Understanding & Celebrating the Holy Sacraments of the Church

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“The Holy Spirit prepares the faithful for the sacraments by the Word of God and the faith which welcomes that word in well-disposed hearts. Thus the sacraments strengthen faith and express it. ”

— CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1133

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All Christians are called to participate fully in the sacramental life of the Catholic Church. Please see below for general information on each of the seven sacraments as well as preparation guidelines for receiving certain sacraments at St. Joseph’s.

BAPTISM

The Sacrament of Baptism is celebrated for registered parishioners of St. Joseph’s. For parents seeking their family’s first baptism, a formational class is required prior to setting a date for the baptism; guidelines for selecting godparents should also be reviewed. Please contact the Parish Office at 515-266-2226 for information on the next bi-monthly class. Adults seeking baptism for themselves may find relevant information on the adults page under the Faith Formation tab.

EUCHARIST

The Sacrament of Holy Eucharist (Communion) is celebrated at every Mass or Communion service. Children traditionally commemorate their First Eucharist in the second grade, after a required period of preparation. Non-Catholic adults seeking to receive the sacrament may find relevant information on the adults page under the Faith Formation tab.

CONFIRMATION

The Sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated by baptized individuals to be strengthened by the Holy Spirit in order to live out the faith they profess. In the Diocese of Des Moines, teens receive the sacrament in their sophomore year, after a required period of preparation. Non-Catholic adults seeking to receive the sacrament may find relevant information on the adults page under the Faith Formation tab.

RECONCILIATION

The Sacrament of Reconciliation (penance) is available to Catholics and to baptized Christians in the RCIA process. Sacrament hours can be found on our home page. During Advent and Lent, expanded hours for individual confessions and communal reconciliation are offered. Click here for a brochure explaining the sacrament and how to prepare.

ANOINTING OF THE SICK

The healing Sacrament of Anointing is available to the sick and the dying. Please contact the Parish Office at 515-266-2226 to arrange a pastoral visit at the place of care. While some hospitals strive to notify us when a parishioner is admitted, we depend on family and parish members to keep us fully informed.

MARRIAGE

To prepare for the Sacrament of Marriage at St. Joseph’s, one member of the couple must be a registered parishioner. Please contact the Parish Office at 515-266-2226 at least 6 months in advance of the proposed wedding date; diocesan guidelines do not permit setting a definite date for the wedding until part of the Marriage Preparation Program has been completed.

HOLY ORDERS & VOCATIONS

The Sacrament of Holy Orders is received only by those completing formal discernment and vocational formation. For information about priesthood and religious life in the Diocese of Des Moines, please visit www.vocationsonline.org.

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