Sacraments

A sacrament is a sacred and visible sign that is instituted by Jesus to give grace, an undeserved gift from God.

The saving words and deeds of Jesus Christ are the foundation of what he would communicate in the Sacraments through the ministers of the Church. Guided by the Holy Spirit, the Church recognizes the existence of Seven Sacraments instituted by the Lord. They are the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, the Eucharist), the Sacraments of Healing (Penance and the Anointing of the Sick), and the Sacraments at the Service of Communion (Marriage and Holy Orders). Through the Sacraments, God shares his holiness with us so that we, in turn, can make the world holier.

BAPTISM
Holy Baptism is the basis 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 (CCC 1213). Parents accept a great deal of responsibility in presenting a child for baptism; they will be the child’s first teachers of the faith. Prior to baptism, the parents must fulfill two requirements.

Attend a class on the meaning of baptism.
At least one of the parents of the child to be baptized must be a registered member of St. Clare or St. Thomas, and show signs of active participation in worship and parish activities.

For further information or to schedule a Baptism, please call either parish office. St. Thomas: 262.534.2255 | St. Clare: 262.895.2729
BAPTISM FAQs

FIRST COMMUNION
The Eucharist is the source and summit of Catholic life and the celebration of the First Eucharist is an exciting event for young Catholics and their families. Children are invited to prepare for the sacrament when they reach the age of reason, usually around age seven or in second grade. A minimum of two years of Catholic instruction is required to participate in this sacrament. For more information, contact our Elementary Faith Formation Director, Trista Minezes at tristaminezes@tds.net.
FAITH FORMATION - FIRST COMMUNION & FIRST RECONCILIATION
FIRST EUCHARIST FAQs

RECONCILIATION (CONFESSION)
Reconciliation enables us to reconcile with our loving God. Most children prepare for Reconciliation during their second-grade year and are invited to participate in the celebration of the sacrament during a scheduled service in the fall.

This sacrament can be conducted in private by appointment or click below to view a listing of confession opportunities near you. Penance Services at St. Clare and St. Thomas are announced.
FIND A CONFESSION NEAR ME
EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE
PENANCE FAQs
CONFESSION/PRAYER CARD

CONFIRMATION
For “by the sacrament of Confirmation, [the baptized] are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit. Hence they are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed.” (CCC 1285) Candidates for the sacrament of Confirmation must be baptized Catholics who are at least sixteen years of age. They should be ready to affirm their baptism through the celebration of their confirmation and be willing to proceed into their adult life as a full member of the Catholic Church. Contact the High School Faith Formation Director, Maureen LeGros at legrosmaureen@gmail.com for more information or follow the helpful links below.
FAITH FORMATION - CONFIRMATION
CONFIRMATION FAQs

RIGHT OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION FOR ADULTS (RCIA)
Each year, thousands are initiated into the Catholic Church in the United States. Parishes welcome these new Catholics through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). This program is meant for those seeking to be baptized in the Catholic Church and adults looking to receive first communion or confirmation.
LEARN MORE

Peggy Liginski and Marc Bucaro coordinate our RCIA program. If you are interested in becoming Catholic or just learning more about the Catholic faith, you have a welcome seat at the table! Classes are held throughout the year and anyone interested in exploring the Catholic faith or completing their sacraments is welcome to join at any time. Simply contact the St. Clare parish office at 262.534.2255 or email Peggy Liginski at pliginski@gmail.com.

This program begins with a period of inquiry during which we review the basics of the faith. It continues with the Catechumenate period in which participants delve deeply into the faith, its meaning, and how “being a Catholic” will affect their lives. Next, is the period called "Enlightenment." In this phase, each person decides whether they are truly being called to be Catholic.

After completing the period of Enlightenment, the Sacraments of Initiation are administered and the person becomes a fully initiated Catholic. This is followed by a period called Mystagogy, in which participants explore their individual gifts and how they can use these gifts to become active participants in living their faith through Christian example and service.

If you are looking for more information on the Catholic Faith, click the helpful links below.
CATHOLIC ANSWERS
CATHOLICS COME HOME

MARRIAGE
“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.” (CCC 1601) Ceremony arrangements must be made six months in advance. Call either parish office for more information or to start the planning process. St. Thomas: 262.534.2255 | St. Clare: 262.895.2729.
MARRIAGE GUIDELINES
MARRIAGE FAQs
Take time to check out this helpful resource from Catholics Come Home for planning a Catholic wedding.
Planning a Catholic Wedding

HOLY ORDERS
Holy Orders is the sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to his apostles continues to be exercised in the Church until the end of time: thus it is the sacrament of apostolic ministry. (CCC 1536) The sacrament of Holy Orders in the Catholic Church includes three orders: bishop, priest, and deacon. The word "order" designates an established civil body or corporation with a hierarchy, and ordination means legal incorporation into an order. Therefore, a group with a hierarchical structure that is set apart for ministry in the Church. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming ordained within the Church, contact either parish office, St. Thomas: 262.534.2255 | St. Clare: 262.895.2729.
BECOMING A DEACON
BECOMING A PRIEST
OUR BISHOPS
HOLY ORDERS FAQs

ANOINTING OF THE SICK AND ELDERLY
“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.” (CCC 1499)

A communal celebration of this sacrament is held in October. This sacrament is not just for those in immediate danger of death. It is for those Christians whose health is seriously impaired by sickness or old age. It may be offered to anyone who is seriously ill or has a chronic illness. Never delay anointing until the point of death. If you or someone you love is in need of this sacrament, please contact either parish office, St. Thomas: 262.534.2255 | St. Clare: 262.895.2729.
ANOINTING FAQs

After Death has Occurred
A priest does not anoint those who have already passed away. However, he or a member of our Pastoral Care staff can be called when a loved one has died. They are more than willing to come and pray with the family and offer consolation. Please contact either parish office, St. Thomas: 262.534.2255 | St. Clare: 262.895.2729.
END OF LIFE
ST. THOMAS CEMETERY