SAINT NICHOLAS CATHOLIC CHURCH
FREEDOM, WI

There are seven sacraments in the Catholic Church: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance, Anointing of the Sick, Matrimony, and Holy Orders. The purpose of the sacraments is to make people holy, to build up the body of Christ, and finally, to give worship to God; but being signs, they also have a teaching function.

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The Catholic sacraments are gifts that are grounded in the life and ministry of Jesus and have been defined over time through the wisdom and experience of the Church. By the power of the Holy Spirit, and through the essential actions of the sacraments, Jesus is present in his Church today to welcome, strengthen, nourish, heal and empower us to live holy lives and to continue his work. The seven sacraments of Catholic Church include sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist), healing, (Penance/Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick), and vocation (Matrimony and Holy Orders).

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Baptism
Baptism is the first sacrament of welcoming or initiation into our Church. It occurs by the power of the Holy Spirit and through the pouring on or immersing in water as the priest or deacon proclaims, “I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Through this action, the person is cleansed from all sin including original sin, reborn as a child of God, and welcomed into the Body of Christ, our Church. In baptism, we receive the Holy Spirit and also become co-workers with Christ in his ministry on earth as priest, prophet and king.

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Infants:

Please make arrangements with the Parish Office at least 60 days in advance. Parish preparation program required. Call the Parish Office at 788-1492 for more details.

Adults or any children over 7 years old:

Please contact Parish Office to enter into a Baptismal preparation program. We are joyed to celebrate the baptism of adults at the Easter Vigil Mass.

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Confirmation
Confirmation is the sacrament of initiation that calls forth the fullness of the Holy Spirit to strengthen our relationship with Christ and the Church. The bishop through the “laying on of hands” and “anointing with holy oil” evokes the Holy Spirit to dwell within us and grant seven gifts: wonder and awe, reverence, understanding, right judgment, knowledge, courage and wisdom. These essential actions of the bishop confer the sacrament that helps us to live holy lives in service to each other and our Church.

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High School Students

The sacrament of Confirmation is normally conferred during the Junior year of High School.  Prior to being admitted for confirmation each student must complete the preparation program including a retreat, classes, service project, meeting with their sponsor and interview with the High School New Evangelization Coordinator.

 

Adults

For Adult Confirmation, please contact the parish office at 788-1492 to sign-up for classes. 
Adult Confirmation normally takes place during the Diocesan Confirmation that is offered twice per year.

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Eucharist
Eucharist is the sacrament of initiation which is the spiritual core of Catholic life and provides ongoing nourishment and strength for members of our Church. During the celebration of the Eucharist, the life, death and resurrection of Christ is remembered. By the power of the Holy Spirit, Christ is truly present in the priest, the community, the Scriptures and, through the words of consecration, the bread and wine. In receiving the Body and Blood of Jesus, we are in communion with each other, the universal Church and all our brothers and sisters in Christ who have come before us.

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Children are welcomed to celebrate their First Communion in 2nd grade. 
Preparation through New Evangelization or St. Nicholas School is required.

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Older children and adults wishing to join the church and receive communion are welcomed through the RCIA process and should contact the Coordinator of the New Evangelization at (920) 788-1451.

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Penance/Reconciliation

Penance/Reconciliation is a sacrament of spiritual healing and conversion in which we strive to be in a healthy relationship with God, others and ourselves. As a community of believers, we understand that we need to express our sorrow (contrition), name our sinfulness (confession), and make reparation (penance) for our actions. By the power of the Holy Spirit and the priest’s words of absolution our sins are forgiven. We can then live in a healthy relationship with God and each other and look forward to joining the communion of saints when our earthly life ends.

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Saturday: 3–3:30pm or by appointment by calling 920-788-1492

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Anointing of the Sick 

Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament of physical, emotional and spiritual healing for those who are suffering from severe illnesses or are near death. By the power of the Holy Spirit and through anointing with holy oil and prayers of the priest, we are united with the suffering of Christ and offered the opportunity for healing if it is God’s will. The sacrament is celebrated in combination with Eucharist and Penance/Reconciliation, if possible. Together, the sacraments strengthens us, gives us courage, and offers us peace as we face life’s difficult health issues and old age.

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Every October we invite parishioners to celebrate the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick at a 4:00pm Mass. Following Mass, attendees are invited to enjoy a light meal in our Parish Hall.

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For individual Anointing of the Sick please contact Father Walter Stumpf at the office at 788-1492

In the Rites of the Anointing of the Sick, the priest anoints the sick person on the forehead, saying, “Through this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. Amen.” He also anoints the sick person on the hands, saying, “May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up. Amen.”

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Matrimony

Matrimony is a sacrament of vocation in which the Holy Spirit binds a man and woman in marriage through the vows they make to each other. A priest or deacon witness the marriage on behalf of the Church and a lifelong covenant is formed which parallels the unbreakable love relationship that Christ has with his Church. This sacrament strengthens and binds couples to remain faithful to each other and to lovingly welcome children.

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We would be happy to celebrate the Sacrament of Matrimony with you and your families! 
Arrangements for weddings are requested to be at least 6 months in advance of your desired wedding date.
Please contact the Parish Office at 788-1492 to determine church availability.

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Holy Orders

Holy Orders is a sacrament of vocation where men commit their lives to participation in Christ’s priesthood in a unique way. Through Holy Orders, sacred powers to serve God’s people are given. The three degrees or orders are bishops (shepherds, sanctifiers, teachers), priests (coworkers of bishops in the pastoral ministry in parishes), and deacons (not ordained to ministerial service but dedicated to service and charitable activities). All are important for the Church. The sacrament for the three orders is conferred as a bishop lays hands on the person and prays a prayer of consecration for the specific order of the person.