The sacramental life of the Church is an integral part of our faith.  In the sacraments, we celebrate through ritual and symbol, the Lord’s presence in our lives.


BAPTISM

Parents of children to be baptized are expected to be registered members of the parish; or, have a letter from their pastor granting his approval for the baptism to be performed at this parish, requesting that the parents receive baptism instruction.  See the pastor at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish at least one month in advance.  Godparents selected must be practicing Catholics.

EUCHARIST

As Catholics, we believe the Eucharist is "the source and summit of Christian life.”  The celebration of the Eucharist through the Mass, is the central service of worship for Roman Catholics.  Mass at Sacred Heart is offered at 9:00 a.m., Tuesday through Friday.  The anticipated Sunday Mass is celebrated each Saturday at 5:00 p.m., and Sunday Masses are celebrated at 8:00 and 10:00 a.m.  For holydays with obligation, a Vigil Mass is said at 6:00 p.m. the day preceding the holyday.  The actual holyday Mass (with or without obligation) is celebrated at 9:00 a.m.  Homebound parishioners can have Holy Communion brought to their homes by calling the staff of the Church Office at 922-2062.


FIRST COMMUNION

To prepare for First Communion, a child must have (1) received the Sacrament of Baptism, (2) be at least 7 years of age, (3) have completed one year of religious instruction prior to enrollment in the First Communion class, and (4) regularly attend Sunday Mass with his/her family.  Preparation for First Communion requires cooperation between the pastor, teachers and parents.  The First Communion class is part of the CCD Program.

CONFIRMATION

Ninth grade students (and above) are eligible for the reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation.  Confirmation preparation is presented as part of the parish CCD Program.  Weekly meetings and a retreat allow time for faith-sharing and the journey toward a maturing faith that is celebrated in the sacrament.

RECONCILIATION

Catholics are required to confess their sins to a priest at least once a year.  The Rite of Reconciliation stresses the healing presence of Christ.  After an examination of conscience, we seek forgiveness while recognizing our continuous dependence on His love and mercy.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession/Penance) is scheduled 45 to 15 minutes before each Mass and by appointment with the pastor.

MARRIAGE

Your wedding is a religious ceremony solemnly celebrating the joyful, life-long covenant of love between a man and a woman.  Marriage is a sacrament of the Church, wherein God gives to a man and a woman, the grace necessary to live a married life according to Christian principles.  It demands, therefore, serious and prayerful preparation.

The pastor and deacons at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish will assist an engaged couple in planning their ceremony and help them prepare for their life together.  Engaged couples requesting information about Matrimony should contact the pastor at least six months prior to the tentative date of the wedding.

HOLY ORDERS

If you believe your vocation may be to serve God, either as a priest or as a deacon, you can contact the pastor who will help you contact the Vocations Director for the diocese.

ANOINTING OF THE SICK

Anointing of the Sick gives spiritual strength and healing to those who are aged or ill.  In the event of serious illness or medical emergency, Anointing of the Sick, and The Eucharist, may be arranged by calling the Parish Office during office hours; or, the pastor’s home, after hours.  Parishioners are encouraged to contact the pastor for anointing before hospitalization.

Information prepared by Deacons Gieringer and Lipsmeyer