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Sacraments of Christian Initiation
INFANT BAPTISM
The Sacrament of Baptism celebrates the very essence of our Christian Faith: the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It initiates one into the body of Christ, the parish faith community. Since the parents’ decision to bring their child into the church entails the important responsibility of raising their child in the faith, St. Mary’s has the following guidelines in place to insure that parents have an understanding of the commitment they are undertaking.
FIRST EUCHARIST
First Eucharist is usually celebrated in the second grade. This preparation includes on-going formation in the Religious Education Program or in St. Mary Parish Day School. First Eucharist is celebrated during the Easter Season. For further information, please contact the Christian Formation Office (262/251-1154).
RITES OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF CHILDREN
Sacramental preparation for children seven years or older who have not been baptized or catechized in the Catholic faith is offered through the Christian Formation Program. Please call the CF Office for further information (262/251-1154).
CONFIRMATION
The sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated usually during a youth’s junior year of high school during the Easter Season. The preparation includes classes, service to the community and a retreat experience. Contact the Christian Formation Office for further information (262/251-1154).
ADULT CONFIRMATION
Adults who are not confirmed, but have remained active Catholics, may register for the collaborative program with our area parishes. The process begins with an orientation session in January, followed by classes from January through March or April (dependingon Easter), and concludes with the celebration of Confirmation at the Easter Vigil. For further information, please contact Sr. Jane Mary Lorbiecki (LorbieckiJ@archmil.org) at the Parish Office.
RITES OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (RCIA)
This sacrament is for those who are seeking initiation into the Catholic Church. They will be prepared through a process call the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). All are invited to prepare for full initiation into the Church through this process:
- Any adult not yet baptized and who wishes to become Catholic.
- Any adult baptized in another Christian Church who wishes to become Catholic.
- Any adult baptized in the Catholic Church, but not raised in the faith and who seeks complete initiation (Confirmation, First Eucharist).
- The Catholic parents of children to be baptized must be registered and practicing members of St. Mary Parish. They should worship with the community on a regular basis, exercising their responsible stewardship of Time, Talent and Treasure in witness to Jesus Christ and service to the community.
- The parents are required to attend a preparation session which will focus on the Rite of Baptism and the role of the family in nurturing the Catholic faith and teachings. Parents are encouraged to attend this session before the birth of their child.
- Baptisms are normally celebrated at the 5 p.m., 8 & 10:30 a.m. Masses on the third weekend of the month and at 12 Noon on the second Sunday of the month. This schedule may change due to conflicts in the parish calendar. Please call the Parish Office for the exact dates and times.
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