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Sacramental Preparation
Traditionally, First Communion and First Reconciliation occur during a student's second grade year.
Our diocese asks us to ensure that students are enrolled in religious education for one full year prior to seeking a sacrament.Confirmation will be celebrated in the fall of tenth grade (or later, if the student is not ready).
All students K-12 should be enrolled in parish catechetical programs. Our Family of Faith religious education does not end with Confirmation. We pause to celebrate the sacrament but know that it is only one step in our journey in growing in relationship with Christ.Sacramental preparation is "above and beyond" standard Religious Education. Together, we will work with parents, families and sponsors to prepare your child for these special, grace-filled moments.
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What is a Sacrament?
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The Sacraments
Initiation
Baptism – Baptism is the gateway to the Church and essential to a life lived in Christ. The Catholic Church promotes infant baptism although anyone may prepare and be baptized. We celebrate one common Christian baptism. So if you were baptized in another Christian denomination, there may be no need to "re-baptize" you. Infant baptismal preparation classes take place on the second Saturday of each month. If you are interested in preparing to baptize an infant, contact Jenna Ripp.
Eucharist (Holy Communion) – Children growing up in the faith and involved in our Faith Formation classes generally prepare and receive their First Communion during their second grade. Interested in enrolling in Faith Formation and preparing a child for their First Communion? Contact Michelle LeVeque.
Confirmation – Children growing up in the faith and involved in our Faith Formation classes generally prepare and receive their Confirmation in the fall of tenth grade. If you are interested in enrolling in Faith Formation and preparing a teen for their Confirmation, contact Geno Finn.
If you or someone you know has not received one of these sacraments at the “traditional” time, do not worry! The Catholic Church has a program called the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) for those interested in becoming Catholic. Contact Kevin Laufenberg with inquiries about how to begin or finish the initiation process.
Rite of Christian Initiation of Children (RCIC) is a process aimed at helping your child encounter God in a life transforming way with the graces of the Sacraments and equipping him/her to become mature disciples as they grow older.
Your child is invited to be a part of the RCIC process if he or she is:
● 7 to 14 years old, roughly third grade through eighth grade, and not baptized; or
● Baptized in another Christian denomination and wishes to enter into full communion
with the Catholic Church; or
● Baptized as Catholic but was never formed in the Catholic faith and has not completed his or her initiation into the Church (i.e., those who have not received the sacrament of First Reconciliation and the Holy Eucharist).
If you are interested in your child joining RCIC or have any questions, please contact Michelle LeVeque.Healing
Reconciliation – Sin harms our relationship with God and with others. Because repairing that relationship is so important, the Church asks us to celebrate this sacrament at least one time each year, although more frequent reconciliation is encouraged. That is why our priests are available every week for reconciliation. Check the Mass Times page for available times. When a priest hears your confession, he is standing in the place of Christ and is acting as an instrument of God’s love and mercy. If it has been awhile, no problem! Tell the priest it has been some time, and he will help walk you through the sacrament. Contact the parish office with questions or to set up a private appointment at 608-831-6531.
Anointing of the Sick – Anointing is a powerful reminder that God created and cares for our bodies. A person may be anointed many times in their life: before a surgery or operation, when they are sick or weak (physically or spiritually) or toward the end of life. Our parish has an Anointing of the Sick Mass each fall. Contact Fr. Brian Dulli or the parish office to request this sacrament.At the Service of Communion
Matrimony – Christian marriage is a beautiful witness of love and serving one other person in a unique way. If you are engaged, congratulations! If you want to start planning your big day, contact Fr. Michael Wanta. Please remember to check on the availability of the church before booking reception halls. Don't assume that the church will be available on any given date. Advance planning will make the entire experience easier and more meaningful!
Holy Orders – Is God calling you to serve His people in a unique and special way? The seminary is a time to continue to discern if this path is right for you. Beginning the journey does not guarantee that you will be ordained a priest. Contact Fr. Scott Jablonski to help discern how God is calling you. The vocations director for the Diocese of Madison, is another excellent resource.Christian Burial - A burial is actually not a sacrament. It is, however, an important moment to properly honor and celebrate the life of a loved one. If you need help planning or preparing for a burial, please contact a local funeral home and/or call our parish office at 608-831-6531. If you have any questions about the St. Bernard cemetery, please contact Tom Theis at 608-831-6531. The St. Bernard Cemetery is located at 1925 Branch St., Middleton, WI. For a list of those interred at our parish cemetery, please click here.