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 Kevin Heim at 515-274-4321 or e-mail rsheim@prodigy.net

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 or e-mail rsheim@prodigy.net

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 Janis Falk at 255-1175 ext. 204, or via e-mail at janisf@staugustin.org

CONFIRMATION
This sacrament completes the initiation process. High School tenth graders receive the sacrament. The annual celebration of Confirmation is scheduled according to availability of the Bishop.

Preparation: 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 Janis Falk at 255-1175 ext. 204 or via email at janisf@staugustin.org.

Sacraments of Vocation

MATRIMONY
The Church welcomes its members to celebrate and solemnize their weddings in the context of our prayer as Christians. Indeed, so important is marriage in Christian life that it is called a Sacrament.

St. Augustin Parish gladly celebrates the Sacrament of Matrimony with couples who wish to make Christ the center of their marriage and grow with us as a parish community in their Catholic faith.

Setting Your Wedding Date
Engaged couples are asked to contact our parish 12 months prior to their planned wedding. A wedding date can be scheduled only after meeting with Rev. Mr. Mike Manno, Deacon (mjmanno@yahoo.com)and filling out the necessary paperwork for participation in a marriage preparation program. It is the responsibility of the engaged couple to secure the date with the church before making commitments with caterers, reception halls, etc.

Who May Marry in our Parish Church?
The answer to this question is governed, in part, by the Code of Canon Law of the Roman Catholic Church. Generally speaking, members of our parish may celebrate their weddings at St. Augustin Church. One of the engaged, or their parents, must have been a registered member of St. Augustin Parish for at least 12 months prior to seeking preparation for marriage. Being a registered member includes regular attendance at weekly Mass, and sharing your time, talent, and treasure. Consistent financial support is needed from all parishioners, and engaged couples tithe at least $10 per week for support of St. Augustin Church.

Roman Catholics who live within the boundaries of the parish, but who have no formal relationship with the parish community, may speak with someone on the parish staff about establishing such a relationship with the parish - with an eye towards celebrating a wedding in the future.

Former members of the parish need to speak with both their present pastor and to the pastor or marriage preparation minister at St. Augustin Parish, if they wish to solemnize their marriage in this church.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact mjmanno@yahoo.com.

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 Andy Ball at 255-1175 ext. 205.