The reception of a sacrament is a religious experience. The sacrament has both an educational and a religious component. Each sacrament requires a change of heart of conversion that is compatible with the ability and age of the person. Religious knowledge is important and cannot be neglected.

The Rite of Initiation for Adults (RCIA) is a process of entering the Catholic Tradition. Anyone who is interested in learning more about the Catholic Tradition or are seeking Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, Reconciliation and/or Confirmation are encouraged to call Geri Nehls for an appointment.

Many times people returning to the Church find this process helpful in their journey. It must be understood that the Church does not force anyone in the process but remains a companion, offering information and faith sharing.

After a period of formation, the Rite of Initiation usually takes place at the Easter Vigil service as participants are welcomed into full membership in the church.

After attending Baptism Preperation class for infants and children, parents set up their Baptism date with Msgr. Michael Hippee. Couples are encouraged to come whether this is their first baby or they are adding to their family. Children are welcome at these sessions. Parents are requested to be registered parishioners and participant in Sunday worship and parish family life. Please contact Geri Nehls at 249-7288 to register for the session and set a date for baptism.

Code of Canon Law and the National Catechetical Directory states that children have the right to make their First Confession and receive their First Communion beginning at the age of reason, (around age of seven).

In the late 60's, the U.S. Catholic Church was permitted to experiment with the age of the Celebration of Reconciliation. The value gained from the experimentation was to bring more clearly into focus the theology and meaning of the Sacrament for adults as well as children. We learned that our understanding of this sacrament grows as we grow, and this enforces the need for continual catechesis and celebration of Reconciliation. Catechesis should be an integral part of each year's program. You will find child-orientated and inter-generational communal celebrations as a part of our sacramental life at St. Bernard.

While the norm of the church is that Confession should precede the reception of First Eucharist, there are some exceptions. After parents and children have participated in the preparation program and have consulted with the pastor and DRF, they may decide to delay reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation for a time. (The only time the church requires the Sacrament is when a person is conscious of having committed a grave sin.)

Second graders and their parents will receive information via parent meetings in order to prepare for both Sacraments in accordance to the Church's teaching. Parents whose children are older and have not received preparation are invited to come to the meetings so they can prepare their child(ren) for this Sacrament.

Confirmation completes the initiation into the Christian community that began at Baptism. It is a celebration of Pentecost, truly a celebration of the active presence of the Holy Spirit within us.

The Confirmation Program, used as a preparation for this sacrament, prepares the candidates to live as full members of the adult faith community. This means that the candidates not only become more aware of their responsibilities as members of the faith community, but also develop a more meaningful participation in the Eucharist. In this year of preparation, parents and/or sponsors will join the candidates in several meetings and church rituals. The immediate preparation will include:

Couples anticipating marriage should make arrangements with the Pastor at least six months in advance of the wedding. Call the parish office and 249-9256 for more information.