Sacraments

The Seven Sacraments of the Roman Catholic Church can be drawn together in three categories: the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist), Sacraments of Healing (Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick), and Sacraments of Vocation (Marriage and Holy Orders).

Sacraments of Initiation-- For adults, it is normative for these sacraments to be celebrated all at once at the Easter Vigil. The preparation and celebration of these sacraments is known as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.

Baptism: We celebrate the sacrament of baptism with infants at the 5:00 p.m. Saturday Mass of Anticipation and the 11:00 a.m. Sunday Mass on the weekend following the first Tuesday of the month. A preparation session is required if this is a couple's first child or if it has been more than three years since the last child was baptized. For older children and adults, we have a process called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. Call the Parish Office for further information. 

Confirmation: The Confirmation Program prepares juniors in high school (minimum of 16 years of age) for the Sacrament of Confirmation. In the year long program we try to emphasize the actions of the Holy Spirit in spiritual growth as well as the communal life of the church. Encouraging the teens to respond to an active participation in the faith community is a priority. The Sacrament is celebrated during liturgy in the Easter Season.
For more information call the Director of Youth Ministry at the parishes Christian Formation Office.

See Sacrament Preparation under Christian Formation
 

Eucharist (Communion): This sacrament is celebrated every weekend by the community as well as on most weekdays. Children who are at least in the second grade spend the year from September until Easter preparing to receive the Body and Blood of Christ for the first time in communion with the rest of the church during the Easter Season. Call the Christian Formation Office for further information. 

See Sacrament Preparation under Christian Formation

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults: This rite, known as RCIA is a process whereby adults who are either not baptized or who have been baptized into another Christian faith tradition are initiated into the Roman Catholic tradition. After a period of Inquiry, a person may decide to formally enter into the process and begins the period of Catechumenate, during which they become familiar with the Catholic Christian tradition. After this period of preparation, they enter into the period of Purification and Enlightenment, a six-week period of intense preparation for receiving the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday night. After being received into the community, there is a fourth period of Mystagogy, during which the newly-received member experiences the joy of being part of the faith community. For information on the process of RCIA, contact the Director of Adult and Family Ministry at the Christian Formation Office. 
Sacraments of Healing

Reconciliation: The sacrament of reconciliation is celebrated on Saturday mornings during the year. In addition, a communal service is celebrated during both the Advent and the Lenten Seasons. The sacrament can also be celebrated individually by appointment. Preparation for children to understand and celebrate the sacrament is coordinated through the Christian Formation Office. For additional information about preparation for reception of the sacrament for the first time,

See Sacrament Preparation under Christian Formation

Anointing of the Sick: The sacrament of anointing is celebrated communally on the first Tuesday of the month at both the 7:00 a.m. and the 7:00 p.m. Masses. There is also an additional communal celebration in the Spring. The sacrament may be celebrated at any time for someone who is seriously ill or entering the hospital for surgery. One needs only to call one of the parish priests to make arrangements to celebrate this sacrament. 

Sacraments of Vocation

Marriage: The sacrament of marriage is celebrated throughout the year. In order to properly prepare for this sacrament, a couple must contact one of the parish priests at least six months prior to the anticipated date. 

Holy Orders: The sacrament of holy orders is celebrated once a year in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, presided over by Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan. If you are interested in learning more about this sacrament and what preparation is needed, please contact the St. Francis Seminary Home Page.