Baptism
Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist are the three sacraments of initiation into Christ and the Church. Jesus instructed us that “those baptized by water (baptism) and the Holy Spirit (confirmation) will sit down at the great banquet of eternal life in God’s Kingdom (Eucharist)”. Parents who wish to have their infants baptized are to participate in a Baptismal Program held the second Thursday of each month in the St. Joe Confraternity Room. Please call the Parish office to reserve your spot.
Confirmation
Confirmation recognizes that in order to follow Christ we need His promised gift of the Holy Spirit in our lives. The more we follow the inspirations of the Spirit, the more Christ-like we become. Confirmation is celebrated every year when our youth reach High School age.
If you have never been confirmed, please call the Parish Office. Permission may be sought from the bishop for the pastor to celebrate Confirmation with you.
Eucharist
Sunday Eucharist is the heart of our parish's life. It expresses who we are and who we are trying to become - a thankful people united with Christ in offering our lives to God as we live in the Spirit of loving service. First Communion is celebrated in the fall of each year when the child reaches second grade. Please contact the parish office for more information.
Reconciliation
The risen Christ extended his ministry of forgiving sins to the Church. In celebrating this sacrament, we know our sins are forgiven and we are challenged to live a life of forgiveness towards others. Reconciliation is celebrated on Friday mornings at 7:00 AM. During Advent and Lent, deanery-wide Penance Services with individual confession are celebrated.
Please call the parish office for more information regarding First Reconciliation.
Marriage
Just as the Sacrament of Holy Orders calls men to service in the church, so also the Sacrament of Marriage calls a husband and wife into service in the creation of a new family. Since the preparation for Marriage is rather involved, a handbook has been compiled outlining the process and providing details for planning the ceremony.
Please call the Parish Office for a copy. Couples wanting to marry in the Diocese of Evansville must give the pastor six months prior notification.
Holy Orders
In the Sacrament of Holy Orders, or Ordination, the priest being ordained vows to lead other Catholics by celebrating with and for them the sacraments (especially the Eucharist), by proclaiming the Gospel, and by providing other means to holiness. Persons interested in the permanent deaconate, priesthood, or religious life may contact Fr. John Brosmer.
Anointing of the Sick
When parishioners know of an upcoming surgery or medical tests, they are encouraged to celebrate this sacrament during a Sunday or weekday Mass in order to receive the support and the prayers of the Church. Several anointing Masses are planned throughout the year, as well. In emergency circumstances, please call the Parish Office. While hospitalized or homebound, lay ministers will bring Holy Communion to the sick. Since hospitals are now obligated by the Federal Government to follow HIPPA policies, please have a family member notify the Parish Office if someone is hospitalized. We cannot publicly pray for a parishioner unless their prior permission has been given.
Funeral Wakes & Masses
Assistance from the parish office is offered to help families plan the wake service and funeral Mass at the time of a deceased loved one. Assistance can also be provided in prior planning of one's own funeral. It is advisable to give each member of the family a copy of your preplanned funeral liturgy, as well as a copy filed in the Parish Office.
