A child may only have one or two godparents (also called sponsors); if two are chosen, they must be male and female.
In order for someone to be eligible as a godparent they must be chosen by the parents, have the ability and the intention to fulfill the role, be at least 16 years of age, and be a confirmed Roman Catholic, who has already received the Holy Eucharist, is leading a life in harmony with the Catholic Faith (including Marriage) and will be a good role model for the one being baptized, and be neither the father nor the mother of the child.
A baptized person who belongs to another Christian community may be admitted only as a “Christian witness” (not a godparent) provided that there is at least one Roman Catholic godparent who fulfills the above criteria. A non-baptized person cannot be a witness (Code of Canon Law, cc. 872-874; Catechism of the Catholic Church 1255).
St. Teresa of Calcutta Pastorate children celebrate their First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion with their pastorate brothers and sisters in Christ. Sacrament prop for First Reconciliation and First Communion is a two-year process beginning in 1st grade and celebrating the sacraments during the 2nd grade. In addition to regular classes, 2nd grade children will receive workbooks and a family guide. Short meetings are scheduled during the year with parents and children. On First Communion day, children will be seated with their peers on Sunday, May 4 during a special 1:00 p.m. Mass at St. Joseph, Fort Atkinson.
Pastorate Confirmation
Freshman youth formally prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation. In addition to their monthly classes, candidates will spend a 6–hour study with a parent in the fall and a 6-hour study with their sponsor in the spring. Candidates are also reminded to attend weekend Masses, as this sacrament completes the final step of initiation into the Catholic Church.
Monthly classes:
October 6 November 10 December 8 January 12 February 2 (in Fort) March 9 April 13
Additional Classes:
Sunday, November 10 from 1:30-7:30PM Candidate-Parent Session at St. Mary
Sunday, March 9 from 1:30-7:30PM Candidate-Sponsor Session at St. Mary
Friday, April 11/12 Confirmation Retreat at St. Joseph in Fort Atkinson
Saturday, May 3 at 7:00PM Confirmation at St. Joseph in Fort Atkinson
RCIA is the process for adults who desire to join or return to the Catholic Church. It is open to both individuals who have never been baptized and to those who have been baptized in another Christian community. The process often extends through the year, frequently beginning in the Fall and culminating at the Easter Vigil when one is baptized and/or welcomed into the Catholic Church through a profession of faith, the sacrament of Confirmation and reception of Holy Communion.
For more information on how adults can receive the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist) please contact Gina at St. Joseph, Fort Atkinson 920-563-3029 or email [email protected].
There is no need to wait until a person is at the point of death to receive this Sacrament. The Rite of Anointing tells us that a careful judgment about the serious nature of the illness is sufficient.
When the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is given, one asks, that if it God’s will, the person be physically healed of illness. But even if there is no physical healing, the primary effect of the Sacrament is a spiritual healing when the sick person receives the Holy Spirit's gift of peace, along with courage to deal with serious illness or the frailty of old age.
If you or someone you love is in need of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, please call the parish office - 608-868-3337.
More information coming soon.
When a death occurs, a phone call should be made to the parish office 608-868-3337, x-7. When working with a funeral home, they will contact us.
A meeting will be scheduled with the family to gather information regarding the life, work, hobbies, church involvement or any other information about the deceased that will be helpful in preparing the service. At that time, scripture readings and music selections may be made.
Music: Four songs will be chosen for the funeral Mass, which the family will select. The priest and musician will be available to help with these selections. The Church can provide a pianist and/or soloist if the family so desires. Any song that you may wish to use that is not included in this section will need to be approved by the pastor.
Scripture Readings: Three readings will be used during the funeral Mass — a first reading, a second reading and a Gospel. The priest will read the Gospel, but a family member may read the first and second readings. The Church can provide a reader, if needed.