Sacraments at St. Gabriel

This sacrament is the “doorway to the Christian life.” A baptized person is forgiven of all sins, both original and personal (Acts 3:28), becomes a new creation (John 3:5 & Cor 5:17), and becomes a member of the Church (I Cor 12:13). A Catholic must be baptized before receiving any other sacrament.

Parents preparing for Baptism of their first child must call the parish office (920-261-7273) and register for a class led by the Pastor. After attending the class (or for subsequent children), parents may schedule the baptism by again calling the parish office.

Adults wishing to become Catholic are required to participate in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). Contact the Pastor for additional information. Classes begin in autumn and culminate in receipt of the Sacraments at the Easter Vigil (Holy Saturday mass).

When we sin, or knowingly do something that is wrong in God’s judgment, we harm our relationship with God, the Church and, if we hurt another person, that person. We are encouraged to regularly participate in this Sacrament (i.e., Reconciliation, Confession, Penance — it is known by many names) and thus maintain our good relationship with God, the Church, and others. No one should hesitate admitting that they are a sinner or believe that any sin they committed cannot be forgiven. The only sin God will not forgive is that for which we do not ask for forgiveness! The seal of confession assures the penitent that anything which they confessed is revealed to NO ONE.

Students in our religious education program make their First Reconciliation in 2nd grade — prior to their First Communion — in order to be in the state of Grace upon receipt of the Eucharist. Adults new to the Catholic faith make their First Reconciliation prior to the Easter Vigil.

Reconciliation is available on the following days and times: Sunday, 7:30 a.m. at St. Mary Magdalene; Sunday, 10:00 a.m. and Saturday, 3:30 p.m. at St. Francis Xavier; Reconciliation liturgies are offered during Advent and Lent. See the bulletin during those seasons for the schedule.

Of all sacraments, the Eucharist is most central to the life of a Catholic, referred to as the “source and summit of the Christian life.” As a human needs physical food for nourishment of the body, so a Catholic longs for the Eucharist as spiritual food (John 6:53). The Eucharist is also a participation in Jesus’ sacrifice on the Cross, leading to praise and thanksgiving. It is our highest act of worship and is simultaneously meal and sacrifice.

Students in our religious education program make their First Holy Communion in 2nd grade. Adults new to the Church receive the Eucharist for the first time at the Easter Vigil.

Confirmation is the completion of baptismal grace. It connects the person more closely to Christ, the Church, and its mission. Confirmation also enriches the person with a special strength of the Holy Spirit and increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit to those who receive it.

High school students in our religious education program are confirmed in 11th grade. Confirmation is scheduled in conjunction with neighboring parishes and is led by the Bishop or his designee on a date and time determined by the Diocese.

Adults who are baptized and would like to be confirmed are invited to participate in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) and should contact the Pastor. Their confirmation occurs at the Easter Vigil.

In marriage, a man and a woman form an intimate communion of life and love. Marriage’s two purposes are 1) to further the good of the couple in light of God and 2) to foster the procreation and education of offspring. Marriage was founded by God and is a sign of the union of Christ and the Church (Ephesians 5:31-32). This love is a covenant with features similar to the great covenants between God and Israel.

Couples planning to marry in which one or both of the individuals are members of St. Gabriel the Archangel parish should contact the pastor and arrange to meet with him at least six months prior to the planned wedding. Marriage preparation includes retreats and discussions. If either party has been previously married, they need to meet with the Pastor to determine if an annulment is required.

Those who have received the sacrament of Holy Orders serve in the person of Christ by teaching, leading worship, and governing. The Holy Spirit bestows upon them a special grace of configuration to Christ.

Vocations to the priesthood should be considered by all young male Catholics. Anyone interested in religious life or the priesthood should feel free to talk with the Pastor or the Diocesan Director of Vocations.

The effects of this sacrament include: unity of the sick person with Christ, strength to endure suffering, forgiveness of sins (if the person is not able to obtain it through Reconciliation), restoration of health, and preparation for death.

This sacrament is for those who are seriously ill, including those with mental or emotional suffering, those preparing for surgery, and those experiencing physical decline often associated with old age.

You will need to call the parish office 920-261-7273 to request Anointing of the Sick.  If you call the parish office during non-business hours, please press option 9 when you hear the recording.  We ask that you please leave a message and someone will return your call.