Sacraments
Baptism
The rite of infant baptism is celebrated with those children who are ages 7 and younger. If you have a child(ren) of that age, or are expecting a baby, and would like to know more
about preparing to have your child(ren) baptized, please contact Deacon John Stodola.
Children age 8 or above, who are interested in being baptized, are invited to explore the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) process. This process follows the format of the adults wishing to be baptized, but is adapted to fit the child’s age level. This process generally lasts 2 years and does require the participation of either the child’s parent(s) or another adult with whom the child has a close relationship. This process is designed to meet the needs of the family.
First Eucharist and Reconciliation
The celebration of First Eucharist is the second sacrament of initiation in our Catholic faith, with baptism being the first. For those who are baptized, the Archdiocese guidelines state that one year of religious education is needed before preparing for this sacrament. Children generally prepare for the sacraments of reconciliation and First Eucharist during second grade, provided that the child has been attending religious education the previous year.
Confirmation
In the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, confirmation is celebrated when a teenager is a junior or senior in high school. At least one year of prior Religious Education is required before the year of confirmation preparation begins. If you have any questions or would like to register your teenager for Confirmation classes, please visit the Formation page.
If you are a Catholic adult who has received the sacrament of Baptism but has not been confirmed Catholic and would like more information about how to receive the sacrament, please contact Karin Felske.
Marriage
Congratulations on your engagement! If you are a registered, practicing member of our parish, please contact Deacon John as soon as you are engaged, and at least 6 months before the desired wedding date to begin preparing for this sacrament. If you would like to register as a member of our parish, please email the parish office.
Anointing of the Sick
Anyone with serious illness, facing surgery or the challenges of advancing age can be anointed. Please call the parish office as soon as possible, 414-762-4200 ext. 120 to speak with our secretary.
Receiving Sacraments as an Adult (RCIA/OCIA)
The RCIA (Rite/Order of Christian Initiation for Adults) is a process that can begin any time.
The process has four steps, each recognizing how God has been and continues to be at work in our lives, leading us to and through the process.
- Inquiry: Asking questions about the Catholic Church, Scripture, and any other questions you may have. This process begins by contacting Karin Felske. At the end of this step, there is a discernment if the process is something they want to continue. The person or group of people and their sponsor are introduced to the parish community via the Rite of Acceptance/Welcome at a weekend Mass. They state their intention to want to become a member of the Catholic Church through Baptism or their intention to complete their initiation through the Sacraments of Confirmation and/or Eucharist. The Rite of Acceptance/Welcome begins step two.
- Catechumenate: This second step involves continuing to gather as part of the community; with members of the RCIA team the group is dismissed from Mass following the Homily to break open the Scriptures of the day. The group also gathers for topical sessions to learn more about what we believe and to answer any questions they may have. During the season of Lent, the group again comes before the parish community for the Rite of Sending; sponsors affirm their candidate is ready to recieve the sacraments, and the community pledges their continued prayers and support. The group is sent to the Bishop where he recognizes them as ready for the Easter Sacraments.
- Purification & Enlightenment: During this time, the group is prayed for in a special way as they focus on their journey and continue their preparation to receive the Sacraments.
- Mystagogy: Reflection on their experience receiving the Sacraments.