Sacramental Preparation

 

Baptism
Preparation for parents and godparents is a collaborative interparish program.  Classes are scheduled once each month, rotating among the Waterloo metro parishes.  Participation in this class is a prerequisite for infant and child baptism. The classes offer a theological update for adults as well as an overview of the ritual of baptism and how it is celebrated within the context of Sunday Mass.  To register for an upcoming class at ANY time of year, contact the rectory at 234-4996. 

BAPTISM PREPARATION SCHEDULE 2011-2012
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May 14, 2011. 9:30a. Putz Hall/Blessed Sacrament Parish

June 13, 2011. 7:00p. Rectory Classroom/Sacred Heart Parish

July 9, 2011. 9:30a. Scallon Hall/Queen of Peace Parish

August 8, 2011. 7:00p. Church Hall/St. Edward Parish

September 10, 2011. 9:30a. Rectory Classroom/Sacred Heart Parish

October 10, 2011. 7:00p. Putz Hall/Blessed Sacrament Parish

November 12, 2011. 9:30a. Scallon Hall/Queen of Peace Parish

December 12, 2011. 7:00p. Church Hall/St. Edward Parish

January 14, 2012. 9:30a. Rectory Classroom/Sacred Heart Parish

February 13 2012. 7:00p. Putz Hall/Blessed Sacrament Parish

March 10, 2012. 9:30a. Church Hall/St. Edward Parish

April 09, 2012. 7:00p. Scallon Hall/Queen of Peace Parish

May 12, 2012. 9:30a. Putz Hall/Blessed Sacrament Parish

June 11, 2012. 7:00p. Rectory Classroom/Sacred Heart Parish

July 14, 2012. 9:30a. Scallon Hall/Queen of Peace Parish

August 13, 2012. 7:00p. Church Hall/St. Edward Parish

September 08, 2012. 9:30a. Rectory Classroom/Sacred Heart Parish

October 08, 2012. 7:00p. Putz Hall/Blessed Sacrament Parish

November 10, 2012. 9:30a. Scallon Hall/Queen of Peace Parish

December 10, 2012. 7:00p. Church Hall/St. Edward Parish

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Classroom Locations

• Blessed Sacrament Parish. 650 Stephen Ave. Waterloo.
Putz Hall is located in the basement of the rectory.
Use the main entrance between the church and rectory.

• Queen of Peace Parish. 320 Mulberry St. Waterloo.
Scallon Hall is located in the basement of the church.
Use the entrance on Third Street.

• Sacred Heart Parish. 627 W. Fourth St. Waterloo.
The Rectory Classroom is located in the basement of the rectory.
Use the entrance between the church and rectory.
O'Hagan Hall is located in the basement of the church. Use the elevator
entrance (north door) on West 4th Street
or the side entrance on Randolph Street.

• St. Edward Parish. 1423 Kimball Ave. Waterloo.
The Church Hall is located in the basement of the church; use the
entrance on the north side of church.
St. Matthew Room is located in the basement of the rectory; use the
entrance on the south side of the rectory.


Confirmation Preparation
Confirmation is celebrated during the junior year of high school in our parish.  An information session for parents and candidates will be held on december 11th, at 9:30 a.m. in O'Hagan Hall. 
Parish classes will be held: Sundays, January 22, February 12, March 25th from 8:45-10:45am. A metro retreat will be held on May 5, 2012, led by our parish Youth Ministers, their Confirmation retreat team. Nationally known and respected Youth Minister, John Angotti, will be the keynote speaker / musician!  Service hours are a program requirement and will be discussed at the information meeting.  All Waterloo and Evansdale parishes will jointly celebrate this sacrament with Episcopal Vicar, Msgr. Lyle Wilgenbusch, on Sunday, May 6, 2012, at 4:00 p.m. at Columbus High School.

ADULT CONFIRMATION preparation is offered by the Waterloo Metro parishes.  This program consists of topics to update adults (ages 18-80) in their Catholic faith during a four week course.  Sessions are scheduled for Monday evenings February 27 & March, 5, 19, & 26, 2012 at St. Edward parish from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Adults will be offered individual options for celebrating this sacrament during the Easter season.  To register for these sessions, call Pam at 234-8394.

First Reconciliation
This is a home-study program in which parents/guardians are the primary teachers of their children.  The parent session will help adults understand the texts and materials as well as have the opportunity for an adult level update on the Sacrament of Reconciliation in our Church today.  The parent session is scheduled for Wednesday, September 28th from 6:30-7:45pm in O'Hagan Hall. Students in both our Catholic School and RE programs participate together in this preparation process.  We will celebrate First Reconciliation on Saturday, November 19, 2011, at 10:00 a.m. AT QUEEN OF PEACE CHURCH.

First Communion Preparation
Begins with a parent meeting on January 18, 2012 at 6:30 p.m. in the church. This is a home-study program in which parents/guardians are the primary teachers of their children.  The parent sessions help adults understand the texts and materials as well as have the opportunity for an adult level update on the Eucharist in our Church today.  Students in both our Catholic School and RE programs participate together in this preparation process.  We will have a group celebration of First Communion on Sunday, April 22, 2012, at 10:45am Mass.

Children's Initiation
Students in grades 3-8 who have NOT been baptized and/or NOT celebrated First Reconciliation or First Communion are invited to participate in a metro program of preparation for these sacraments.  Classes will be held at Sacred heart School on Wednesday evenings January 11, 18, 25, February 1, 8, & 15, 2012.  Time will be from 6:30-8:00 p.m. These classes are for both Catholic School and RE children.  For more information, call Pam at 234-8394.

Adult Initiation (RCIA)
Sacred Heart is an RCIA parish. We have been blessed with many new members added to our community during the past 25 years.  More than 200 adults have joined our Catholic faith community through the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist. This process assists people in discerning how and where God has been present throughout their lives and if living their faith within the Catholic tradition is right for them.
How can every parishioner assist the RCIA team in this ministry?
a) We ask that all parishioners begin praying for those involved in this ministry.  Their efforts will bear fruit only through the prayers of the whole community!
b) If there is someone you know who may be interested in learning more about the Catholic faith, please give their name to Pam Johnston (234-8394).
c) In past years, many people in our parish have served as parish companions for those wishing to join the Catholic Church.  They have developed strong friendships by simply offering a welcoming hand and caring spirit.  If you are interested in meeting our prospective candidates and willing to share some time as a parish  companion, please contact Pam (234-8394).  You may find that this is a very rewarding ministry and even become updated in your own understanding of Catholic teaching and practice.


Information for
Individuals Interested in Becoming Catholic
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Information Meetings
for Individuals Interested in Being Catholic

September 7, 2011. 6:30pm
Scallon Hall/Queen of Peace Parish

September 15, 2011. 6:30pm
St. Edward Parish


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R.C.R. A
This eight week program is specially designed for adults who are already baptized in another Christian tradition. It is assumed that they have participated in some religious education classes/Sunday School as children and/or teens. The RCRA classes will help prepare adults to be received into the Catholic Church through the Sacraments of Confirmation & Eucharist. Each class will focus on a topic that offers a distinctly "Catholic" perspective - in short, "What is uniquely Catholic" in the Christian tradition.

Classes will be held: Thursdays September 29 - November 17, 2011 . They will meet from 6:30-8:00pm at St. Ed's.
Additional 8-week sessions will be held:
Sundays January 8 - March 4, 2012 from 9:00-10:30am at Queen of Peace parish
Tuesdays March 20 - May 15. 2012 from 6:30-8:00pm at Sacred Heart rectory classroom.
Please contact Pam Johnston at 234-8394 if you are interested in attending these classes.


Marriage Preparation
Married couples act as sponsors for couples seeking marriage in the Catholic Church. In addition, a parish-based marriage preparation session is held at intervals throughout the year to ensure all couples further opportunity to become spiritually ready for this Christian vocation.

Wedding Planning
A wedding coordinator assists couples in planning their wedding celebration. Guidance is offered in selecting appropriate scripture readings, music, and church decor. If you are interested in marriage at Sacred Heart, contact the rectory at least six months in advance.  The Catholic party(s) must give evidence of being a registered and practicing Catholic before a wedding will be arranged and a church date set. For more information, contact the parish office at 234-4996.

Anointing of the Sick
Communal anointing of elderly or infirm parishioners is celebrated at a Mass of Anointing once or twice each year. Sacred Heart School students participate in this special anointing liturgy.  If you are planning to go into the hospital, ask our Pastor about anointing after Mass, or call if homebound. A priest is on call at both metro hospitals.