The whole liturgical life of the Church revolves around the Eucharistic sacrifice and the sacraments. There are seven sacraments in the Church: Baptism, Confirmation or Chrismation, Eucharist, Penance, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony. (CCC 1113)
The purpose of the sacraments is to sanctify men, to build up the Body of Christ and, finally, to give worship to God. Because they are signs they also instruct. They not only presuppose faith, but by words and objects they also nourish, strengthen, and express it. That is why they are called “sacraments of faith”. (CCC 1123)
The sacraments are efficacious signs of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, by which divine life is dispensed to us. The visible rites by which the sacraments are celebrated signify and make present the graces proper to each sacrament. They bear fruit in those who receive them with the required dispositions. (CCC 1131)
The sacraments of Christian initiation—Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist—lay the foundations of every Christian life. (CCC 1212) Baptism which is the beginning of new life; Confirmation which is its strengthening; and the Eucharist which nourishes the disciple with Christ’s Body and Blood for his transformation in Christ. (CCC 1275)
The Lord Jesus Christ, physician of our souls and bodies, who forgave the sins of the paralytic and restored him to bodily health, has willed that his Church continue, in the power of the Holy Spirit, his work of healing and salvation, even among her own members. This is the purpose of the two sacraments of healing: the sacrament of Penance and the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick. (CCC 1421)
Two other sacraments (sacraments of service), Holy Orders and Matrimony, are directed towards the salvation of others; if they contribute as well to personal salvation, it is through service to others that they do so. They confer a particular mission in the Church and serve to build up the People of God. (CCC 1534)
Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua), and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: "Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word."
Non-parishioners must have the permission of their pastor for a baptism to take place at the cathedral. The celebration of infant baptism will be scheduled after the parents have completed the pre-baptismal instructions in their parish.
Parishioners of the Cathedral can schedule an infant baptism with the Cathedral Secretary after having completed the pre-baptismal instructions with Deacon Michael Trimpe.
Congratulations on your decision to marry! As you plan your wedding at the Cathedral, please familiarize yourself with our guidelines to ensure a smooth ceremony. While we aim to accommodate your needs, certain policies must be followed due to high demand.
The holy Eucharist completes Christian initiation. Those who have been raised to the dignity of the royal priesthood by Baptism and configured more deeply to Christ by Confirmation participate with the whole community in the Lord’s own sacrifice by means of the Eucharist.
The sacrament of Penance offers forgiveness from God for sins committed and reconciles the sinner with the Church they’ve wounded. Through sacramental absolution, God grants pardon and peace, reconciling the sinner with Himself and calling for reconciliation with others.
Confession Schedule:
Monday – Friday 7:30 AM, 12 – 12:30 PM, 4:30 – 5:00 PM
Saturday 12 – 2:00 PM
Confirmation complements Baptism by imparting the Holy Spirit, deepening our bond with Christ and the Church. It’s received once, leaving an indelible mark on the soul. In the East, it follows Baptism, emphasizing unity with Eucharist. In the Latin Church, it’s typically administered at the age of reason by a bishop. Candidates must profess faith, be in grace, and intend to live as disciples of Christ in the Church and society.
By the sacred anointing of the sick and the prayer of the priests the whole Church commends those who are ill to the suffering and glorified Lord, that he may raise them up and save them. And indeed she exhorts them to contribute to the good of the People of God by freely uniting themselves to the Passion and death of Christ.
Funerals at the Cathedral are scheduled in consultation with the family of the deceased and the funeral home serving the family. They are ordinarily scheduled at 10:00am so as to not interfere with the daily Mass at 11:30am. Once you’ve met with the funeral home, they can schedule the funeral with us by calling the Parish Office.
Pre-planning your funeral and burial arrangements can bring peace of mind to you and your family. It ensures that your wishes are known and that your survivors will be spared making last-minute decisions under stress.
Any of the clergy at the Cathedral would be happy to meet with you to help pre-plan your funeral.
For information on pre-planning your burial, please visit the Cincinnati Catholic Cemetery Society or Gate of Heaven Cemetery.
Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains
Parish Office Hours
Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
