We recognize that the Sacraments have a visible and invisible reality, a reality open to all the human senses but grasped in its God-given depths with the eyes of faith. When parents hug their children, for example, the visible reality we see is the hug. The invisible reality the hug conveys is love. We cannot "see" the love the hug expresses, though sometimes we can see its nurturing effect in the child.

The visible reality we see in the Sacraments is their outward expression, the form they take, and the way in which they are administered and received. The invisible reality we cannot "see" is God's grace, his gracious initiative in redeeming us through the death and Resurrection of his Son. His initiative is called grace because it is the free and loving gift by which he offers people a share in his life, and shows us his favor and will for our salvation. Our response to the grace of God's initiative is itself a grace or gift from God by which we can imitate Christ in our daily lives.

The saving words and deeds of Jesus Christ are the foundation of what he would communicate in the Sacraments through the ministers of the Church. Guided by the Holy Spirit, the Church recognizes the existence of Seven Sacraments instituted by the Lord. They are the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, the Eucharist), the Sacraments of Healing (Penance and the Anointing of the Sick), and the Sacraments at the Service of Communion (Marriage and Holy Orders). Through the Sacraments, God shares his holiness with us so that we, in turn, can make the world holier.

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LIGHT OF THE WORLD PARISH RETREAT

One of the most energizing programs offered through St. Joseph Catholic Church is the Light of the World Retreat (LOTW). Geared toward Christians interested in renewing their faith, Light of the World truly rekindles Christ's flame inside each and every one of us. All are welcome!

Testimonials
“The retreat was the best thing that has happened in my life.”
“Renewing the sacraments was great. I was an infant, a second grader and a fifth grader when I received the sacraments. So doing this now was very meaningful. This time it was truly MY choice and pleasure.”
“The retreat strengthened me and I found inner peace.”
“I have been forever changed by this experience.”
“I really felt the love and sincerity and power of the Holy Spirit.”

Next Retreat...
The next Light of the World Retreat is TBA @ Saint Joseph Church. To register or for more information, please email Shauna at [email protected].