Holy Mystery of the Eucharist
Every Sunday: 10:00 a.m.; Holy Days: 6:15 p.m.; as announced in the bulletin.
This Holy Mystery is “the source and summit of Christian life” (Second Vatican Council, Lumen gentium 11). It is our common experience in worship of entering into the saving action of God, tasting his Kingdom on earth, which comes to us in the true presence of his Son in the Eucharist. This Holy Mystery makes the Church, sustains her, and draws her toward perfection on the earthly journey. There is no greater spiritual act in which a Christian can participate. In the Byzantine Rite we call this celebration the Divine Liturgy.
Holy Mystery of Confession
Every Saturday: 6:30 p.m., also upon request, other times published in the bulletin.
The Holy Mystery of Confession is every Christian’s joyous experience of God’s mercy for sins committed after Baptism. It is an essential part of a healthy spiritual life, since it forgives our past sins and gives strength for the future. If we commit a mortal/grave sin, we cannot return to receive Eucharistic Communion until we have received God’s forgiveness through the ministry of the priest in Holy Confession. Never fear to seek God’s gentle mercy!
Holy Mysteries of Initiation
(Baptism, Chrismation/Confirmation, First Holy Eucharist)
Available upon request.
In the Byzantine Rite all three Holy Mysteries of Initiation are imparted in the same service. They are given in the order Baptism, Chrismation/Confirmation, and First Holy Eucharist. The Holy Eucharist is the summit and completion of every Catholic’s initiation into the Church. Children who belong to an Eastern Catholic Church should receive the Holy Eucharist from the start of their initiation and continue to receive as infants and children.
Holy Mystery of Anointing of the Sick
Available upon request.
This Holy Mystery serves the needs of anyone who is ill in any serious way, in body or mind. It also serves as a good preparation for surgeries and other medical procedures with some risk. In our Byzantine tradition the priest blesses the oil to be used for anointing just before it is used. It is good to accompany this Holy Mystery with that of Confession.
Holy Mystery of Crowning (Marriage)
Available upon request, with due spiritual and canonical preparation (6 months notice).
Marriage is a holy vocation and a gift from God, in which God blesses the union between a man and a woman in all their life until death. Like any other calling in the Church, it should only be undertaken after a period of serious prayer, reflection, and preparation. Pre-Cana classes are required. In our Byzantine tradition only a priest can validly bless a sacramental marriage in the Church. A Catholic Christian who wishes to be married at St. Michael’s must contact the priest at least six months in advance.
Holy Mystery of Ordination
If you or a man you know has the gifts needed to carry out ordained ministry as a deacon or priest, please encourage and consider a conversation with your parish priest. Such a calling from God is a gift that is perceived in the individual heart and verified by the Church. The Holy Mystery of Ordination is only imparted after years spent in growing prayer, service to others, and pastoral and intellectual training in the Church.
St. Michael's Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church 