Our Faith Formation
Baptism
Baptisms are celebrated during Mass on weekends. Parents may request baptism for their child by calling the rectory office to schedule a preparation class for infant Baptism. Baptism preparation for school aged children will take approximately eight months.
Baptism is God’s most beautiful and magnificent gift. . . .We call it gift, grace, anointing, enlightenment, garment of immortality, bath of rebirth, seal, and most precious gift. It is called gift because it is conferred on those who bring nothing of their own; grace since it is given even to the guilty; Baptism because sin is buried in the water; anointing for it is priestly and royal as are those who are anointed; enlightenment because it radiates light; clothing since it veils our shame; bath because it washes; and seal as it is our guard and the sign of God’s Lordship.
Baptismal Information Form
First Reconciliation
The Sacrament of Reconciliation celebrates our continuous conversion, our turning from selfishness and sin to love and generosity in order to embrace God’s forgiveness. This sacrament is meant to heal what is broken and to set free what is bound up. It is the way we are called to live as Christians.
First Reconciliation preparation for children in grade school begins in their second grade year. The policy of the Diocese of La Crosse requires that catechesis and the celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation precede the reception of First Holy Communion. Children in 2nd grade and those in elementary school who have not celebrated the Sacrament of Reconciliation are prepared and receive this Sacrament prior to the reception of First Holy Communion.
First Holy Communion
Preparation for First Holy Communion begins when parents bring present their children for baptism and promises to raise them in the Catholic faith. Formal preparation begins in 1st grade as the children learn about God, the Trinity, and are introduced to the sacraments in both the school and Faith Formation program and continues through their second grade year. First Holy Communion is celebrated in the spring of their second grade year.
Confirmation
What is going to change in my life once I have been confirmed?
It is evident from its celebration that the effect of the sacrament of Confirmation is the special outpouring of the Holy Spirit as once granted to the apostles on the day of Pentecost. From this fact, Confirmation brings an increase and deepening of baptismal grace:
– it roots us more deeply in the divine filiation which makes us cry, “Abba! Father!”;
– it unites us more firmly to Christ;
– it increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit in us;
– it renders our bond with the Church more perfect;
– it gives us a special strength of the Holy Spirit to spread and defend the faith by word and action as true witnesses of Christ, to confess the name of Christ boldly, and never to be ashamed of the Cross. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1302-1303)
Preparation for this Sacrament begins during the freshman year of high school and reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation is generally during in the spring of the sophomore year of high school.
Marriage
The consent by which the spouses mutually give and receive one another is sealed by God himself. From their covenant arises “an institution, confirmed by the divine law, …even in the eyes of society.” The covenant between the spouses is integrated into God’s covenant with man: “Authentic married love is caught up into divine love.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1639)
Couples requesting marriage in the Church should contact the rectory office at least six months prior to the anticipated date.
Weddings are not celebrated during Advent or Lent.
Diocese of La Crosse Marriage Preparation Checklist
Holy Communion to the Homebound
Individuals who are homebound and wish to receive Holy Communion should contact the rectory office.
“The Church believes and confesses that among the seven sacraments there is one especially intended to strengthen those who are being tried by illness, the Anointing of the Sick: ‘This sacred anointing of the sick was instituted by Christ our Lord as a true and proper sacrament of the New Testament. It is alluded to indeed by Mark, but it is recommended to the faith and promulgated by James the apostle…”. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1511)
New Parish Members
All adult Catholics should be registered in a parish community. To register, please contact the rectory office to schedule an appointment to meet with Father to join our parish. We welcome those who are interested in joining the Catholic Church.
Please contact the rectory for information on our welcoming ministry.
Parish Registration Form
