Sacraments
edited: Thursday July 15, 2010 9:12pm CDT
Baptism
-Child Baptism-
First-time parents are asked to go through a one-hour session before their baby is baptized. These are usually held on the fourth Thursday of each month in the Parish Center with Deacon Dennis Anderson, or a separate appointment at another time can be arranged with the pastor or another deacon. Both parents are asked to attend. Single parents should bring a family member. One sponsor (godparent) needs to be a baptized and confirmed Catholic. Baptisms can be celebrated during Mass (except during Lent), between Sunday Masses, or after 10:30am Mass on Sunday.
-Adult Baptism-
Adults who wish to be initiated into the Catholic faith are asked to attend the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) process. Participation is for those seeking to join the Catholic Church or those who are baptized Catholics but not yet confirmed. This group meets at St. Benedict's or St. John's in Woodland usually a few Sundays each month in September through April. People seeking to join the Church just need a desire to learn and an openness to the process. RCIA sponsors and staff must be baptized and confirmed Catholics with a willingness to share their faith.
-Baptismal Instruction-
Baptism Class takes place the fourth Thursday of each month. Please preregister by calling the parish office.
edited: Thursday July 15, 2010 9:15pm CDT
Reconciliation
-First Reconciliation-
Classes are offered for second and third graders and their parents one night a week for about 4-5 weeks in the Fall of the year. These classes work in conjunction with the Sunday school program. The Sacrament of First Reconciliation is to be celebrated before receiving First Holy Communion. Preparation for older children should be arranged through the religious education office.
-Individual Reconciliation-
The pastor will be available on Saturdays before 5:00pm Mass from 4:00pm to 4:30pm and by appointment.
-Confessional Times-
The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confessions) takes place Saturdays at 4:00pm (or by personal appointment).
For a list of the 2010 Lent Reconciliation Schedule for St. Ben's and area parishes, click here to download the March 14 bulletin insert.
edited: Thursday July 15, 2010 9:15pm CDT
Communion
-Give Yourself to Christ-
Catholics are privileged to celebrate the Sacrament of the Eucharist each time they come together at Mass (daily if they wish). It is in receiving and giving ourselves to Christ that provides the faith we need to handle our daily experiences in today's world.
-First Communion-
Classes are offered for second and third graders and their parents one night a week for 5 or 6 weeks in the Spring. These classes work in conjunction with the Sunday school program. First Holy Communion is celebrated usually in May. Preparation for older children should be arranged through the religious education office. Please contant the Director of Religious Education for more details and schedules.
edited: Thursday July 15, 2010 9:16pm CDT
Marriage
-A Sacrament of Celebration-
For Catholics, marriage is a sacrament of celebration. Vows exchanged before a faith community signify a permanent commitment as husband and wife. The pastor and deacon are available for weddings. Wedding preparation must be made at least nine months prior to the proposed date of the wedding.
-Wedding Preparation-
Wedding preparation must be made at least 9 months prior to the proposed date of the wedding. Please contact the pastor.
-Renewal of Marriage Vows-
Renew your vows the last Saturday of each month after the 5:00pm Mass or speak to the pastor to schedule a different date and time.
edited: Thursday May 28, 2009 1:55pm CDT
Confirmation
-Receive The Fullness of The Holy Spirit-
Confirmation is a Sacrament which provides an opportunity for those who have been baptized to receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit whom the Lord sent upon his apostles at Pentecost. It is a sacrament that celebrates God's strength and gifts in those who have been baptized and who have demonstrated a maturing faith by taking ownership and responsibility for continued spiritual growth. Confirmation preparation involves high school freshmen, sophomores and juniors and runs from September through May.
For adult Confirmation, see Adult Baptism above or RCIA.
edited: Thursday July 15, 2010 9:20pm CDT
Holy Orders
There are three levels or ranks in the Sacrament of Holy Orders, each carrying specific responsibilities.
-Bishop-
In the first place stands the bishop who has "the fullness of Holy Orders" and the corresponding threefold responsibility to teach, to sanctify, and to shepherd.
-Priesthood-
Priests are at the second level of Holy Orders acting "in persona Christi" (in the person of Christ) when they exercise the sacred ministries of Word, Sacrament, and prayer leadership. Instituted by Christ at the Last Supper, the sacrament confers on a man the power of consecrating and offering the Body and Blood of Christ and of remitting or retaining sins.
-Diaconate-
Permanent deacons are men, married or single 35 years or older, ordained for the service of a diocesan church by the bishop. Besides the ministry of service, deacons baptize, witness marriages, preach at Mass, bury the dead, and preside at other non-Eucharistic prayer services. Our parish is blessed to have three deacons in service to the Church; Deacon Dennis Anderson (ordained 1982), Deacon John Weiske (ordained 2004), and Deacon Scott Peters (ordained 2009).
You may talk to the Pastor or one of our Deacons if you have questions, or see the diocesan Vocations website.
edited: Thursday July 15, 2010 9:21pm CDT
Annointing of The Sick
-Gain A Sense Of Trust In God's Care-
This Sacrament instituted by Christ to give the sick spiritual aid and strength and to perfect spiritual health, including, if need be, the remission of sins. It consists essentially in the priest anointing the individual with the oil of the sick, blessed by the bishop, on the forehead and hands. The Sacrament can be celebrated numerous times during one's life as soon as the person is seriously sick or in need of surgery. It is no longer reserved for just those dying. Physical and spiritual healing are prayed for and most of those anointed have a sense of peace and gain a sense of trust in God's care. Contact the office or pastor if you want and/or need this Sacrament.
edited: Thursday July 15, 2010 9:26pm CDT
Catholic Burial
-When A Loved One Dies-
Call the pastor or have the funeral home contact him. The new funeral ritual reflects our Catholic Christian emphasis on community. We want our parish community to join in the death/grieving process of burying a fellow Catholic. We encourage the use of our parish church as a living sign of our faith Community. We encourage communal participation (singing, responding) to emphasize that we form a living body of Christ Jesus. It is not St. Benedict's policy to say Mass at the funeral homes. We encourage the family to have the service at St. Benedict's and welcome all of our members to be buried from our parish church. It is preferable to have the deceased body present at the funeral Mass. Should the family have cremation, that process ought to occur after the funeral Mass. However, it is permissible to have the remains at a Mass of Resurrection. Consultation with the funeral home and the priest would be helpful. The only days when there should not be a funeral Mass are Sundays, Holy Week, and Christmas Day. The church, pastor, or deacons may not be available everyday because of schedules. The pastor will work with the family members to plan a meaningful service according to the new directives in the Catholic funeral rite.
St. Benedict's Benevolent Society, upon the wishes of the family, will serve refreshments and/or lunch (provided by the family) at the Church following the funeral.
