SACRAMENTS

Sacraments offered through Saints Peter and Paul Parish:

Sacramental preparation for children and youth is accomplished through habitual and active participation in the Mass as well as our Religious Education programs through SS Peter and Paul Catholic School or the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD). More immediate sacramental formation involves mandatory retreats, memorization of prayers and activities appropriate to the sacrament.

Baptism is the first sacrament of initiation. The Catholic Church recommends that the sacrament be celebrated as soon as possible in the life of the infant but may be celebrated at any age. Parents and God-parents are formed in the effects and responsibilities of having their children baptized, which may occur either during or after the weekend Masses. For pastoral reasons

First Holy Communion is traditionally celebrated during the Second Grade year when the child is seven or eight years old, just at the age of reason according to the law of the Catholic Church. If the sacrament is celebrated at an older age, when the recipient is considered to be of the age of reason, then fulness of initiation is completed as for adults, and the sacrament of Confirmation is also administered.

Confirmation is traditionally celebrated in the Fall of the Junior Year of High School. The ordinary minister of Confirmation is the Bishop of the Diocese of La Crosse. Confirmation seals and strengthens the gift of the Holy Spirit received at Baptism. Therefore, for children and youth it is the final sacrament of initiation in the Church.

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a process of formation in the Catholic Church for those uninitiated in Christ through baptism or for those who have been baptized in other Christian Churches or Ecclesial Communities but through a process of conversion desire to become Catholic. A series of classes and liturgical rites offer education and formation in the faith. All three sacraments of initiation are celebrated at the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday.

Marriage

Couples planning to be married must contact the Parish Priest at least six months prior to the intended wedding date and participate in the prescribed marriage preparation process of the Diocese of La Crosse.

Anointing of the Sick

Those who are seriously ill or scheduled for surgery are asked to contact the office and Father.