Our life as Catholic Christians is truly a journey. It is a life-long journey. Moreover, it is not a solitary journey. From beginning to end, the Catholic Christian journeys in Christ, both marking and celebrating this journey in sacramental encounters. Because our Sacraments are the heart of our life in Christ, sufficient preparation for them is necessary. We also strive to celebrate the Sacraments in meaningful communal celebrations. Following are the ways individual Sacraments are prepared for and celebrated in our parish.

Catechumenate Program (R.C.I.A.)

The process of RCIA is for adults who wish to become Catholic. This includes unbaptized persons, persons baptized in another Christian denomination, and Catholics who have not received sacraments other than Baptism. Through a process of listening and learning, of sharing the faith stories of the Word of God and their own faith stories and involvement in the rituals of the Church, the candidates make a journey of faith and discernment. The process is supported by parishioner participation and is open to all who are interested in becoming Catholic.

If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a Catholic, please call Deacon Fred J. Pins at 277-4456.

Sacraments of Initiation

Baptism
The Sacrament of Baptism is celebrated on the first Sunday of each month. Preparation: Parents intending to baptize a baby are required to contact our Baptism Coordinator who will set them up with a priest or deacon to meet with them at their home. A baby's baptism is a time of celebration and we hope to help you prepare in the best possible way.

For more information please contact Deacon Kevin Heim at 274-4321.

Holy Eucharist
Holy Eucharist is celebrated daily and several times each weekend. Please consult our parish bulletin for the current times. First Eucharist is ordinarily celebrated when a child is in second grade. First Eucharist celebrations are usually held in the spring.

Preparation: Parents and children are jointly involved in the preparation program, beginning in the fall. Each child participating must have completed one year of religious education or Catholic school immediately prior to starting the program.

For more information please contact Jennifer Settle at 255-1175 ext. 207

Confirmation
This sacrament completes the initiation process. The annual celebration of Confirmation is scheduled according to availability of the Bishop.

Preparation: Eighth graders begin the preparation in the fall. Eligibility presumes that the student has been regularly involved in Religious Education or Catholic School programs immediately prior to beginning Confirmation preparation. The preparation program involves candidates, parents and sponsors, who will participate in study, prayer, service and community experiences with the parish and catechetical team. The Mass of Investiture and a retreat day are part of the preparation process.

For more information please contact Jennifer Settle at 255-1175 ext. 207

Sacraments of Vocation

Matrimony
Matrimony is the sacrament of life and love. A wedding date is scheduled after an initial appointment and interview.

Preparation: Adequate preparation for this life-long commitment is essential. Therefore, engaged couples should contact our parish twelve months prior to their planned wedding. If the annulment of a previous marriage is involved, a longer processing time is required.

For more information please contact Margaret Emsweller at 255-1175 ext. 209.

Holy Orders
If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a priest or entering Religious Life, please contact a parish priest for more information. They will help you establish contacts to help support and discern your call.

Time, Talent and Treasure
Our parish affirms that we are all called to share the gifts we receive from God, recognizing that quality programs and ministries require a commitment to stewardship of time, talent, and treasure. We ask that each parishioner share a portion of his/her time and talent by serving on parish standing committees and/or participating in parish projects and ministries.

Our parish subscribes to a tithing program. Although everyone's giving is to be an expression of gratitude to God for everything you have received, practical matters require that we suggest giving guidelines in order to meet our bills and support our ministries and activities.

Our expectation is that every parishioner will contribute to the financial support of our parish at a level commensurate with household income. The tithing guideline recommended for each household is $1.00 a week per $1,000 gross income per year (or approximately, 5% of one's gross income.).

Our philosophy is similar to that of the early Church: Stewardship involves one's practical expression of gratitude to God for His gifts by sharing a generous portion of His gifts with the Church and the poor of the world.

For more information please contact Ralph Berg at 255-1175 ext. 215.