Sacraments
Baptism
Baptism requirements vary by age.
- Infant Baptism: Newborns and children up through the age of reason, generally 7 years old or in Grade 2.
- Children & Young Adult Baptism: Children in Grades 4-10
- Children in Grade 3 would join Grade 2 during Wednesday night Faith Formation classes
- Adult Baptism
Eucharist
The Sacrament of Holy Eucharist (Holy Communion) is celebrated at every Mass or Communion Service. Children traditionally receive their First Eucharist in Second Grade after preparation during the school year.
Confirmation
The Sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated by baptized individuals to be strengthened by the Holy Spirit to live out the faith they profess. In the Diocese of Des Moines, teens receive this sacrament in their sophomore year their second year of Confirmation prepartion.
Reconciliation
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available to Catholicds and to baptized Christians in the OCIA process. During Advent and Lent, expanded hours for individual confession and communal penance services are offered at St. Joseph and throughout the Diocese of Des Moines.
Anointing of the Sick
The healing Sacrament of Anointing is available to the sick and dying. Please contact the Parish Office to arrange a pastoral visit at the place of care. While some hospitals strive to notify us when a parishioner is admitted, we do depend on family and other parishioners to keep us fully informed.
Marriage
To prepare for the Sacrament of Marriage at St. Joseph Catholic Church, one member of the couple must be a registered parishioner. Pelase contact the Parish Office at least SIX months in advance of the proposed wedding date. Diocesan guidelines do not allow setting a definite date for the wedding until part of the the Marriage Preparation Program has been completed.
Holy Orders & Vocations
The Scarement of Holy Orders is received only by those completing formal discernment and vocational formation. For more information about priesthood and religious life in the Diocese of Des Moines, please visit www.vocationsonline.org.