Baptism
The Sacrament of Baptism
Holy Baptism is the base of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: "Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word."
Catechism of the Catholic Church 1213
To schedule a date for Holy Baptism and for more information please contact Fr. Dan Guenther at 515-332-2856
Parents must attend Baptism Class.
The Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation
Those who approach the sacrament of Penance obtain pardon from God's mercy for the offenses committed against him, and are, at the same time, reconciled with the Church which they have wounded by their sins and which by charity, by example, and by prayer labors for their conversion.
Catechism of the Catholic Church 1422
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Confessions available by appointment; also approximately 1/2 hour before Saturday & Sunday Masses.
For more information contact Fr. Dan Guenther 515-332-2856
Penance & Reconciliation
Holy Eucharist
The Sacrament of the Eucharist
The Holy Eucharist completes Christian initiation. Those who have been raised in the dignity of the royal priesthood by Baptism and configured more deeply to Christ by confirmation participate with the whole community in the Lord's own sacrifice by means of the Eucharist.
At the Last Supper, on the night he was betrayed, our Savior instituted the Eucharistic sacrifice of his Body and Blood. This he did in order to perpetrate the sacrifice of the cross throughout the ages until he should come again, and so to entrust to his beloved Spouse, the Church, a memorial of his death and resurrection: a sacrament of love, a sign of unity, a bond of charity, a Pascal banquet in which Christ is consumed, the mind is filled with grace, and a pledge of future glory is given to us.
Catechism of the Catholic Church 1322 and 1323
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St. Mary's & Sacred Heart administer First Reconciliation and First Holy communion to the second graders of our parishes. Arrangements are made to prepare out of sequence children and youth who need to prepare for sacraments.
Adult first sacraments are normally part of our RCIA program. If you are interested in joining the church, please contact the Parish office.
If you would like to register children in our Faith Formation Programs please contact the Faith Formation Directors, Sara Carlson, Traci Holm, Julie Dodds, Sara Bormann, or Mel Dettmann.
The Sacrament of Confirmation
Baptism, the Eucharist, and the sacrament of Confirmation together constitute the " sacraments of Christian initiation", whose unity must be safeguarded. It must be explained to the faithful that the reception of the sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace.
Catechism of the Catholic Church 1285
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For more information about the Sacrament of Confirmation and to register your child please contact the Directors of Faith Formation at the Parish Office.
Confirmation
Marriage
The Sacrament of Matrimony
The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life, is by its nature ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring; this covenant between baptized persons has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament.
Catechism of the Catholic Church 1601
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Engaged couples are to begin preparations at least 6 months before their wedding as required by diocesan policy. A date for the wedding will be reserved only after visiting with the pastor.
For More Information Please Contact Fr. Dan Guenther 515-332-2856.
The Anointing of the Sick
By the sacred anointing of the sick and the prayer of the priests the whole Church commends those who are ill to the suffering and glorified Lord, that he may raise them up and save them and indeed she exhorts them to contribute to the good of the People of God by freely uniting themselves to the Passion and death of Christ.
Catechism of the Catholic Church 1499
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For More Information Please Contact Fr. Dan Guenther if you or a loved one is in need of this Sacrament.
Anointing of the Sick
Holy Orders
The Sacrament of Holy Orders
Holy Orders is a sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to the apostles continues to be exercised in the Church until the end of time: thus the sacrament of apostolic ministry. It includes three degrees: episcopate, presbyter-ate, and deaconate.
Catechism of the Catholic Church 1536
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For More Information Please Contact Fr. Dan Guenther