Scheduling a Baptism, Wedding, or Funeral
Scheduling a Baptism, Wedding or FuneralBaptism The first step leading to full incorporation with Christ and His Church is baptism. Thus, we cannot celebrate baptism indiscriminately. Parents accept a great deal of responsibility in presenting a child for baptism. They will be the child’s first teachers in the faith. The child has the right to seek from them the best example. With all this in mind, we ask parents to prepare themselves seriously for this privilege. Specifically, they do this by participating in a process aimed at preparing them for the baptism of their child.
Prior to baptism, the parents must fulfill two requirements. The first is to attend a class on the meaning of baptism. Secondly, at least one of the parents of the child to be baptized must be a registered member of Holy Family and show signs of active participation in the parish and worship. The baptism of children not from this parish can only take place with permission and instruction from the parish of the inquiring family. Permission from their pastor must be given in writing to the Holy Family pastor or deacon who is to preside at the baptism.
Baptism times and dates vary by parish site. Baptism date and time must be arranged with the pastor from the site where the celebration is to take place. Deacons are ordained by the Archbishop and are commissioned to do baptisms in the same way that our priests baptize.
Contact: Karen Boede Clergy Secretary (920) 921-0580, ext. 143
Weddings Holy Family Parish is eager to aid couples in planning a truly Catholic celebration of their wedding. Marriage is a sacrament, a consecrative action of Christ. It begins with the wedding and continues throughout their married lives. The parish marriage preparation program should therefore be looked upon as a great opportunity to prepare both prayerfully and wisely. This program is in line with directives from the Archdiocese of Milwaukee and the Catholic Province of Wisconsin.
At least one of the partners to be married must be a registered and participating member of a Catholic church. Preferences in wedding dates are given to Holy Family parish members.
The couple must begin preparation with the church no less than six months prior to the date of the wedding. This gives the couple time to attend necessary sessions and allows the priest time to plan the ceremony with the couple.
Contact: Deacon Larry Hughes Marriage Ministry Coordinator 921-0580 ext. 125
Funerals Just as a Catholic begins his/her life in the Church with the sacrament of Baptism, so should the family and friends celebrate a loved one’s earthly life and his/her birth to Everlasting Life with a Catholic funeral. During the funeral, the water of baptism is sprinkled on the deceased. As at Baptism, the light of the Easter Candle shines on the faithful departed, and the white garment of Christ is placed over the person of faith.
As soon as is reasonable following the death of a loved one, the family should phone the funeral home of their choice. The funeral home, in turn, will contact the parish. A member of the Pastoral Care team, in conjunction with the priest and funeral home, will assist the family in planning the funeral.
Because every baptized Catholic has a right to a Christian burial, utmost care should be given to bring the deceased to church for the Mass of Christian Burial. A service at the funeral home during the time of visitation can provide needed support in prayer.
The Mass of Christian Burial may take place on any day except the Holy Week Triduum (Good Friday, Holy Saturday, Easter Sunday) Holy Days and Sundays. Burial may take place in a Catholic or public cemetery. Cremation is also allowed. Visitation may take place in the Church if the parish schedule allows.
Contact: Karen Boede Clergy Secretary 921-0580, ext. 143
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