Sacraments
Initiation. Healing. Service.
Baptism
Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word. (CCC1213)
Baptism for infants and children (ages 0-6) is celebrated every Sunday at 1:30 PM (this time changes to 12 PM on Sunday, February 20, 2021).
Baptism for adults & children over age 7 is celebrated annually typically on Easter Vigil.
Preparation:
For infants & children under age 6: Parents are required to attend one of our monthly preparation classes prior to their child’s Baptism. Both parents must attend, even if attended previously. Because of Covid-10 Limitations, all Baptism Classes are being conducted online through Zoom. Please register online HERE. Once you complete the class, you will be contacted by parish staff to schedule your Child's baptism date. Or, you may contact the parish office at 402-896-9675.
Upcoming Baptism Class Dates:
- Thursday, February 11, 2021 | 6:30-8:00 PM
- Sunday, March 28, 2021 | 1:00-2:30 PM
- Thursday, April 8, 2021 | 6:30-8:00 PM
- Thursday, April 22, 2021 | 6:30-8:00 PM
- Sunday, May 9, 2021 | 1:00-2:30PM
For adults & children over age 7: Learn more about Becoming Catholic Click here!
Reconciliation (Confession)
Those who approach the sacrament of Reconciliation obtain pardon from God's mercy for the offense committed against Him. At the same time, they are reconciled with the Church which they have wounded by their sins. The Church by charity, example, and prayer labors for their conversion. (CCC1422)
Tuesday from 5:30 to 6:30 PM, Saturday from 3:30 to 4:45 PM, or by appointment.
The location of Confessions has changed and is now in the Daily Mass Chapel.
Preparation:
Five-day school and Religious Education students prepare for their First Reconciliation in the 1st grade. For these students, this sacrament is received in the first semester, 2nd grade.
Missing this Sacrament or wanting to become Catholic? Click here!
First Reconciliation Forms & Documents
>>First Reconciliation Information 2020
>>A Reminder of the Steps of Reconciliation
Eucharist (First Holy Communion)
The Holy Eucharist completes Christian initiation. Those who have been raised to the dignity of the royal priesthood by Baptism and configured more deeply to Christ by Confirmation participate with the whole community in the Lord's own sacrifice by means of the Eucharist. (CCC1322)
Five-day school and Religious Education students prepare for their First Holy Communion in the 1st grade. This Sacrament is received in the 2nd grade in the Spring.
Missing this Sacrament or wanting to become Catholic? Click here!
First Holy Communion Forms & Documents:
Confirmation
The sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace. By the sacrament of Confirmation, [the baptized] are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit. Hence they are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed. (CCC1285)
Preparation for Confirmation begins in the 7th grade for Religious Education and School students. Candidates participate in retreats, special events and complete stewardship/service hours. The sacrament of Confirmation is received in the 8th grade in the Spring.
Confirmation Forms & Documents:
>>Journey of Faith - 2020 Confirmation Sponsor and Saint Form
>>Stewardship Requirements for 7th & 8th Grade
>>Letter to Parents Confirmation 2020-21
Anointing of the Sick
By the sacred anointing of the sick and the prayer of the priests the whole Church commends those who are ill to the suffering and glorified Lord, that he may raise them up and save them. And indeed she exhorts them to contribute to the good of the People of God by freely uniting themselves to the Passion and death of Christ.” (CCC 1499)
To receive this Sacrament, call the Parish office at (402) 896-9675.
Holy Orders
Holy Orders is the sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to his apostles continues to be exercised in the Church until the end of time: thus it is the sacrament of apostolic ministry. It includes three degrees: episcopate, presbyterate, and diaconate (CCC 1536).
If you are interested or have been discerning a call to the priesthood or permanent diaconate, please contact the Omaha Archdiocese Vocation Director, Father Roza at (402) 558-3100 or ajroza@archomaha.org or Father Dave Belt at (402) 861-9675.
Matrimony
The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life, is by its nature ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring; this covenant between baptized persons has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament (CCC1601).
Preparation for Marriage begins at least 6 months prior to the desired wedding date. The first session of Marriage Preparation will be the administration of the FOCCUS instrument. Subsequent sessions relate to the discussion of the FOCCUS results with a trained facilitator. Concurrently, the couple is encouraged to participate in the Marriage Preparation Education Program offered by the Archdiocese of Omaha.
Contact the Parish office at (402) 896-9675. for details.
Children & Teens (ages 7-18)
Is your child or teen baptized Catholic, but behind on receiving sacraments?
Is your child or teen not baptized or baptized in another faith and wanting to become Catholic?
Children & Teens not baptized or baptized in another faith who desire to become Catholic will be fully initiated into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil through the Rite of Christian Initiation.
Contact China Weil, Director of Religious Education, at 402-896-9675 or c.weil@stephen.org.
Adults (ages 19+)
Adults missing any Sacraments (either Baptism, Reconciliation, Eucharist and/or Confirmation) will prepare to be fully initiated into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil Mass through the Becoming Catholic! Rite of Catholic Initiation for Adults (RCIA) program. >>> Learn More.