Sacraments

The Sacraments
The whole liturgical life of the Church revolves around the Eucharistic sacrifice and the sacraments. There are seven sacraments in the Church: Baptism, Confirmation or Chrismation, Eucharist, Penance, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony.

Sacraments are "powers that comes 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.

Catechism of the Catholic Church 1113 & 1116

What are Sacraments?
The Sacraments are the visible signs of the invisible presence of God. They are sacred actions, instituted by Christ, through which Grace is channeled or communicated for inward sanctification of the soul. When the Sacraments are administered validly and the recipient is properly disposed, the Sacraments attain their ends infallibly, that is, grace is automatically communicated to the recipient. Thus, the Sacraments perpetuate Christ’s Redemptive Action, making it present and effective throughout the ages...

The Seven Sacraments were instituted by Christ—three of them (Baptism, Eucharist and Reconciliation) directly and the other four (Confirmation, Holy Orders, Anointing of the Sick and Marriage), implicitly by the Church.


Sacraments of INITIATION


Baptism is the birth in the life of Grace. It is the door of the Church as it enables us to worship God in spirit and in truth as members of His Mystical Body, the Church.
           
          Baptism: Baptisms are scheduled with the Pastor. Call or e-mail the Pastor the to make arrangements.

Confirmation gives us the power to become adults in the life of Grace. Through Confirmation we are sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit enables us to spread and defend the faith by word and deed as true witnesses of Christ.
         
          Confirmation: Confirmation prep is currently attended at Our Lady of the Assumption in Beloit. 


The Eucharist is the Body and Blood of Christ as food and drink of our supernatural life. It is the source and summit of the whole Christian life. Taking part in the Eucharist, we offer the Divine Victim and ourselves along with Him. This Sacrament builds up the Mystical Body of Christ in unity.
         
          First Communion: First Communion classes are taught in the 2nd grade Religious Education class. If you are older than 2nd grade and have not received  
                                                   your 
First Communion, call the Faith Formation Coordinator or the Pastor. 

Sacraments of HEALING 

Reconciliation is the medicine of the soul to heal sins. It grants pardon from the mercy of God for offenses committed against Him. At the same time, it reconciles sinners to the Church, which they have also wounded by their sins.
         
          Reconciliation:
 >Sacrament of Reconciliation available Saturday evening before 5:00pm Mass & Sunday morning before 9:00am Mass, or can be scheduled
                                               by 
appointment whenever necessary. 

                                            >First Reconciliation: students are prepared for this sacrament in the 2nd grade during Religious Education Classes

The Anointing of the Sick is the spiritual remedy for sickness. It provides the grace of the Holy Spirit by which the whole person is brought to health, trust in God is encouraged, and strength is given to resist the temptations of the Evil one, and anxiety about death.

          Anointing of the Sick:
 Anyone in need of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick should call the pastor 

          *** If you or your family member is a patient at Beloit Memorial Hospital and you wish a visit from a priest or parish member (with the Eucharist), you must      
          specifically tell the hospital staff to list you as a member of St. Stephens every time you are admitted. Privacy laws prohibit the hospital from doing so
          without your permission. If you are in another area hospital, please call St. Stephen’s Parish Office (676-2241) or have the hospital staff notify us if you wish
          a visit. ***


Sacraments of SERVICE


Holy Matrimony raises up new members for the Mystical Body by giving spouses a share in the unity and fruitful love of Christ and His Church. It enables the spouses to attain holiness in the married state and to become the Domestic Church. In it, parents should, by their word and example, be the first catechists and teachers and the Faith to their children.

          Marriage: If you are planning to get married at St. Stephen Catholic Church, call the pastor to set up a meeting. Couples should contact the parish at least
                            6 months prior to the desired wedding date. 

Holy Orders provides new priests to teach, rule and sanctify the Mystical Body. In that way it insures that the Church will continue for all time. Deacons are also granted Holy Orders and are ordained clergy.

 

 

Remembering Our Loved Ones In Death and In Life: In each Mass that is said in our parish, the priest has a personal intention or prayer remembrance. These intentions are usually requested by parish members and are often for deceased loved ones. The intention can also be for a significant event such as a wedding, birthday, anniversary or any special intention, person or need. For this request, a small stipend is offered, presently $10.00. To schedule a Mass or Masses call the parish office (608) 676-2241