Sacramental preparation

Baptism
The sacrament of baptism derives its name from a Greek word that means to "plunge" or to "immerse" into water. It highlights the new Christian's burial into Christ's death and resurrection into a new Christian life of grace. Baptism also makes us children of light and empowers us to bring the light of Christ into the world.

Confirmation
A preparation program for reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation is offered through the parish. The Rite of Confirmation is celebrated at Old St. Joseph Church every odd numbered year. For more information about Confirmation preparation, please contact Peg Vande Hey at (920) 403-3474 or peg.vandehey@snc.edu. The Sacrament of Confirmation Orientation will take place on Sunday, April 20,2008 after the 10:00 am Mass. Parents and high school students entering junior and senior year 2008-09 are welcomed to attend.

First Eucharist
The Eucharist is a mystery of love. The term Eucharist comes from the Greek for thanksgiving. In the Eucharist, we express gratitude for God's many gifts. It is called the Lord's Supper, recalling Jesus' Last Supper with the apostles and looking ahead to the heavenly banquet . It is the memorial of the Lord's passion and resurrection. It is celebrated in the midst of the assembled faithful and is the very heart of the church's liturgical life. This year First Eucharist will be celebrated on Sunday, April 6, 2008 during the 10:00 am Mass.

Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)
The RCIA is a process of faith development for persons who wish to deepen their relationship to God within the Roman Catholic tradition. Participants may include people baptized in another Christian denomination who now wish to be initiated in the Catholic tradition as well as those who were never baptized and those baptized adult Catholics wishing to be Confirmed.  For more information about RCIA, please contact Fr. Sal Cuccia at (920) 403-3526 or salvatore.cuccia@snc.edu.

Marriage
Old St. Joseph is available to parishioners and St. Norbert College alumni for weddings. A period of preparation is required for the Sacrament of Marriage. Couples are encouraged to contact the parish office a year in advance. As you begin planning your marriage, please remember that the Catholic Church requires participation in a marriage preparation program.

Initial arrangements must be made with the Associate Pastor and he will explain the steps in the preparation program. Preparation sessions will focus on your relationship with each other, family, community and God. Couples will need to participate in an engaged couple retreat offered through the Catholic Diocese of Green Bay or of the local diocese of residence. You will receive the Old St. Joseph Marriage Policies and Procedures Booklet: "Your Wedding in the Catholic Church and Before You Say I Do: Preparing for your Marriage," after your wedding is booked. Once all of these steps are completed, you will meet with the priest/deacon witnessing your vows to plan your wedding liturgy. For more information, please contact Parish Ministry at (920) 403-3012.

Reconciliation
The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) is scheduled each Wednesday from 4:15-4:45 p.m. in the Reconciliation Room at Old St. Joseph Church. In addition, individuals seeking this sacrament may contact any Norbertine priest on campus to set up an appointment. Communal Reconciliation Services are scheduled each year during Advent and Lent.

Vocation
The sacraments of initiation call all Christians to holiness, to be witnesses and servants of Christ's gospel. They give the graces we need to live Christ-like lives for others. In general, vocation means calling, an invitation by the Lord to a special kind of service. One can be called to serve God in the single life, as a married person, as a priest or in religious life. For more information on vocation opportunities, please contact Fr. Jim Baraniak, O. Praem. at 403-1336.