Rev. Richard L. Allen, Pastor

THE SACRAMENTS AT ST. GABRIEL

 Baptism:

In Baptism we call a person to a life of faith in Jesus Christ, as we approach Him in the tradition of the Catholic Church.   We work with these guidelines: 

1. Both parents will interview with the priest in advance of baptism.

2. For those who are first-time parents we have an introductory class once a month.

3. The god-parents, insofar as they stand for a supporting community, will be practicing Catholics.

4. Parents may choose to pray the sacrament almost any weekend.  We can schedule the baptism during Mass if there is no conflict with other celebrations. 

5. Parents must be registered in the parish at the time of baptism.  If parents wish a baptism in a place other than their own parish, a letter from the pastor is necessary. 

Confirmation:

Guidelines in the Green Bay Diocese set the upper high school years as proper for Confirmation.  We set it at a time when the student has a firmer grasp on choices in one's life - when, in fact, they are making more significant decisions.  In a public way, the community calls for the grace of the Holy Spirit to help the candidates in their choice.

Preparation involves:

1. Choosing a sponsor with whom the candidate can share their faith journey.

2. Regular attendance at class.

3. A decision to be faithful to the Catholic Church.

4. A service commitment that demonstrates our use of time and talent.

Holy Eucharist:

Children ordinarily receive First Eucharist in the second grade.  They are prepared for the sacrament in religious instruction classes in the Catholic school or CFC classes.  Sessions are also held with parents to help them in their work with the children.

Reconciliation:

Reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation ordinarily takes place first during the fifth grade.  Special classes are held for parents to aid in preparation of the children for receiving this sacrament.  Church law states that each child has the right to receive the sacrament when they judge (or their parents judge) they are ready. If parents choose an earlier year, we will accommodate that wish.

Times for the individual celebration of this sacrament (Rite I) are listed in the bulletin.  Or one may call the parish office for an appointment.  The communal celebration of this sacrament (Rite II) will be held during Advent and Lent.

Sacrament of the Sick – Including Funerals:

The priest and some parishioners visit the hospital and nursing homes regularly.  However, it is important the family members alert the priest to the need for the sacrament of the Sick. St. Elizabeth has a full-time chaplain.  Clergy are always on call.  The beeper number is 554-2700.

Family members and neighbors also bring communion to those who cannot come to Church.

With this sacrament we call our community to prayerfully support  the people and the families of those who are suffering and those who have died.   Every mass must call us to be alert to these needs.   Because of the size and the movement of the parish,  we know very few of the people who have died.  But they are part of our community.  They are “ours.”

To that end we pledge our support in the following way:

1. We will have people who visit the hospital regularly.

2. We will  provide appropriate music for the funeral.

3. We will have servers and other ministers for the funeral  service.

4. When possible, we will help provide a lunch after the funeral service.

5. One of the staff will meet personally with the family to arrange the music, the readings, and other ways for family and friends to share in the funeral service.

 Holy Orders:

The future practice of our faith depends very strongly on those who respond to a call to service as priests or religious.   We trust that the supporting prayer of our community, along with the example and interest of our staff are part of that call to service.

Community support for vocations involves any of the following:

1. Prayer

2. A positive way of speaking about priests and sisters. 

3. An encouragement of young people who seem interested in Church service.

4. Helping the family know the priest or sister personally.

5. An awareness of where the Church is today.

Marriage:

For many people, the call to service involves this sacrament of marriage. We follow the Diocese in these guidelines:

·        To be married in a Catholic Church,  the person must be a member of the parish or have a letter of permission from the home parish.  At least one of the couple must belong to a parish.

·        A priest should be contacted at least four months before a definite wedding date is set. More time should be allowed if extra work is involved in preparation.   Only the priest will schedule the wedding in the parish calendar.  He will do that only after meeting with the couple to determine that they can enter into marriage.

·       Several meetings with the priest, other parish staff, and lay couples are part of the regular program of preparation.

·  Divorces and annulments are not uncommon in our modern society.  The statistics in the general population prove true within our own community.  We will work with people who seek a divorce and annulment.

Send mail to llynch@tcces.k12.wi.us with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: 06/13/08