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. 

Metro Baptism Preparation Classes 2007-08
October 8, 2007 7:00-9:00pm at Blessed Sacrament
November 10, 2007 9:30-11:30am at Queen of Peace
December 10, 2007 7:00-9:00pm at St. Edward
January 12, 20078 9:30-11:30am at Sacred Heart
February 11, 2008 7:00-9:00pm at Blessed Sacrament
March 8, 2008 9:30-11:30am at St. Edward
April 14, 2008 7:00-9:00pm at Queen of Peace
May 10, 2008 9:30-11:30am at Blessed Sacrament
June 9, 2008 7:00-9:00pm at Sacred Heart
July 12, 2008 9:30-11:30am at Blessed Sacrament
August 11, 2008 7:00-9:00pm at St. Edward
September 13, 2008 9:30-11:30am at Sacred Heart
October 13, 2008 7:00-9:00pm at Blessed Sacrament
November 8, 2008 9:30-11:30am at Queen of Peace
December 8, 2008 7:00-9:00pm at St. Edward

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 November 11th, at 9:15 a.m. in O'Hagan Hall.  A kick-off retreat will be held on January 19-20, 2008, led by our parish Youth Minister, Kim Huff, and her Confirmation retreat team.  Nationally known and respected Youth Minister, John Angotti, will be the keynote speaker / musician! Parish classes are scheduled for February 11th and March 25th.  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 our Espiscopal Vicar, Msgr. Lyle Wilgenbusch, on Friday, April 4, 2008, at 7:00 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 Wednesday evenings February 13, 20. 27 and March 5, 2008 at Blessed Sacrament 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 sessions 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.  Students in both our Catholic School and CCD programs participate together in this preparation process.  We will celebrate First Reconciliation on Saturday, December 1, 2007, at 10:00 a.m. AT QUEEN OF PEACE CHURCH.

First Communion Preparation
Begins with a parent meeting on January 23, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. in O'Hagan Hall. 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 CCD programs participate together in this preparation process.  We will have a group celebration of First Communion on Sunday, April 20, 2008, 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 Blessed Sacrament Parish on Wednesday evenings January 30, February 13, 20, 27 and March 5 & 12, 2008.  Time will be from 6:30-8:00 p.m. These classes are for both Catholic School and CCD 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 20 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.

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 teens. The RCIA II classes will help prepare adults to be received into the Catholic Church through the Sacraments of Confirmation & Eucharist. Each class will focus on topic that offers a distinctly "Catholic" perspective - in short, "What is uniquely Catholic" in the Christian tradition. Classes begin February 17, 24, March 2, 9, 30, April 6, 13, 20, 2008 . They will meet from 10:00-11:30am at St. Edward's. 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.

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 Father about anointing after Mass, or call if homebound. A priest is on call at both metro hospitals.
Communal Anointing of the Sick is scheduled for Sunday, October 28, 2007 at the 8:15am Mass. Please contact the parish if you are in need of transportation 234-4996.