Eureka, California

St. Bernard Catholic Parish  
Eureka, California










St. Bernard Church
6th and H Street










St. Joseph Church
Henderson and C
Street
Sacraments

Phone:  (707) 442-6466                                            Mail to: P.O. Box 169, Eureka, CA  95502                               Fax: (707) 443-0914

Baptism  
The first of the sacraments of initiation. This is received only once in life, often times as early as infancy.
The sacrament Holy Baptism holds the first place among the sacraments, because it is the door of the
spiritual life; for by it we are made members of Christ and incorporated with the Church.  

Baptism can be performed by either a priest or deacon after a preparation period.
Contact the church office at 707-442-6466, or the Deacon's Office at 707-442-5615.

Preparation may include:  



Reconciliation  (also known as Confession)
This sacrament is received before a person receives Communion for the first time. By this sacrament
sins are forgiven by Jesus Christ through the authority He gave to the church. This sacrament can be
repeated throughout life. First Reconciliation preparation is included in our Religious Education Program
(CCD) for Children and through the  RCIA - Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults.

Weekly Reconciliation  (Confession) is available at St. Joseph Church, Saturdays, 3 PM, or by
appointment, 707- 442-6466.




Eucharist / Communion
The reception of the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, it is the central Sacrament of the Catholic Church.
Reception for the first time can be done around the age of 8 years, or any time thereafter.

Preparation for receiving  the Eucharist for the first time is of utmost importance and may include:





Confirmation
The final sacrament of initiation, oftentimes received by young people around the age of 15 years. At
Confirmation persons now take full responsibility for their faith, giving their personal consent to fulfill
membership in the Roman Catholic Church.

Preparation includes review of the Catholic faith appropriate to the age of the person.





Marriage
If you are seeking to be married in our parish, please contact the church office, 707-442-6466, or the
Deacons' Office at 707-442-5615 several months before your desired wedding date. Preparation will be
required.





Anointing of the Sick (previously called“Extreme Unction” or “Last Rites”)
A sacrament of healing in which the priest anoints the sick with sacred oil specifically blessed for that
purpose. The anointing of the sick can be administered to any member of the faithful who is in danger by
reason of illness or old age. The anointing of oil signifies healing, strengthening and the presence of the
Holy Spirit. Please contact the parish office, 707-442-6466.




Holy Orders / Vocations  
The reception of God's call to serve Him and the Church  through the Holy Priesthood, Permanent
Diaconate or Religious Life.  Please speak to a priest or visit the Diocese of Santa Rosa Vocation web
page.
A sacrament is an outward sign established by Jesus Christ to confer inward grace. In more basic terms,
it is a rite that is performed to convey God’s grace to the recipient, through the power of the Holy Spirit.
There are seven sacraments in the Catholic faith.

For your convenience, we have listed some of the more traditional ways to prepare for  the
Sacraments in our parish.

Please contact the parish office 707-442-6466 with questions or to request further information.