Sacraments

Christian Initiation / Becoming Catholic

BAPTISM

Infants and Younger Children – We welcome you and your child to our family of faith. We offer Baptism Preparation to assist parents understand and live out the challenges associated with the promises you will make in Baptism. Because Baptism is a celebration of community, it is the norm to celebrate this Sacrament during regularly scheduled Sunday liturgy. Click here for the Policy and for the Godparent Form. To register for a Baptism Preparation, please call the Parish Office 414-445-5115.
Older Children (Grades K to 2) – We welcome older children to take part in the preparation and understanding of the Sacrament. We meet with families to explain the rituals and meaning of Baptism and to deeply involve the children in this celebration.
Baptism of Youth and Adults / RCIA – The journey of faith for adults and teens is process which involves growth in understanding and spiritual awareness. In a team process, candidates for baptism or Reception into the Church (for those baptized in other faith traditions), will journey with a sponsor and other adults, discovering their place in the community. The RCIA process is on-going and involves several stages. Generally, adults are welcomed in baptism during the Easter Vigil. Contact Margaret Lee at mlee @saintsebs.org.

FIRST RECONCILIATION AND FIRST EUCHARIST

First Reconciliation—also called First Confession or the Sacrament of Penance—is a child’s first celebration of God’s forgiveness through the ministry of the Church. Properly prepared, it is an opportunity for children to encounter God’s mercy, healing, and love.

The Church teaches that children should receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation before receiving Holy Communion for the first time. This teaches that receiving the Eucharist requires a sincere relationship with Christ and a willingness to turn away from sin.

First Eucharist, often called First Holy Communion, is the first time a baptized Catholic receives the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ in Holy Communion. It is an important step in Christian initiation and marks a child’s fuller participation in the Church’s Eucharistic worship. As children reach the age of reason, generally around age seven, the Church extends to them an invitation to celebrate the sacrament of Eucharist. The initiation into the Christian community that took place at Baptism is further extended by inviting children to enter fully into the heart of Christian faith through participation in the Eucharist. Children will be formed to receive Jesus Christ in Holy Communion with faith, understanding, reverence, and proper disposition.

The Code of Canon Law places the primary responsibility for preparing children on parents, catechists are tasked to guide and assist parents in this process. Parental involvement is essential. For proper preparation of each sacrament, we ask parents to attend an orientation, formation sessions and a retreat for the proper preparation of their child(ren). The details and schedule are in this packet.

Margaret Lee, our Director of Faith Formation, will guide you and your child, step by step, towards the celebration of First Reconciliation (Confession) and First Eucharist (First Communion). Preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist is an extension of the life of faith. With that in mind, students must have completed at least one year of Faith Formation, either through Catholic school or a faith formation program, to begin the formal process of preparation for any sacrament. While preparation usually happens in second grade, please know, this prerequisite is mandatory for all families. Contact Fr. Peter Patrick if you have questions.

Mlee@saintsebs.org / (414) 453-7150

YOUTH CONFIRMATION

Confirmation is an important milestone in the sacramental and spiritual life of a Catholic. It allows young people to learn more deeply about their Catholic faith, focused on our beliefs, morals and practices. The journey guides them through a mature examination of this faith, hoping to help them make a willful and intentional commitment to live and serve in the Spirit of Christ. Many of us were baptized as babies, with our parents and godparents choosing to raise us in the Catholic tradition. At Confirmation, we say YES to our baptism, YES to living a call to discipleship, and YES to following the example and teachings of Jesus Christ.

There are several components to a complete and successful Confirmation program. The Archdiocese of Milwaukee mandates a retreat, liturgical worship, sponsor involvement, community service, an interview, and a letter of intent. All of these are meant to enhance the preparation process and a young person’s capacity to say YES. These components will be explained at the orientation session. Please plan to attend this important session WITH your young person. There are two options for attending the orientation this year.

Parents and candidates must attend ONE of either session to register for the Confirmation program:

Sunday, September 22, following the 8 am Mass

Tuesday, September 24, at 6 pm.

Both sessions will meet in the Adult Formation Room at St Sebastian Parish. Regular attendance and participation at Mass and during our catechetical sessions are required for successful completion of this sacramental preparation.

Contact is Margaret Lee at 414-453-7150 x123 or 414-998-4785 or mlee@saintsebs.org.

For the Meeting Schedule and to Register, go to:

SCHEDULE: http://saintcatherine51.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2026-27-Confirmation-Schedule.pdf

ADULT CONFIRMATION

We offer a nine-week program of study and discussion for Catholic adults who have not celebrated Confirmation twice each year (Fall and Spring) which concludes in the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation. This program is also offered to Catholic adults who wish to review the Basics of Faith and as a process for some well-catechized Christians as part of their entry into the Catholic Church. Contact Margaret Lee at mlee@saintsebs.org