Sacraments
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For more information regarding the preparation and scheduling of sacraments, please contact the parish office.
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Baptism
We are thrilled that you are interested in preparing to present your child for the sacrament of Baptism. The sacrament of Baptism is the first of our sacraments of initiation and is the open door through which we all enter the Church. It is also an opportunity for you as a parent to reflect on your own faith journey and to prepare yourself for the road that lies ahead for you and your child.
Please make an appointment with us to discuss the preparation for the reception of this sacrament.
Eucharist
First Eucharist is celebrated when a child is in the second grade. Each child participating in preparation for First Eucharist must have regularly attended the parish's faith formation program. These sessions focus on age-appropriate understanding of the sacrament. This sacrament is celebrated spring of each year.
Reconciliation
The Sacrament of Reconciliation offers us the forgiveness of God and the forgiveness of the Church. The mercy of God sets us free to do the work of the Gospel all the more. Reconciliation times are either Saturday at 9:00 am or by appointment. In addition, communal reconciliation services are held every Advent and Lent.
First Reconciliation
The Sacrament of First Reconciliation calls parents to join their children in the faith journey and learn what it is to be a reconciling people. Sessions are held in the fall and the sacrament is received prior to First Eucharist.
Anointing of the Sick
The Anointing of the Sick shares the spirit of the holistic healing (body, mind, soul) as evidenced in both the healing ministry of Jesus and the Church. Please notify either the parish nurse or the pastor to receive this sacrament. The Anointing of the Sick is also offered communally every Advent and Lent.
Confirmation
In Confirmation, the confirmand is strengthened by the Holy Spirit for the challenges of living as Christian disciples. Confirmation completes the graces of baptism and perfects the common priesthood of the baptized. Before Jesus was put to death, He promised His followers that He would send His Spirit to comfort and strengthen them. True to His promise, the Holy Spirit was poured out on them on Pentecost, forty days after His resurrection from the dead. The Sacrament of Confirmation is our own Pentecost. High School aged youth who are baptized are invited to participate in a preparation process leading to the celebration of the sacrament of Confirmation.
Marriage
In the Sacrament of Marriage, spouses pledge to love one another, not only with a human love but with divine love. This kind of love is faithful, unconditional, forgiving, and never-ending. When two people are able to love in this way, they make God present and real in our midst. Their life together becomes a sacrament - revealing God's presence to those around them. Couples who wish to prepare for marriage in the church must contact the parish office at least four months in advance.
Holy Orders
The Sacrament of Holy Orders is the continuation of Christ's priesthood, which He bestowed upon His apostles; thus, the Catechism of the Catholic Church refers to the Sacrament of Holy Orders as "the sacrament of apostolic ministry." If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a priest, deacon, or entering Religious Life, please contact Fr. Neal Hock PO Box 1024, Kearney, 68848 or email [email protected]. He will assist you in establishing contacts with persons who will offer support and guidance as you discern your call.
Becoming Catholic RCIA
In the celebration of the sacraments of Christian initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist), we are freed from the power of darkness and are joined to Christ. We are strengthened to carry out the mission of Christ as disciples.
In the Catholic Church, we welcome adults into the family of the church through a process called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). Through this process, adults or children over the age of seven are initiated or complete their initiation into the Catholic Faith. People who have not been baptized celebrate all three initiation sacraments. People who have already been baptized are invited to celebrate the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist. RCIA preparation begins in the fall. Contact the parish office for more information