sacraments
The Latin word sacramentum means "a sign of the sacred." The seven sacraments are ceremonies that point to what is sacred, significant and important for Christians. They are special occasions for experiencing God's saving presence. That's what theologians mean when they say that sacraments are at the same time signs and instruments of God's grace.Baptism
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For
Catholics, the Sacrament of Baptism is
the first step in
a lifelong journey of commitment and discipleship.
Whether we are
baptized as
infants or adults, Baptism is the Church's way of
celebrating and
enacting the
embrace of God. Parents need to be registered members of the parish for at least 4 months prior to the baptism date. Both parents must attend a baptism preparation session which is held on the first Tuesday of each month. Call the Parish Office to register for this session. Baptisms are celebrated on the second Sunday of each month. No baptisms are celebrated during Lent. |
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Catholics
believe the Eucharist, or Communion, is both a
sacrifice and a meal. We
believe
in the real presence of Jesus, who died for our
sins. As we receive
Christ's
Body and Blood, we also are nourished spiritually
and brought closer to
God. Our Parish prepares children for the sacrament of First Holy Communion in 2nd grade. Children of our parish who have been in the parish school beginning in 1st grade, or enrolled in the religious education program are invited to prepare to receive the sacrament of First Holy Communion. |
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The
Catholic Sacrament
of
Reconciliation (formerly known as Penance or
Confession) has three
elements: conversation, confession and
celebration. In it we find God's
unconditional forgiveness; as a result we are
called to forgive others. Reconciliation is available on Saturdays, before the 4:00 pm Mass, and by appointment. |
Confirmation
Marriage
Holy
Orders
Anointing
of
the Sick
Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)
This is a program designed to offer information about the Catholic Faith and offer a path to those who wish to take a journey of faith. The classes are for those who were unable to make decisions about religion earlier in life, are from other faith traditions that wish to become in full communion with the Catholic Church, or who never had any religious affiliation.
The Faith Journey begins in September and concludes in Baptism (if not previously Baptized), Confirmation, and First Eucharist at the Easter Vigil.
If you, a friend, or a relative would like more information, please contact Deacon Al Foeckler at 414-282-7681 or leave a name and phone number at the parish office 414-281-8115 with a time of day it would be convenient to contact you.
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Confirmation
is
a Catholic Sacrament of mature Christian
commitment and a deepening
of
baptismal gifts. It is one of the three
Sacraments of Initiation for
Catholics.
It is most often associated with the gifts of
the Holy Spirit. Our Confirmation Program educates and helps to develop our High School youth to become aware of and actively involved in their faith. |
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For
Catholics, the Sacrament of
Marriage, or Holy Matrimony, is
a public sign that one
gives oneself totally to this other person. It is
also a public
statement about God: the loving union of husband
and wife speaks of
family values and also God's values. Couples need to be registered members of the parish for four months prior to the marriage. Arrange dates and times at the Parish Office, six months in advance. |
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In the
Sacrament of Holy Orders, or
Ordination, the priest being ordained vows to
lead other Catholics by
bringing them the sacraments (especially the
Eucharist), by proclaiming
the Gospel, and by providing other means to
holiness. For more
information, contact the
Archdiocesan Office of Vocations. |
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The
Catholic Sacrament of
Anointing of the Sick, formerly known as Last
Rites or Extreme
Unction, is a ritual of healing not only for
physical but also for
mental and spiritual sickness. Our
parish celebrates this
sacrament communally twice a year. Parishioners are encouraged to call the parish office whenever they or a family are hospitalized so a priest or other pastoral minister may visit. |
Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)
This is a program designed to offer information about the Catholic Faith and offer a path to those who wish to take a journey of faith. The classes are for those who were unable to make decisions about religion earlier in life, are from other faith traditions that wish to become in full communion with the Catholic Church, or who never had any religious affiliation.
The Faith Journey begins in September and concludes in Baptism (if not previously Baptized), Confirmation, and First Eucharist at the Easter Vigil.
If you, a friend, or a relative would like more information, please contact Deacon Al Foeckler at 414-282-7681 or leave a name and phone number at the parish office 414-281-8115 with a time of day it would be convenient to contact you.