![]() |
|||||||||||||
![]() |
![]() |
||||||||||||
|
Christian Formation: Sacraments of the ChurchSacraments of the Church: What are they and how do I receive them? The sacraments are instituted by Jesus Christ as the means God uses to bring us to salvation. The sacraments are visible signs and instruments of God’s invisible power and grace. They make concrete the power of God in our lives. There are seven sacraments in the Catholic Church:
Baptism“Go therefore
and make disciples of
all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son
and of the
Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded
you” In Baptism we are born again by water and spirit to be
forgiven of sin and
reborn as sons and daughters of God. Through this beautiful
sacrament, we
become members of the Church and share in its mission—to spread
the Gospel
through our lives in the world. Baptism is only given once and
imparts an
indelible spiritual mark that can never be erased. Catholics will most often be baptized as infants—when a
baby is baptized the
parents and godparents speak for the child, expressing the desire for
baptism. Infant baptism emphasizes Christ’s desire to
“let the little
ones come to me” and emphasizes the important role of family and
community in
our life of faith. Some people are also baptized as adults through a special
process called
Rite of Christian initiation of Adults. This beautiful journey
introduces
you to Christ and the faith community, who walks with you as you grow
in faith
and seek Baptism at Easter. Interested in having your child baptized?
Each child must have at at least one godparent. This
godparent must be
a practicing Catholic who has been Confirmed, is at least 16 years
of age, and is not a parent of the one being baptized. This is
because the
Sacrament of Confirmation completes our initiation into our Catholic
life and a
godparent is promising to help the child also become an adult person of
faith.
A second, practicing Catholic who has received the Sacrament of
Confirmation may serve as a second godparent if the parents so choose. A Catholic who is not yet confirmed but who is currently
preparing to
receive confirmation and intends to receive the sacrament may serve as
a second
godparent. A Catholic who is not confirmed and does not intend to
be
confirmed may not serve as a godparent. A baptized Christian may serve as a Christian witness as a
second godparent. Godparents are asked to read our godparent guide and complete
a commitment
form and return it to the parish. Copies of the forms are
available at
the links below: Baptism classes are scheduled by calling Emily Kang at the
parish office at 414-271-6180 emailing ekang@oldsaintmary.org or are
done on an individual basis, and the scheduling is flexible. Are you an adult interested in being baptized? Every year adults are welcomed into the Catholic Church through the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA). RCIA is the preparation process for people interested in being fully initiated into the Catholic Church. Through prayer, worship, classes on Catholic basics, and Bible study, members of the RCIA seek the living God and grow in faith together with the Old Saint Mary Catholic parish community and worldwide Catholic Church. The process begins in early September and runs through June. Celebration of Baptism and the other sacraments of initiation are held at the Easter Vigil. Call anytime during the year to get started or for more information. The RCIA is a process of seeking and growth. We invite you to check it out—you don’t have to be sure you want to finish the process to join us. All interested people are welcome! For more information, contact Emily Kang, Director of Adult Formation and Evangelization at the parish office, 414-271-6180 or ekang@oldsaintmary.org. The Sacrament of Confirmation“Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit; for it had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit” (Acts 8:14-17). The Sacrament of Confirmation is a strengthening of the graces received in Baptism - just as the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles at Pentecost, the gifts of the Holy Spirit are strengthened in those who receive Confirmation, so that they are better able to witness to Christ in the world. Confirmation completes our initiation into the Church and strengthens us for our Christian life. Confirmation Preparation for Teens Confirmation preparation for youth (those in high school) in our parish is done through the Old Saint Mary Parish Religious Education program. Contact Ken Gardinier at 262-786-2381. Adult Confirmation For those adults 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 process to prepare for Adult Confirmation begins in January, and Confirmation is received at Pentecost. For more information contact Emily Kang, Director of Adult Formation and Evangelization at the parish office, 414-271-6180, or ekang@oldsaintmary.org. The Holy Eucharist“I am the living bread that came down from heaven; if any one eats of this bread, he will live for ever;…he who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life and…abides in me, and I in him” (John 6:51, 54, 56). The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Church’s life. In the Eucharist, the Church is joined to the sacrifice of Christ on the Cross, partakes of Christ’s Body and Blood, and is brought into communion with Christ and one another. In the Eucharist, the Lord is present in a true, real and substantial manner in his Body, Blood, soul and divinity. Because Christ himself is present in this sacrament, it is to be honored with the worship of adoration. For the guidelines on receiving communion, go to Preparation for First Communion for Children Parents interested in finding out more about First Communion for their children should call Ken Gardinier at 414-271-6180 or email to kgardinier@netzero.com Adults Seeking First Communion Adults seeking to receive their First Communion should contact Emily Kang, Director of Adult Formation and Evangelization at 414-271-6180 or ekang@oldsaintmary.org . The Sacrament of
Reconciliation (Penance or Confession)
|
||||||||||||
| © 2010 Old St. Mary Parish.
All rights reserved. Old Saint Mary Parish |
|||||||||||||