Sacraments

In our Catholic tradition the sacraments are among the privileged ways and means that God communicates himself to us. The sacraments are the primary ways we encounter Christ in his church, are strengthened by God’s grace, and are led by his Spirit.

We celebrate seven specific sacraments: ​
Baptism
Baptism is the sacrament that imprints the likeness of Christ on the human person; it’s the first step of Christian Initiation. From baptism is born a kingdom of new persons who share in a new quality of life: life of the risen Christ.

Infants (Ages 6 Years & Under): If your child is unbaptized and 0-6 years old, please contact the parish rectory office at 925.846.4489 to make an appointment with a priest. 

Children (Ages 7 - 17): For unbaptized children and teens ages 7-17 years old, please see our CIC page.

Adults (Ages 18 & Up): Unbaptized Adults should refer to the RCIA page.
Eucharist
Preparation for participation in the central Christian liturgical celebration. The Sunday celebration of the Eucharist is considered the heart of the Church’s life and worship, and participation in it is expected of all Catholics of the age and ability to do so.

Children (Ages 7 - 17): To find out more information on preparing for this sacrament in our parish, please see our Children and Teens 

Adults (Ages 18 And Up): To find out more information on preparing for this sacrament in our parish, please see our Adult Eucharist Preparation pages.
Confirmation
Along with baptism and Eucharist, Confirmation is one of the three sacraments of initiation. Through an outpouring of special gifts of the Holy Spirit, Confirmation completes the grace of Baptism by confirming or “sealing” the baptized person’s union with Christ and by equipping that person for active participation in the life of the church.

To find out more information on preparing for this sacrament in our parish, please see our High School Confirmation or Adult (18+) Confirmation program pages.
Reconciliation
One of the seven sacraments of the Church, the liturgical celebration of God’s forgiveness of sin, through which the sinner is reconciled with both God and the Church. 

Reconciliation is offered every Saturday from 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM at St. Augustine Church. Communal Adult and Family Reconciliation services are held during the Advent and Lent Seasons.
Anointing Of The Sick
The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is both “a liturgical and a communal celebration.” In the family home, hospital, or church, members of the Body of Christ gather for the sacramental rite led by a priest. The Penitential Rite followed by the Liturgy of the Word and sacramental anointing of the sick can inspire and comfort both those who are ill and their family and friends who are gathered (CCC, nos. 1517-18).  

Periodically we have communal celebrations at which many persons receive the sacrament. These sacramental celebrations are a “source of strength amid pain and weakness, hope amid despair” and a “joyful encounter” for the entire community (Christifideles Laici, no. 54).  To receive this sacrament, please contact the rectory office at 925.846.4489. If it is after hours, follow the voice prompts to be connected directly to a priest.
Marriage
Matrimony celebrates the love between a man and a woman, as well as their vow to serve each other and bring new life into the world. Every engaged couple, like the two of you, has concerns for the future. You also have goals, promises, and dreams you wish to attain. The priests, deacons, and other individuals at CCOP want to help you prepare to meet those goals, keep those promises, and live out your dreams well equipped to face the pressures placed on married living today. 

Much effort goes into planning a wedding. However your participation in our marriage preparation program will be a lasting resource that will sustain you far beyond the wedding day. To begin this process, please contact our rectory office at 925.846.4489 and set up an appointment with a priest. To see a list of suggested readings and music, please click HERE.
Holy Orders
In the sacrament of Holy Orders, men are ordained to serve the church as deacons or priests.

Priests
If interested in learning more about becoming a priest, please contact our Pastor Rev. Paul D Minnihan to make an appointment to discuss. You may also contact the Oakland Diocese.

Rev. Carl Arcosa
Director of Vocations and Seminarians
510-267-8345
carcosa@oakdiocese.org

Deacons
The formation process moves through stages:  Inquiry and Discernment, Aspirancy, Candidacy and finally Ordination.  As with all vocations, a man considering the Permanent Diaconate must discern God’s will for his life and whether he is being called to be a deacon.  During the Inquiry and Discernment stage, workshops providing tools for discernment are conducted prior to application to the program.  These workshops are for the inquirer and his wife, if married.

Partial list of Candidate Qualifications:
  • Practicing Catholic for 10 years or more
  • Must have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, and be validly married by the Church, if applicable
  • At least 35 years of age but not older than 55 years of age at the time of application
  • Good physical and mental health
  • Gainfully employed or retired
  • Sufficient time to devote to the formation program
  • If married, both oral and written support, endorsement and consent of his wife and family. His wife should be wiling to participate in the formation process
  • Demonstrated leadership ability. Capacity to fulfill the social justice ministry component of the deacon's ministry
  • A commitment to celibacy is required of non-married candidates, as well as widowers

If interested in learning more about becoming a deacon, please contact our Pastor Rev. Mark Wiesner to make an appointment to discuss.

Nuns & Sisters
Ever wonder if God might be calling you to become a Catholic nun or sister? Don't know where to begin now that you feel drawn to looking into religious life? If interested in learning more about becoming a Nun or Sister, please contact our Pastor Rev. Paul D Minnihan to make an appointment to discuss. You may also contact the Oakland Diocese.

Rev. Carl Arcosa
Director of Vocations and Seminarians
510-267-8345
carcosa@oakdiocese.org