑332‑9225 or [email protected].
- Are there any programs or ministries for married couples?
  Yes! St. Patrick offers opportunities throughout the year to help couples grow in faith and strengthen their marriage. Visit our Mission Through Marriage page or contact the parish office to learn more about upcoming programs and events.
- What is the preparation process for marriage in the Catholic Church?
  Marriage preparation typically begins at least six months before your wedding date. You’ll meet with a priest or deacon, complete pre-marriage assessment tools, attend an approved marriage preparation program, and plan your wedding liturgy. Each couple’s journey is unique, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
- How do I get a copy of my sacramental records?
  If you received your sacraments at St. Patrick, please contact the parish office to request a certificate. Be ready to provide your name at birth, date of birth, date of baptism (if known), and your parents’ names (including your mother’s maiden name).
  If your sacraments were received at another active parish, contact that parish directly. For sacraments from a closed parish, requests are handled through the Archdiocese of St. Louis Archives Office.

Our Beliefs: The Sacraments

Mass Attendance & Confessions

Events and Gatherings

Parish Communications