The sacramental life of our parish is our deepest expression of who we are. All sacraments are community celebrations of our encounters with the Risen Lord in the most important moments of our lives. Since sacraments are so important to us as Catholic Christians, we take them very seriously and prepare to celebrate them carefully.

Each time we celebrate a sacrament, we respond in a fresh way to Jesus’ call to discipleship. Therefore, the decision to prepare to celebrate a sacrament belongs to the individual. However, in the case of children, readiness to prepare for a sacrament is discerned by the child in concert with his/her parents and the priests of the parish. Careful preparation, catechesis and prayerful attention to growth in faith must precede the decision to celebrate a sacrament for the first time. Accordingly, the parish provides programs for preparation for the sacraments of Baptism, First Reconciliation, Confirmation, First Eucharist, and Marriage. Policies and programs which meet diocesan and parish requirements for the reception of individual sacraments are summarized in this section.

Baptisms for infants and children (through age 6) are celebrated at scheduled liturgies throughout the year. Parents must be registered in the parish and active in the life of the parish. Preparation classes are offered in January, March, May, July, September, and November. To register for Baptism preparation, please contact Linda Sigl, 936-3635, ext. 19 or lsigl@saintcecilias.net.

Older children and youth are invited to participate in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults adapted for children. This process is designed for those 7-17 years of age who: are not baptized, baptized in another faith tradition and desire to become a member of the Catholic faith, and older children who have not yet celebrated Confirmation or First Eucharist. To register, please contact Kristi Neumayer Jenkins , 936-3635, ext 20 or kjenkins@saintcecilias.net.

RESTORED ORDER

We, at St. Cecilia, have responded to Bishop Nevin’s request to restore the order of the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. Children, therefore, celebrate Confirmation before Eucharist at the same celebration with the Bishop.

SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION FOR CHILDREN

Sacrament involves relationship with Jesus and presumes faith. Readiness, not age or grade, is the criterion for the reception of a sacrament. The celebration of sacrament is the action of the community. The family has an essential role in the preparation for and celebration of a sacrament. Since the pastor has the canonical right and obligation to administer sacraments to his parishioners, preparation and reception of a sacrament is celebrated in and by the parish to which the family is registered and participating. Whether a student attends a parish religious education program or a Catholic school, the sacraments are received in the parish to which the family belongs.

Remote preparation is a period of evangelization and systematic faith formation prior to the year of immediate preparation. There should be a minimum of at least one year of faith formation prior to the year of immediate preparation for First Reconciliation, Confirmation, and First Eucharist. This guideline is met through participation in a Catholic school or parish faith formation program.

Immediate preparation involves preparation separate from and in addition to current and regular faith formation. These meeting require the participation of the children and their parents. They are intended to provide parents with the information and skills necessary to determine if their children are ready to receive the sacraments.

Christian living has to be learned, and a child’s religious life needs constant nurturing. The goal of Christian initiation is a permanent and maturing relationship with Jesus Christ. On-going participation in the liturgical/sacramental, catechetical and apostolic life of the parish strengthens and deepens that relationship.

RECONCILIATION

The Church is called to be an instrument of God’s desire for healing and wholeness. In the Sacrament of Reconciliation, individuals and the community of faith are invited to celebrate God’s endless desire to forgive our sins.

During the seasons of Advent and Lent, a communal celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation (also known as a Penance service) is scheduled. Individuals may also celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation on Saturday afternoons from 3:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The sacrament may also be celebrated at other times by calling the Parish Office for an appointment.

Preparation for First Reconciliation is a parish-based process and is centered in the faith community. The curriculum used is called Reconciliation and is designed to help guide children and young people as they prepare for a lifetime of being healed in the sacrament of Reconciliation. This preparation is rooted in solid sacramental theology and includes the elements of ritual, prayer, Scripture, doctrine, and reflection.

Parents are reminded that children who have not been prepared for First Reconciliation must participate in this process before entering Confirmation/First Eucharist preparation. Children, however, may celebrate First Reconciliation when their parents determine they are ready.

Preparation sessions begin in the fall, culminating with the celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation during Advent. The celebration is a communal one with private confession. Contact Kristi Neumayer Jenkins , 936-3635, ext. 20 or kjenkins@saintcecilias.net for additional information.

CONFIRMATION

Children are prepared for Confirmation and First Eucharist in one family program, usually during second grade. If your child has celebrated First Eucharist in another parish, they should be registered for Confirmation preparation, no matter what the practice was in the former parish.

Adults wishing to be confirmed are invited to participate in the adult Confirmation process, which begins in January.

Confirmation for all candidates is usually celebrated during the Easter season when the Bishop makes his annual visit. Contact Kristi Neumayer Jenkins , 936-3635, ext. 20 or kjenkins@saintcecilias.net for more information

FIRST EUCHARIST/CONFIRMATION (RESTORED ORDER)

First Eucharist/Confirmation preparation is a parish-based process and is centered in the faith community. The curriculum used is called Eucharist and incorporates the preparation for Confirmation throughout the lessons. It is designed to help guide children and young people as they continue their journey of Christian initiation into the Church. This preparation is rooted in solid sacramental theology and includes the elements of ritual, prayer, scripture, doctrine and reflection.

Preparation sessions begin in January, culminating with the celebration of the Sacraments of Eucharist and/or Confirmation with Bishop Nevins during the Easter season. Contact Kristi Neumayer Jenkins , 936-3635, ext. 20 or kjenkins@saintcecilias.net for additional information.

CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF CHILDREN

This process is for children and youth above the age of seven who have not been baptized, or were baptized in another faith tradition, and desire to join the Catholic Church. The process is also for Catholic children who have not completed the Sacraments of Initiation. Candidates attend classes with fully initiated peers and participate in the rites with the RCIA community. Please contact Kristi Neumayer Jenkins, 936-3635, ext. 20 or kjenkins@saintcecilias.net for additional information.

THE RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (RCIA)

The RCIA process is for those who are interested in learning about the Catholic faith and joining the Catholic Church. The process is divided into various periods that respect and support the individual’s journey in faith. Participants meet and experience the life of the community through participation in liturgy and shared faith. The process leads to the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) at the Easter Vigil. The process is adapted for those already baptized in another faith tradition and Catholics who have not completed the Sacraments of Initiation. For more information, contact Michele Salko, 936-3635, ext. 19 or msalko@saintcecilias.net.

MARRIAGE

The Catholic Church believes that sacramental marriage is a lifestyle into which a husband and wife invite God to be a constitutive dimension. A wedding is a celebration that establishes this three-way bond. Because the bond is broken only by death, the Catholic Church takes seriously its commitment to prepare a couple desiring to be married sacramentally. Time for learning, discussion, prayer and reflection are necessary to ensure that a couple is prepared to enter into this covenant. The priest should be contacted at least six months before the proposed wedding date to allow adequate time to complete the marriage preparation program.

ANOINTING OF THE SICK

This sacrament of healing is for those who face any kind of serious physical or mental illness. It may be celebrated by anyone who anticipates major surgery, suffers chronic debilitations or who has reached an advanced age. One seeks this sacrament for support in the struggle against illness and the healing from Christ. A communal celebration of this sacrament takes place during Mass four times a year. Those who seek this sacrament at other times should call the priest to arrange a time, especially if one is to be hospitalized for a serious condition.

HOLY ORDERS

The priests will be more than happy to discuss religious life and ministry with anyone who wishes to know more about this exciting vocation. Please feel free to contact one of our priests at 936-3635, ext. 13 (Fr. Stan) or 17 (Fr. Frank).