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Sacraments
The Seven Sacraments of the Roman Catholic Church can be drawn together in three categories: the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist), Sacraments of Healing (Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick), and Sacraments of Vocation (Marriage and Holy Orders). Sacraments of Initiation--
For adults, it is normative for these sacraments to be celebrated all at
once at the Easter Vigil. The preparation and celebration of these sacraments
is known as the Rite of Christian Initiation
of Adults.
Baptism: We celebrate the sacrament of baptism with infants at the
5:00 p.m. Saturday Mass of Anticipation and the 11:00 a.m. Sunday Mass
on the weekend following the first Tuesday of the month. A preparation session is required if this is a couple's first child
or if it has been more than three years since the last child was baptized.
For older children and adults, we have a process called the Rite
of Christian Initiation of Adults. Call
the Parish Office for further information.
Confirmation:
The Confirmation Program prepares juniors in high school
(minimum of 16 years of age) for the Sacrament of Confirmation. In the year
long program we try to emphasize the actions of the Holy Spirit in spiritual
growth as well as the communal life of the church. Encouraging the teens to
respond to an active participation in the faith community is a priority. The
Sacrament is celebrated during liturgy in the Easter Season.
Eucharist (Communion): This sacrament is celebrated every weekend
by the community as well as on most weekdays. Children who are at least
in the second grade spend the year from September until Easter preparing
to receive the Body and Blood of Christ for the first time in communion
with the rest of the church during the Easter Season. Call
the Christian Formation Office for further information.
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults: This rite, known as RCIA
is a process whereby adults who are either not baptized or who have been
baptized into another Christian faith tradition are initiated into the
Roman Catholic tradition. After a period of Inquiry, a person may
decide to formally enter into the process and begins the period of Catechumenate,
during which they become familiar with the Catholic Christian tradition.
After this period of preparation, they enter into the period of Purification
and Enlightenment, a six-week period of intense preparation for receiving
the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday night.
After being received into the community, there is a fourth period of Mystagogy,
during which the newly-received member experiences the joy of being part
of the faith community. For information on the process of RCIA, contact
the Director of Adult and Family Ministry at the Christian Formation Office.
Reconciliation:
The sacrament of reconciliation is celebrated on Saturday mornings
during the year. In addition, a communal service is celebrated during both
the Advent and the Lenten Seasons. The sacrament can also be celebrated
individually by appointment. Preparation for children
to understand and celebrate the sacrament is coordinated through the Christian
Formation Office. For additional information about
preparation for reception of the sacrament for the first time,
Anointing of the Sick: The sacrament of anointing is celebrated
communally on the first Tuesday of the month at both the 7:00 a.m. and
the 7:00 p.m. Masses. There is also an additional communal celebration
in the Spring. The sacrament may be celebrated at any time for someone
who is seriously ill or entering the hospital for surgery. One needs only
to call one of the parish priests to make
arrangements to celebrate this sacrament.
Marriage: The sacrament of marriage is celebrated throughout the
year. In order to properly prepare for this sacrament, a couple must contact
one of the parish priests at least six months prior to the anticipated
date.
Holy Orders: The sacrament of holy orders is celebrated once a year
in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, presided over by Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan.
If you are interested in learning more about this sacrament and what preparation
is needed, please contact the St.
Francis Seminary Home Page.
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