| The Seven Sacraments A
sacrament is an outward sign, instituted by Christ, to give us grace. It always involves
some physical or audible action and is the means through which we enter into the Catholic
spiritual life.
Baptism
Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit,
and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from
sin and reborn as children of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the
Church and declared as a part of Christ. Preparation class for parents on the
third Tuesday of the month at the Pastoral Center at 6:30 p.m. Call Deacon Bill
Holzhaeuser at (715) 682-8417 or the Pastoral Center at (715) 682-7620.
Confirmation
Confirmation is the definitive calling down of the Holy Spirit onto a baptized person
which completes the baptismal gift of grace. It enriches the recipient with a special
strength of the Holy Spirit, unites the person more firmly to Christ, and usually
completes the person's initiation into full membership in the Church.
Reconciliation/Penance/Confession
This is the sacrament of conversion and healing. It is God's special way of forgiving
sins. Whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven. Whose sins you retain, they are retained,
Jesus told the apostles (Jn. 20:23). Through apostolic succession, this responsibility has
been passed down to the ordained bishops and priests serving today. Saturday 5:15
p.m.-5:45 p.m. and by appointment. Call the Pastoral Center at (715) 682-7620.
Anointing of the Sick
The purpose of this sacrament is to heal and strengthen those who are physically sick.
This healing may be spiritual or physical. (See Jas 5:14-15). It also gives spiritual
strength to those who are suffering. If you become seriously sick or are facing a
troubling medical operation, this sacrament is certainly available for you. You do NOT
need to be at the point of death.
Holy Matrimony
This sacrament is the sacred covenant forged between a man and a woman which establishes a
permanent partnership of their whole lives. Ordered toward their own well being and the
procreation and education of children, it is a mutual surrendering of oneself to one's
spouse and to God. More than anything else, the spouse one chooses determines the
direction and future of one's life. Contact the priest six months prior to the
wedding. Call the Pastoral Center at (715) 682-7620.
Holy Orders
The unique mission, responsibility and authority that Christ entrusted specifically to his
apostles has been passed on throughout the ages by means of this sacrament. Through this
sacrament, a man can be ordained a bishop, priest or deacon.
Eucharist
The Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist is the heart of the Catholic faith. Holy Mass
makes present, here and now, the perpetual sacrifice offered by Christ on the cross for
the redemption of all people. The Eucharist is the sign of the New Covenant established
with God the Father by Christ on behalf of Christ's Church.
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