Baptism

Baptism is the sacrament in which one is incorporated into christ and made a member of His Body. At the time of Baptism one is cleansed of original sin and becomes a son or daughter in Christ, and is infused with sanctifying grace.

To attend baptismal classes parents must contact Fr. Baldwin at the office 641-732-4342.

Instructions are under an hour, and are scheduled as needed.

Baptism regularly takes place during the weekend Mass or by appointment,
when the situation calls for it. The time of Baptism is normally scheduled during the Baptism class.

When choosing Godparents, please keep the following in mind:
At least one has to be catholic
A catholic has to be confirmed, at least 16 years of age, and in good standing with the church.
a non-catholic, but baptized christian, can stand in as a christian witness.
      

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Reconciliation

The sacrament of Reconciliation is a celebration of God's love and mercy. We, though sinners, come before our God, admitting our faults, weakness and failing, we ask God for pardon and peace. we express our desire to change our ways and conform to God's commands of Loving our God with all our heart, mind and soul and loving our neighbor as ourselves.

For the sacrament and individual goes to a Bishop or Priest, in private, and confesses their sins, expresses their sorrow and desire to transform their ways. The bishop or priest will then absolve them of their sins, meaning they are forgiven by God and community, and restored to God's graces.

Confessions held at:
Our Lady of Lourdes in Lourdes: Saturday, 3:00-3:30pm
Sacred Heart in Osage: Saturday, 4:30-5:00pm
Visitation in Stacyville: Sunday, 7:30-8:00am
Immaculate Conception in Riceville: Sunday, 9:30-10:00am
or contact Fr. Baldwin @ 641-732-4342 or Fr. Hertges @ 641-393-2520.
      

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Eucharist

Receiving Holy Communion, the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, is receiving His “real” presence. Communion is a holy time of worship that demands reverence and devotion as well as a reminder for what Jesus did for us. Receiving Holy Communion is something we must do repeatedly throughout our lives as Christians. Please make a reverent head bow just before receiving the Eucharist-Holy Communion.

First Communion is usually completed while in 2nd grade and celebrated during the month of April.

Candidates must be enrolled in a First Communion class. Please call the Parish Office, to talk with the CRE, if you require additional information.
       

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Confirmation

Confirmation is the sacrament that completes the initiation into the catholic church. The other two being Baptism and Eucharist. At Confirmation we receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit and confirm our baptismal promises, to renounce satan, and express our love for and belief in God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit). Greater awareness of the grace of the Holy Spirit is conferred through the anointing of Sacred Chrism oil and the laying on of hands by the Archbishop.
 

Confirmation perfects Baptismal grace; it is the sacrament which gives the Holy Spirit in order to root us more deeply in the divine filiation, incorporate us more firmly into Christ, strengthen our bond with the Church, associate us more closely with her mission, and help us bear witness to the Christian faith in words accompanied by deeds. (CCC 1316)

Confirmation is a time when the Archbishop confirms the candidates that they are vital and valuable members of the church. It is also when the candidate confirms their belief, also stating that they want to be vital and valuable members of the church.
       

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Anointing of the Sick

 

The Rite of Anointing does not need to wait until a person is at the point of death to receive the Sacrament. A careful judgment about the serious nature of the illness is sufficient. The Sacrament may be repeated if the sick person recovers after the anointing but becomes ill once again, or if, during the same illness, the person’s condition becomes more serious. Only Bishops and Priests may be ministers of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.

A Penitential Rite followed by the Liturgy of the Word begins the celebration. The priest lays his hands on the head of the sick person. He then proceeds to anoint, with the blessed Oil of the Sick, the forehead and hands of the sick person. He accompanies these acts with the words, “Through this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up”.

Within the Osage Area Pastorate dates and times are yet to be determined as to when we will celebrate the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick. We do the Anointing of the Sick at each of the Nursing Homes.

If you have a loved one who would like to receive the Anointing of the Sick, do not hesitate to call Fr. Baldwin at 641-732-4342 or Fr. Hertges at 641-393-2520.

      

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Marriage

Please contact call Fr. Baldwin at 641-732-4342 to schedule an appointment to begin your marriage preparation. Your first session will be a pre-nuptial session along with Archdiocese/Pastorate guidelines. At this time it will be determined as to how many sessions will be needed prior to the marriage ceremony and to schedule a weding date.