| The Sacraments of Healing, Christian Initiation, and Service | |
The seven Sacraments span all stages of natural life and all important moments of the Christian life. Sacraments of Christian Initiation
Sacraments of Healing Sacraments of Service |
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Christian initiation is celebrated in Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. Through these visible actions a person is incorporated into the Church and shares in its mission in the world. Baptism is the first step leading to this full incorporation in Christ and His Church. Thus Baptism cannot be celebrated indiscriminately. Parents accept a great responsibility when presenting their child for Baptism. They will be the child's first teachers in the faith, and they need to be the best of teachers. They need to teach not only by word but by example. |
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The Godparents also take upon themselves the responsibility
of helping the parents of the child to raise the newly baptized
in the faith. The Godparents do this mainly by the example
of their lives. However, to understand and to be aware of
what is expected, the Parents need to be instructed. Therefore,
a baptismal preparation course is required. * Choose at least one Confirmed, practicing Catholic
to be a Godparent. Baptism is normally celebrated at Mass on the second weekend of the month, except during the seasons of Lent. For additional information please call the parish office at 920-434-2145. Back to Top |
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Confirmation is integral to the sacramental initiation of a person into the Church, the People of God. In that sense, it is not an optional sacrament. It is for the candidate both a precious occasion of Grace and an opportunity for a moving experience of faith. Parents, sponsors, priests, catechists and community share the ministry of preparing the candidate for this significant sacramental experience. Careful planning and extended preparation will enhance for the candidate this encounter with the Spirit. |
High School Confirmation: The usual time for Confirmation is in the junior or senior year of high school. For specific detail on this year's program, click here or contact Amy Koehler at 434-2417 Ext. 212 Adult Confirmation: a 4 week program is offered during Lent for adults who wish to be confirmed. Please contact Marge Schiffer, Pastoral Associate at 434-2145, Ext. 214. Back to Top |
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Parents have the responsibility to be the "primary teachers" of their children and the "decision makers" for when their children are prepared to share in the Eucharist. To aid parents with these rights and duties, a catechesis for First Eucharist is presented to the second grade students in our Faith Formation classes. Along with this formal instruction, a program focusing on growth in prayer, spiritual growth and family experience is an integral component in the overall preparation of the First Communicants. Parents are required to attend a parent session, and work together with their child on completing an Activity Book. Parents and children also take part in a "Bread Feast" which is a celebration patterned after the Last Supper. They also attend a rehearsal and celebrate First Eucharist with their children. It is recommended for children to receive First Reconciliation before receiving First Eucharist. |
Click here for program information
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We are incorporated into Christ's Body, the Church, through the Sacraments of Initiation. When we have been weakened by sin, we can be healed through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Jesus continues His work of forgiving and reconciling through this sacrament. |
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Jesus' care and concern for the sick permeate the Gospels.
Though primarily concerned with spiritual sickness, He was
not indifferent to bodily afflictions and seemed often to
point to the relationship between the two. To be faithful
to Him, the Church must care for those who are sick in body
as well as spirit. |
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A communal celebration of this sacrament is celebrated communally 3-4 times a
year so that the sick, surrounded by the Church in the person
of their family and friends, can receive special support
and encouragement from the faith community. |
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Through the Sacrament of Holy Orders, the mission entrusted by Christ to his apostles continues to be exercised in the Church until the end of time. The Sacrament's three degrees (Episcopate, Presbyterate, and Diaconate) are conferred as follows: Bishops (Episcopate) receive the fullness of the Sacrament of Holy Orders, which integrates them into the Episcopal College and makes them visible heads of the particular Church entrusted to them. As successors of the apostles and members of the college, the bishops share in the apostolic responsibility and mission of the whole Church under the authority of the Pope. |
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| Priests (Presbyterate) are united with the bishop in sacerdotal dignity and called to be the bishop's prudent co-workers in the exercise of their pastoral functions. They gather around their bishop who bears responsibility with them for a particular church. They receive from the bishop the charge of a parish community or determinate ecclesial office. Deacons (Diaconate) are ordained into the ministry of service to the Church. Deacons do not receive the ministerial priesthood, but ordination confers on them the functions of the Ministry of the Word, Divine Worship, and Service of Charity under the pastoral authority of their bishop. [Catechism of the Catholic Church 1994 Reference: 1536,1595,1596]. For additional information on vocations please contact Father John. Back to Top |
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Christian marriage is the union of a baptized man and woman
who freely enter into a loving covenant with each other
in Christ. The self-giving love of bride and groom is sealed
and strengthened by the Lord; and the married couple imitates,
and in a way represents, Christ's faithful love for His
bride, the Church. Thus husbands and wives become signs,
in and to the world, of God's steadfast love for His people. |
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Before renting a hall, contact the parish to set a date. This should take place at least six (6) months before the desired date of the wedding. In fact, as soon as an engagement takes place, contact the pastor. At least one of the parties must be a registered member of the parish or have a connection with the parish (e.g., grew up in the parish but now lives elsewhere). The Catholics must give evidence of faith in God, participate in parish worship and activities, and have an understanding of the Catholic faith. Attend the parish's Marriage Preparation Workshop or a diocesan workshop if there is a scheduling conflict and any extra sessions with the pastor, as he deems necessary. Work out the pre-marriage inventory and discuss the same with a parish couple trained to facilitate this process. Present the necessary documentation: recently issued record of baptism, confirmation, and dispensations (if necessary) and complete the necessary diocesan forms. Plan a truly meaningful liturgy. Back to Top |
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