_edited.png)
The Seven Sacraments
"Sacraments are 'powers that come forth' from the Body of Christ, which is ever-living and life-giving. They are actions of the Holy Spirit at work in his Body, the Church. They are 'the masterworks of God' in the new and everlasting covenant." -CCC 1116
Contact your parish office for more details on receiving any of the sacraments.
Baptism
In Baptism, the Holy Spirit moves us to answer Christ's call to holiness. In Baptism, we are asked to walk by the light of Christ and to trust in his wisdom. We are invited to submit our hearts to Christ with ever deeper love.
To inquire about the sacrament of Baptism, please start by filling out the Baptismal form (Google Form is below). The form will answer many of your questions. Once the form is completed, your local parish will contact you.
Baptismal Instruction for First Time Parents
A combined class for Holy Name, Immaculate Conception, Blessed Sacrament and Holy Rosary parishes is available on the 3rd Tuesday of the month from 7:00-8:00pm at the Angelus Center at Holy Name of Jesus. However, this class is only be offered when needed. A combined class for St Mary, St Henry and St Michael parishes will be held in Clark on an as needed basis. The classes are facilitated by one of our priests.
Baptisms are celebrated at the parish where you are registered members. Immaculate Conception baptisms are held on the 1st and 3rd weekends on Saturday (after 4:00pm Mass) OR Sunday (after 11:00am Mass) but not on both days. Holy Name baptisms are held on the 2nd and 4th weekends on Saturday (after 4:00pm Mass) OR Sunday (after the 10:30am Mass) but not on both days.
Eucharist
Jesus gives himself to us in the Eucharist as spiritual nourishment because he loves us. By eating the Body and drinking the Blood of Christ in the Eucharist, we become united to the person of Christ through his humanity.
Please see the ministry tab for Adoration times and locations.
First Communion
Preparation for First Communion will be held within Faith Formation classes on Wednesday or Sunday in your home parish.
If you would like to make other arrangements, please contact the Office of Discipleship & Evangelization at (605) 878-2055.
Confirmation
In the Sacrament of Confirmation, the baptized person is "sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit" and is strengthened for service to the Body of Christ.
Confirmation
Preparation for these sacraments will be held within Faith Formation classes on Wednesday or Sunday in your home parish.
If you would like to make other arrangements, please contact the Office of Discipleship & Evangelization at (605) 878-2055.
Order of Christian Initiation Rite (OCIA)
If you are interested in learning more about the Catholic Faith or in becoming Catholic please call the Office of Discipleship & Evangelization at (605) 878-2055 or email mbaumberger@avemariapastorate.org.
Reconciliation (Penance)
In confession we have the opportunity to repent and recover the grace of friendship with God. With absolution, we are reconciled to God and the Church.
Holy Name of Jesus, Watertown:
Friday 8:00am-8:20am
Saturday 3:00pm-3:45pm (Odd Months Only)
Immaculate Conception, Watertown:
Following Daily Mass on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
Saturday 3:00pm-3:45pm (Even Months only)
Blessed Sacrament, Florence:
30 minutes before Mass or by appointment
Holy Rosary, Kranzburg:
30 minutes before Mass or by appointment
St. Michael’s, Clark:
30 minutes before Mass
Anointing of the Sick
The Rite of Anointing tells us there is no need to wait until a person is at the point of death to receive the Sacrament. A careful judgment about the serious nature of the illness is sufficient. If someone is in need of laying of hands and healing from a priest, please call your parish office to schedule an appointment.
The emergency priest line (605) 884-5088 is for requesting last rites.
Marriage
The Sacrament of Marriage is a covenant, which is more than a contract. Covenant always expresses a relationship between persons. The marriage covenant refers to the relationship between the husband and wife, a permanent union of persons capable of knowing and loving each other and God.
Nine months of preparation with a priest is required prior to the wedding date. Please call your parish office to make an appointment.
Holy Orders
Ordination to the priesthood is always a call and a gift from God. Those who seek priesthood respond generously to God's call using the words of the prophet, "Here I am, send me" (Is 6:8).
To learn more about the vocation of priesthood, check out the Vocations Office website or call (605) 334-9861. If you know of a young man you feel is being called to religious life click the button below.
