Sacraments
Sacraments
“The purpose of the sacraments is to sanctify men, to build up the Body of Christ and, finally, to give worship to God" (CCC 1123).
As a parish family striving to have Christ at the center of our lives, the celebration of the sacraments, as part of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, is an integral part of our vibrant worship. As with all families, we find joy, strength, comfort, and an increase in our own faith when we can celebrate with one another at all stages of life - from birth to eternal life - from baptism to funeral. We look forward to walking with you and your family at every stage of the journey.
Baptism
“You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased” Luke 3:22.
Our parish family looks forward to welcoming your child(ren) as beloved sons and daughters of our Father through the waters of baptism. This sacrament is our initiation into the Christian faith. Our tradition is to celebrate baptisms, as a parish family, during weekend Masses. Please note that Baptisms are not ordinarily celebrated during the seasons of Advent and Lent.
To start the process, please contact our
parish office.
If you are an adult seeking baptism, please view our Adult Faith Formation page.
First Holy Communion
“I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world” John 6:51.
Our Catholic faith teaches us that Jesus, His body, blood, soul, and divinity, is truly present in the Eucharist. This Sacrament is the most beautiful gift Jesus has given us to help us be close to him.
Children typically prepare for and receive the sacrament of First Holy Communion in 2nd grade. If you have a child who is older than 2nd grade and has not prepared for or received Holy Communion, please contact our program director. To learn more about Family Faith Formation Program.
Others who have not prepared to receive the Eucharist in the Catholic church may also learn more and grow in understanding of the Sacrament by participating in
OCIA. Until this preparation and understanding is completed, please refrain from receiving the Eucharist. You are invited to receive a blessing from the priest or minister by processing with your arms crossed.
Confirmation
"When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together. And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim" (Acts 2:1-4).
The Sacrament of Confirmation is the Church’s participation in the great event of Pentecost. When we are confirmed, something supernatural happens: God acts. He sends down His Spirit for upon us - to fill us with Himself. The bond we have with the Blessed Trinity and the Church is strengthened. Through baptism, we take on the identity of Christ - we are made sons and daughters of God. Through confirmation, we take on the mission of Christ and the Church- to lead souls to heaven. Having been equipped with all the necessary gifts, we are then sent out into the world to boldly spread and defend our faith in Jesus.
In the Diocese of La Crosse, youth receive the Sacrament of Confirmation when they are in 10th grade. Families with 11th or 12th graders who have not yet been confirmed should contact the program director. We will happily work with you and your teens to ensure they receive this important Sacrament. Learn more about our Youth Faith Formation Program.
Reconciliation
"Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained” (John 20:23).
In the Sacrament of Reconciliation (also known as Confession), Jesus forgives sins and reunites us to Himself. It is important that before receiving the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, body, blood, soul, and divinity of Christ, we prepare our hearts for this great gift. Through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, we prepare our hearts by cleansing ourselves of grave sin and receiving the sanctifying grace of Jesus Christ.
Children in the second grade will prepare for their First Reconciliation through our Family Faith Formation program. Learn more about the Family Faith Formation Program.
To prepare for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, one should complete an examination of conscience, which involves reflecting prayerfully on one’s thoughts, words, and deeds to identify any sins. The USCCB offers many options for this
examination to prepare for the Sacrament.
Marriage
"From the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female. For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother [and be joined to his wife], and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh" (Mark 10:6-8).
Congratulations on your engagement! Our pastor, staff, and marriage sponsor couples look forward to walking with you during this time of preparation and planning.
To begin planning your wedding at Mary, Mother of the Church, please contact our
pastor.
Anointing of the Sick
"Is anyone among you sick? He should summon the elders of the church, and they should pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven" James 5:14-15.
Anointing of the Sick is a Sacrament given by a priest to provide healing from sin. There is no limitation for this in regards to imminent death. If you have an upcoming procedure or recent diagnosis of an illness and would like to receive the Sacrament of Anointing, please contact our pastor.
If you or a loved one is in the hospital, please ask the Pastoral Care Department to notify our parish office. Federal privacy laws in health care prohibit hospitals from making this notification unless you ask them to do so.
In an emergency, call 608-788-5483, ext. 7.
Several times each year, we celebrate a weekday Mass, during which the Sacrament of Anointing is offered. Watch for an announcement in the
bulletin and on our
calendar.
Holy Orders
"Come to him, a living stone rejected by human beings but chosen and precious in the sight of God, and, like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ" (1:Peter 4-5).
The Holy Orders Sacrament is a ministerial priesthood to which some are called as a gift from God. If you believe the Lord is calling you to the priesthood or religious life, the Diocese of La Crosse Vocations Department will help you begin the discernment process. Please visit the Vocations Website to get started.