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It is the unique role of the Sacraments in the life of a faith community to be the means b which we transform our hearts and lives. In the celebration of the Sacraments our “natural” life is made Holy and held up as “spiritual.”
Please contact the Parish Office by phone at (262) 646-8078, or by email at parish@sjarc.org for more information about any of the Sacraments described below or about becoming a member of the St. Joan of Arc parish.
Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)
Adults who are seeking initiation to the Catholic Church are prepared through a process called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). Any adult not yet baptized and who wishes to become Catholic; any adult baptized in another Christian church who seeks complete Initiation (Confirmation, Full Communion, including those who have not been confirmed) is invited to prepare for full initiation into the church though this process.
Rite of Christian Initiation for Children (RCIC)
Preparation for Baptism for children and youth through the age of eighteen is done with their families and parish sponsors. They also participate in Christian formation with their peers. The process is designed for an individual with group and family experiences. Initiation for these children and youth follows the principles of the adult initiation process rather than those for infant Baptism.
Baptism of Children
The sacrament of Baptism celebrated the very essence of our Christian faith: the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It initiates one into the Body of Christ, the parish faith community. Since the parent(s)’ decision the bring their children into the church entails the important responsibility of raising their children in the faith, St. Joan of Arc has the following policy to insure that parents have an understanding of the commitment they are undertaking:
- At least one parent of the child(ren) to be Baptized must be registered and be participating members of St. Joan of Arc Parish. They should worship with the community on a regular basis. They should also exercise responsible stewardship of their time, talent and treasure in witness to Jesus Christ and service to our community.
- The parent(s) are required to attend one session of preparation. This session will be concerned with the Rite itself and the role of the family in nurturing the Catholic faith and Catholic teachings on Baptism. Parents are also required to meet with the Pastor prior to the Baptism session and are encouraged to attend this session before the birth of their child.
- The registration for Baptism will be accepted and finalized when the above requirements have been met. Baptisms are celebrated during a weekend Mass (See Mass Schedule).
Confirmation
The Sacrament of Conformation is usually celebrated during the Easter season of a youth’s junior year of high school. They meet regularly for Formation and preparation for the Sacrament. Their preparation also includes service projects, a meeting with a member of the pastoral staff and participation in an overnight retreat. Youth who are older that 11th grade or who have special needs are also invited to participate in the process.
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