The word ‘sacrament’ comes from the Latin word “sacramentum” and means “a sign of the sacred.”
Sacraments are celebratory ceremonies that point to what is sacred, significant and important for Christians. Members of the Catholic Church call seven of their religious ceremonies ‘sacraments.’ They are: Baptism, Reconciliation, Eucharist, Confirmation, Anointing of the Sick, Matrimony, and Holy Orders. Sacraments touch on all the stages and all the important moments of Christian life. Receiving a sacrament is a special occasion for experiencing God’s saving presence.
Baptism
For Catholics, the Sacrament of Baptism is the first step in a lifelong journey of commitment and discipleship. At Baptism we receive and celebrate God’s free gift of grace and salvation through Jesus Christ. In Baptism we are reminded that God has chosen us to live and grow with God’s people. As the first Sacrament of initiation, Baptism is also the sign of a lifelong relationship with God and with the Church.
For children under age 7 or so, preparation for Baptism includes a parent preparation class, which focuses on the gifts of baptism, the symbols of baptism, and family spirituality. For children 7 and older, Baptism preparation includes content for the child and parent, which is arranged one-on-one with the family and Adult Faith Formation & Social Justice Coordinator. For adults, baptism preparation is part of the RCIA process (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults).
First Reconciliation
First Reconciliation preparation now begins in the second grade year prior to the preparation for First Eucharist. However, older students who have not received the sacrament may prepare for and receive this Sacrament during the fall of each class year. Parents are the primary teachers of the student using materials in the home. Parents are also expected to attend an informational meeting in October. Registration for Reconciliation Preparation outside of the Grade 2 Program is NOT included in our regular Faith Formation Registration; if you are interested in preparing your child, please use the link below to contact the program coordinator directly!
Program Coordinator: Dez Sobiech: (952) 698-1729. Click here to email Dez.
First Eucharist
Our program for grade 2 (or grades 3 & 4 who have not yet received Sacraments) includes the preparation for and celebration of the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Eucharist in addition to our G.I.F.T. Family Program for grades 1-4. The Sacramental preparation will be supported by a fall parent meeting, a Reconciliation Retreat in December, a special parent/child session in January, and a Eucharist Retreat in March. The celebration of Reconciliation will be in January, and the First Eucharist celebrations after Easter in April and/or May. These are in addition to the monthly At-Church Sessions for G.I.F.T. All children preparing for Sacraments use the grade 2 textbook. Because of the concentrated emphasis, attendance at all sessions is critical and will be recorded. Please put all dates on your calendar.
Program Coordinator: Dez Sobiech. Click here to email Dez.
Confirmation
Click here to get information about our Preparation Program for Confirmation.
…”by the sacrament of Confirmation, [the baptized] are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit. Hence they are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed.” – from the Rite of Confirmation
Confirmation is one of the three Sacraments of Initiation. At Risen Savior, it is generally celebrated in grade 10 or later. Preparation generally begins in Grade 9. Use the link above to learn more about our preparation program for youth Confirmation.
Marriage
Christian marriage is so sacred and meaningful in the Catholic Church that it is raised to the level of a sacrament. It is called the Sacrament of Matrimony. Engaged couples planning to get married in the Catholic Church enter a process with two dimensions – preparing for Christian marriage and preparing for the wedding celebration.
Holy Orders
For detailed information on Holy Orders or Vocations, click here to check out the Archiocesan website.
Anointing of the Sick
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is a “Treasure!”
“Are there any who are sick among you? Let them send for the priests of the Church, and let the priests pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith will save the sick persons, and the Lord will raise them up; and if they have committed any sins, their sins will be forgiven them.”
Anointing of the Sick is for those facing any serious, debilitating, or life-threatening illness. It can also be received before surgery or by anyone in need of any physical or emotional healing. Anointing can be received more than once. There is no need to wait until the person receiving the sacrament is near death, although it certainly can be given at such a time. If the person is near death, it is preferable that the person receiving is conscious and able to recognize and appreciate what they are receiving. Anointing of the Sick can be received anywhere: here at the Church of the Risen Savior, in a home, in the hospital, or in a nursing care facility. If you or a loved one would like to receive Anointing of the Sick please call one of the Pastoral Team Members: Fr. Denny Dempsey or Chris Sorensen at (952) 431-5222.
Here at Risen Savior we have a communal celebration of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick each year in October. Please check our bulletin and website for the date.