Sacraments

Baptism
First Reconciliation
First Eucharist
Confirmation
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
Marriage
Anointing of the Sick

Baptism

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.  Baptisms are celebrated for registered parish members.

Requirements:

• Parents must attend one of the monthly preparation sessions if it has been more than two years since attending a previous baptismal session. These sessions are held collaboratively with St. Augustine and St. Paul and St. Veronica parishes. Pre-registration for the session you want to attend is required. Contact the parish office to register.
•  One Catholic godparent is required. There may be two godparents, one godmother and one godfather, if preferred by the parents. For someone to undertake the office of godparent it is necessary that they:
  •  Not be the child’s parent
  •  be at least 16 years of age
  • be Catholic, fully initiated (having received the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation) and a registered member of any Catholic parish.  
• A practicing Christian of another denomination may be chosen as a Christian witness along with a Catholic godparent

First Reconciliation

The sacrament of Reconciliation is first celebrated with children in grades 2 and up. Preparation is held in the fall. Parents and children attend preparation sessions together. Through take-home materials, the children and families become more aware of the forgiveness which is ours through Jesus Christ.  Any parish child attending St. Thomas Aquinas Academy or Elementary Religious Education is invited to participate in the preparation process. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is celebrated during Advent.

Fall 2007 Schedule

First Eucharist

The Catholic Church celebrates the sacrament of Eucharist as the chief act of worship. The Eucharist was instituted by Jesus “in order to perpetuate the sacrifice of the Cross throughout the ages until He should come again, and so to entrust to His beloved Spouse, the Church, a sacrament of love, a sign of unity, a bond of charity, a paschal banquet in which Christ is consumed, the mind is filled with grace, and a pledge of future glory is given to us” (Sacrosanctum Concilium, n. 47, the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy). Through the preparation process, children in grade 2 or higher and their families deepen their understanding of this sacred mystery. Any parish child attending St. Thomas Aquinas Academy or Elementary Religious Education is invited to participate. The Sacrament of Eucharist is celebrated with the communicants and their family during April or May.

Spring 2008 Schedule

Confirmation

Youth Confirmation

Confirmation preparation is offered to all parish youth from St. Veronica and St. Paul in the 11th grade. This program includes student, parent and sponsor sessions; a retreat; service projects and other activities to enrich the young person’s understanding and appreciation of this important Sacrament of Initiation. The sessions are conducted in a large group setting with opportunities for further reflection and discussion in small groups. The Confirmation preparation program is presented as a “capstone” to the students’ previous religious education, so prior enrollment in a religious education program is important. For more information, please contact Jeffrey Montoya, Youth Minister at (414) 481-0777, ext 135.

Confirmation Program Calendar

Adult Confirmation

Are you an adult Catholic who has received the Sacraments of Baptism and First Communion, but who never received the Sacrament of Confirmation?  For those already joined to Christ in Baptism and the Eucharist, the Sacrament of Confirmation deepens and strengthens our relationship with Christ through the Holy Spirit.  This Sacrament imparts many spiritual gifts that help us live our Christian lives and be witnesses to Christ in the world.  The preparation process to receive this Sacrament will begin again in January 2008.  For more information contact Karen Bushman at (414) 481-0777, ext 117.

Registration Form

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)

Adults who have not been baptized (known as catechumens), baptized Catholics who have not received Eucharist and Confirmation, or those coming to the Catholic tradition from another denomination are invited to join RCIA. Preparation begins with an Inquiry period during late September and October. Those who decide to continue meet weekly to attend 8:30 a.m. Liturgy and break open God’s Word. Reception of the sacraments occurs at the Easter Vigil. Anyone interested in learning more about being baptized or receiving the Sacraments of Initiation are invited to contact the Religious Formation office. Parishioners are invited to become part of the RCIA team. Parish adults are also needed to act as sponsors to those joining the Catholic faith.

Marriage

We celebrate the sacrament of Marriage only for our registered parish members. Please contact the parish office to schedule a meeting with the pastor one year in advance, before you book other arrangements.

Sacrament of Matrimony Guidelines

Anointing of the Sick and Pastoral Visits

We are always willing to stop by your home or the hospital. Please notify us when you or a family member is in need of a visit, or is hospitalized. The hospitals do not always notify us. Anointing of the Sick will occur after the Masses on the second weekend of each month.