Sacraments

"Through the waters of Baptism those who are born into this world dead in sin are not only born again and made members of the Church, but being stamped with a spiritual seal they become able and fit to receive the other Sacraments" (Mystici Corporis Christi, 18).

Baptismal Preparation sessions and scheduling of the Baptism may be arranged by contacting the Rectory.

Parents are required to attend the Baptismal Preparation Session. Parents are encouraged to attend the Preparation session before the birth of their child.

"Confirmation perfects Baptismal grace; it is the sacrament which gives the Holy Spirit in order to root us more deeply in the divine filiation, incorporate us more firmly into Christ, strengthen our bond with the Church, associate us more closely with her mission, and help us bear witness to the Christian faith in words accompanied by deeds." (CCC 1316).

Contact the Rectory by email or by phone (314-544-5664) for more information about receiving the sacrament of Confirmation.

Fruits of the Holy Spirit 
Charity, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Generosity, Gentleness, Faithfulness, Modesty, Self-Control, Chastity

Gifts of the Holy Spirit 
Wisdom, Undestanding, Counsel, Fortitude,  Knowledge,  Piety, Fear of the Lord

Every Saturday 3:00 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. or by appointment with a priest. 

Communal Celebration in Advent and Lent.

It is important for married people to acquire a clear sense of the dignity of their vocation. They must know that they have been called by God not only to human love but also to a divine love, through their human love.

It is important for them to realize that they have been chosen from all eternity to cooperate with the creative power of God by having and then bringing up children. Our Lord asks them to make their home and their entire family life a testimony of all the Christian virtues” – St. Josemaria Escriva

Arrangements for weddings are made by calling one of the priests for preparation and scheduling. The Common Marriage Preparation Policy in the Archdiocese of St. Louis requires a minimum of six months in active spiritual study, instruction and discussion. Please see the Guidelines for Wedding Liturgies at St. Martin of Tours Parish. Call the Parish Office with any questions or concerns.

Religious Vocations


Discerning a Call to the Priesthood

"The priesthood is not simply "office" but sacrament: God makes use of us poor men in order to be, through us, present to all men and women, and to act on their behalf." - Our Holy Father, Pope Benedict at the close of the Year of Priests

If you are wondering if God is calling you to be a priest, please talk to the Archdiocesan Vocations Director:
Rev. Christopher M. Martin
Vocations Director - Archdiocese of St. Louis
5200 Glennon Drive
Saint Louis, MO 63119
P: 314-792-6462
E: [email protected]


Discerning a Call to Religious Life

"Look well into your heart and see if you have resolution enough to die to yourself and to live only for God."- Saint Francis de Sales

Very few people who enter religious life have a clear, undoubted "call". Most go through a discernment process, which requires prayerful consideration of how they can best express their love of God. You don't need to have absolute certainty of a calling to religious life in order to have a genuine vocation. If there is a seed of desire within your soul, cultivate this seed to see whether it takes root! Visit the communities in person! And keep praying!


Contemplative and Active Orders

Contemplative Orders: Primarily focus is inward conversion, to grow in union with our Lord for the love of God and salvation of souls. In order to devote themselves to prayer and penance, they typically have little interaction with the world. 

Active Orders: They tend to have more direct interaction with the world than contemplative orders. In addition to prayer, they may devote some of their "work" time to external apostolates (such as teaching, missions, retreats, etc.). They are in the world, but not of the world.

We encourage you to visit every community your heart so feels inclined to visit!

Links for Contemplative and Active Orders

archstl.org/vocations

 
 
 

Twice a year during Mass (Advent and Easter Season).

Call the Rectory for individual reception of the sacrament.

"The sacrament of Anointing of the Sick has as its purpose the conferral of a special grace on the Chrisian experiencing the difficulties inherent in the condition of grave illness or old age. 
The proper time for receiving this holy anointing has certainly arrived when the believer begins to be in danger of death because of illness or old age.

The special grace of the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick has as its effects:
- the uniting of the sick person to the passion of Christ, for his own good and that of the whole Church;
- the strengthening, peace, and courage to endure in a Christian manner the sufferings of illness or old age;
- the forgiveness of sins, if the sick person was not able to obtain it through the sacrament of Penance;
- the restoration of health, if it is conducive to the salvation of his soul;
- the preparation for passing over to eternal life." (CCC 1527-1528, 1532)

Rite of Christian Initiation ( RCIA)

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults helps non-baptized persons, those baptized in another Christian Tradition, or those baptized as Catholic, but not raised as Catholic. The process helps them better understand the Catholic Faith in preparing to enter the Catholic Church. It is a time to listen to God, to each other, and to the wisdom of the tradition of the Catholic Church. Sessions are scheduled year-round.

Contact: Msgr. William McCumber
P: 314-544-5664