Sacraments:  Preparation / Celebration

Infant Baptism - Birth through age five.

The parish community helps parents prepare for the baptism of infant children through a personal interview followed by two Baptism Preparation Classes.  This process helps parents to understand their role in their child's spiritual life and growth, and supports them in this task.  Parents must be registered members in the Parish for a reasonable period of time and must show signs of active participation in the parish and its worship.  Baptisms are scheduled thereafter on a suitable Saturday or Sunday either at Mass or immediately after mass.  Contact Father Tom Krieg or Carol Stratton: 232-4922

Baptism of Children - Grades 1 - 5

Children of Catechetical age (grades 1-5) who have not been baptized may prepare for initiation into the Church (including: Baptism, Reconciliation, Eucharist) through a special process similar to the 2nd grade and infant programs.  Often this process involves several family members including one/both parents.  The process is customized to meet the particular needs, ages and back-grounds of the participants.  Contact Emily Revak: 232-4922

First Reconciliation/First Eucharist - 2nd Grade

Preparation for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist is done in the second grade in both St. Joseph School and Growing In Faith Together (G.I.F.T.) with additional efforts by parents in the home.  Preparing children to celebrate a sacrament for the first time is an awesome and challenging responsibility.  To support this the Pastor will be providing instruction on each sacrament.  Parents will be provided and additional book to work through with their child.  The Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist can be prepared for at any age, not just the 2nd grade.  Contact Emily Revak: 232-4922

Confirmation - Grade 10

Confirmation preparation is designed for the responsible and mature student with recent involvement in parish life.  Candidates should be ready to commit to a process which involves: gaily journaling, regular meetings with a mentor, meetings through the year as listed and 2 retreats (one overnight in the Fall as well as one overnight in the Spring).  The process helps an individual confront questions and answers regarding faith, relationships, morality, priorities, family and future.  Program begins in the fall.  Contact Emily Revak: 232-4922

R.C.I.A.

The RITE of CHRISTIAN INITIATION of ADULTS is a process by which St. Joseph welcomes new members into our community and provides an appropriate spiritual formation according to each person's needs.  The people who participate in the process and feel ready to join our community are received into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil, with celebrations of Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist.  This process is especially tailored for the un-baptized of baptized Christians who want to join or explore the possibility of joining the Catholic Church.  The R.C.I.A. process is also proper for the baptized Roman Catholics who now want to complete their Sacramental Initiation.  Contact Emily Revak: 232-4922

Marriage

Couples planning to be married at St. Joseph Church should begin the process of preparation by calling the Pastor.  This must be done a minimum of 6 months prior to the anticipated marriage.  A comprehensive preparation program will assist the couple in approaching the sacrament of Marriage through prayer, discussion, evaluation and learning.  the Pastor, the D.R.E. Ministers of Marriage Encounters and the Liturgy Coordinator will all participate in this process a various times.  Efforts are made to accommodate individual needs.  Contact Father Tom Krieg 232-4922

Anointing of the Sick and Elderly

The sick (physical or emotional) and elderly have a right to this sacrament and it is the mark of true Christian love to offer them both transportation and affirming presence.  Communal celebration of this Sacrament are scheduled each fall and spring (consult the bulletin).  The Pastor can be called at any time to anoint those in need.  Due to new hospitals primary policies, patients at time of admission must tell hospital staff that they would like to see a priest.  Contact Father Tom Krieg 232-4922