The Sacraments 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” (Catechism 1116). “The purpose of the Sacraments,” wrote the Fathers of the Second Vatican Council, “is to sanctify human beings, to build up the Body of Christ, and, finally, to give worship to God. They not only presuppose faith, but by words and objects they also nourish, strengthen, and express it.”
In the Catholic Church there are seven sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance (or Reconciliation), Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders and Matrimony.
Baptism is the first sacrament of welcoming or initiation into the Christian faith. It occurs by the power of the Holy Spirit and through the pouring on or immersing in water as the priest or deacon proclaims, “I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Through this action, the person is cleansed from all sin including original sin, reborn as a child of God, and welcomed into the Body of Christ, our Church. In baptism, we receive the Holy Spirit and also become co-workers with Christ in his ministry on earth as priest, prophet and king.
We are so very happy for you as you give thanks to our heavenly Father for the gracious gift of your child!
Baptism is both a great gift and a great task. God makes us to be, through the waters of baptism, His own adopted sons and daughters. This is the great gift. But with this gift comes a great task, a great responsibility: to live and act as His sons and daughters. This, clearly, is no small thing and requires His help all throughout our lives.
In addition, to you as parents, a most serious responsibility is entrusted, that you will train your child in the practice of the faith. On the day of your child’s baptism some wondrous, solemn and serious words are spoken to you. Part of the purpose of the baptismal preparation classes are to help clarify what these words truly mean. Much as when a couple is married, you will soon speak words before God, each other and your parish family. It is our experience, unfortunately, that for many parents baptism becomes merely a ceremony without a profound awareness and understanding of what is truly expected of them. To help you better prepare for this celebration, then, we invite you to participate in a Baptismal Preparation session, so that you can with great joy and ever fuller understanding answer a resounding “Yes!” to all the questions that will be asked of you.
If you would like to learn more about Baptism for your child please call (920) 739-0331 or email Deacon Mike Eash.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is one of the Healing Sacraments in the Church. It continues the healing work of Christ through the forgiveness of sins. It is an invitation to place yourself in God’s gentle presence. Because Jesus wishes to heal your broken parts, so that you can be made whole and confident, he offers you God’s assurance of acceptance through the words and absolution of a priest who is, like you, aware of his own need for forgiveness.
Saturday 3:45 – 4:15 pm
…or by appointment.
Eucharist is the sacrament of initiation which is the spiritual core of Catholic life and provides ongoing nourishment and strength for members of our Church. During the celebration of the Eucharist, the life, death and resurrection of Christ is remembered. By the power of the Holy Spirit, Christ is truly present in the priest, the community, the Scriptures and, through the words of consecration, the bread and wine. In receiving the Body and Blood of Jesus, we are in communion with each other, the universal Church and all our brothers and sisters in Christ who have come before us.
Through Faith Formation classes, children in second grade or higher will prepare for the celebration of the First Eucharist. For more information please contact Deb Holzem, Coordinator of Faith Formation.
Confirmation is the sacrament of initiation that calls forth the fullness of the Holy Spirit to strengthen our relationship with Christ and the Church. The bishop through the “laying on of hands” and “anointing with holy oil” evokes the Holy Spirit to dwell within us and grant seven gifts: wonder and awe, reverence, understanding, right judgment, knowledge, courage and wisdom. These essential actions of the bishop confer the sacrament that helps us to live holy lives in service to each other and our Church.
Confirmation is a sacrament that continues the welcome and belonging that began at your baptism. Confirmation deepens our relationship with God and strengthens us to live lives of faith and mission. This is a journey and not a class.
Adult Confirmation is structured to provide for a variety of individual backgrounds.
The Diocese of Green Bay instructs the Sacrament of Confirmation should occur in 11th grade. This process begins with a welcome and orientation in September. At that time all materials information will be deposited online for your convenience, in addition to hard copies given at orientation. Public school students must attend 11th grade faith formation first semester
To register for Confirmation, please call the parish office at 920-739-0331.
The “Immediate Preparation” schedule for Confirmation (public and Catholic Day School) will be provided at a later date.
Grade 11 – Class Schedule – same as high school Discipleship Life Night schedule for 1st semester.
Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament of physical, emotional and spiritual healing for those who are suffering from severe illnesses or are near death. By the power of the Holy Spirit and through anointing with holy oil and prayers of the priest, we are united with the suffering of Christ and offered the opportunity for healing if it is God’s will. The sacrament strengthens us, gives us courage, and offers us peace as we face life’s difficult health issue.
If you or someone you know is in need of this sacrament please call the St. Bernard parish office at 920-739-0331.
God created man and woman out of love and commanded them to imitate his love in their relations with each other. They are created equal in human dignity, and in marriage both are united in an unbreakable bond.
Matrimony is a Sacrament of Service. Married couples promise to serve each other with love and to serve the whole Church. They enter into a lifelong covenant of love. This is their vocation. The movement toward this life choice, the union of marriage, is a moment requiring careful deliberation and spiritual preparation.
In John’s Gospel, Christ’s first miracle occurs at the wedding in Cana. “The Church attaches great importance to Jesus’ presence at the wedding at Cana. She sees in it the confirmation of the goodness of marriage and the proclamation that thenceforth marriage will be an efficacious sign of Christ’s presence” (CCC, No. 1613).
If you are considering marriage and would like to be married in the Catholic church, please contact the parish office to set-up a Marriage Preparation
Holy Orders is a sacrament of vocation where men commit their lives to participation in Christ’s priesthood in a unique way. Through Holy Orders, sacred powers to serve God’s people are given. The three degrees or orders are bishops (shepherds, sanctifiers, teachers), priests (coworkers of bishops in the pastoral ministry in parishes), and deacons (not ordained to ministerial service but dedicated to service and charitable activities). All are important for the Church. The sacrament for the three orders is conferred as a bishop lays hands on the person and prays a prayer of consecration for the specific order of the person.
If you are interested in learning more about a vocation as a priest or deacon, please contact Deacon Mike Eash for more information.