The Beauty of the Sacraments

At Holy Cross, we cherish the Sacraments as powerful encounters with the living God. Rooted in both visible signs and invisible grace, each Sacrament is a sacred moment where God draws us closer to Himself.

As the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops beautifully explains, the Sacraments have both a visible and invisible reality. Just as a hug from a parent expresses love that can't always be seen but can certainly be felt, the outward signs of the Sacraments reveal the deeper mystery of God’s grace at work in our lives.

Each Sacrament is an expression of God's love and mercy—His free and generous gift that invites us into a life of holiness. The words and actions of Jesus Christ are the foundation of the Sacraments, and through them, we receive the grace to grow in faith, imitate Christ, and be strengthened in our journey.

The Church, guided by the Holy Spirit, recognizes Seven Sacraments, which are grouped into three categories:

  • Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist

  • Sacraments of Healing: Reconciliation (Penance), Anointing of the Sick

  • Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Marriage, Holy Orders

Through these sacred rites, God shares His holiness with us—so that we, in turn, can share His love with the world.

For adults who have not yet received one or more of the Sacraments of Initiation—Baptism, Confirmation, or Eucharist—Holy Cross offers the OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation for Adults) program. You can find more information about OCIC below and learn how to participate in this journey of faith and sacramental preparation.

To learn more about preparing for and receiving the Sacraments at Holy Cross, please click on the sacrament name below (or scroll down for more information). 

A newborn baby being baptized or blessed by clergy during a religious ceremony, with a person holding the baby and another pouring water over the baby's head.
Close-up of people holding hands during a wedding or ceremony, with one person wearing a silver bracelet and others wearing rings, a man holding a small glass bottle with golden liquid, and people in dark and patterned clothing in the background.
Colorful stained glass window depicting a dove holding an olive branch with a cross at the center.
Close-up of two gold wedding rings on a light-colored fabric surface with decorative greenery.
A loaf of bread covered with powdered sugar, and a shiny metal goblet on a white tablecloth with warm bokeh background lighting.
A person in green liturgical vestments standing in front of an altar during a religious ceremony.
A priest performing the sacrament of confirmation, laying hands on a young man with his eyes closed and hands clasped in prayer inside a church.
Person sitting at a wooden table, hands clasped, with an open Bible in front of them.
A newborn baby being baptized by a priest in a church, with a person holding the baby and water being poured over its head.

Baptism

Baptism is the first step in a lifelong journey of faith. Through this beautiful sacrament, we are welcomed into the family of God, cleansed of original sin, and reborn in the Holy Spirit. It is the foundation of all the Sacraments and a joyful beginning of one’s life in Christ.

At Holy Cross, Baptisms are celebrated after preparation with the parish priest. Parents and godparents are invited to reflect on the meaning of this sacrament and their role in nurturing the child’s faith.

To begin the preparation process or to schedule a Baptism, please call the Parish Office at 920-468-0595.

Colorful stained glass window depicting a dove carrying an olive branch, symbolizing peace.

Confirmation

Confirmation is the final Sacrament of Initiation, calling down the Holy Spirit to strengthen and seal us with His gifts. It is a moment of mature faith, where the individual claims their Catholic identity and deepens their commitment to living as a disciple of Jesus Christ.

At Holy Cross, Confirmation is usually celebrated in 11th grade, though it can take place earlier or later in the high school years.

Preparation includes attending regular formation sessions, special Confirmation preparation meetings, a day-long retreat, and practice. Candidates are asked to complete service hours, choose a sponsor (must be a practicing Catholic and not a parent), and complete required paperwork. Sponsors journey alongside candidates and attend the Confirmation Mass. Special arrangements can be made if a sponsor is unable to attend

For more information, please contact Angela Bieda in the Parish Office 920-468-0595 ext. 105

A loaf of bread with a dusting of flour next to a silver goblet on a white table with blurred warm lights in the background.

Eucharist

The Eucharist is the heart of our Catholic faith—a sacrament where we are united with Jesus as we receive His Body and Blood. Through the Eucharist, we are spiritually nourished and drawn into deeper communion with God and one another.

First Eucharist is typically celebrated in 2nd grade, but preparation is available for children and adults of all ages who are ready to receive this sacrament for the first time.

For our 2nd grade families, the process includes a parent/guardian meeting, as well as a retreat and practice. First Eucharist is most often celebrated in the Spring, following Easter.

For more information, please contact Angela Bieda in the Parish Office 920-468-0595 ext. 105

A priest consoling a man in emotional distress inside a dimly lit church, with the priest touching the man's forehead and chest.

Reconciliation

Reconciliation is a powerful sacrament of healing, where we encounter God’s mercy and forgiveness. It is not only a chance to be forgiven, but also a time to reflect on our actions and consider how we can repair the harm caused by sin in our lives and relationships.

First Reconciliation—sometimes called First Confession—is typically celebrated in 2nd grade or later, depending on the child’s readiness to understand the difference between a mistake and a sin. It must take place before receiving First Eucharist.

Preparation includes participation in the child’s regular faith formation, as well as special sessions such as a parent evening and a retreat.

For more information, please contact Angela Bieda in the Parish Office 920-468-0595 ext. 105

Close-up of two people holding hands during a wedding ceremony, with a third person pouring champagne into their glasses, in a celebratory setting.

Anointing of the Sick

The Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament of healing and comfort. Through this sacrament, the Church offers the grace of the Holy Spirit to those who are ill, elderly, or facing surgery, providing strength, peace, and courage to endure in a Christian manner the sufferings of illness or old age. It is not solely reserved for those at the point of death but is available to any baptized Catholic experiencing serious health challenges.

If you are anticipating a hospital stay, facing a serious illness, or desire this sacrament for yourself or a loved one, please contact the Parish Office at 920-468-0595.

Two gold wedding rings on a white textured surface with decorative greenery and a small gemstone nearby.

Marriage

The Sacrament of Marriage is a sacred covenant between couples, united in Christ and called to reflect God’s faithful and self-giving love. In Christian marriage, a couple becomes a living sign of God's presence in the world through their love, commitment, and shared life of faith.

At Holy Cross, we joyfully celebrate the Sacrament of Marriage for couples who are active, practicing members of the parish. Marriage preparation is a meaningful time to grow together in faith and understanding of the Church’s vision for married life.

To ensure adequate time for spiritual and practical preparation, we ask for a minimum of nine months’ notice before your desired wedding date.

To begin the process or learn more, please call the Parish Office at 920-468-0595.

Clergy member wearing green liturgical vestments during a religious ceremony inside a church.

Holy Orders

There are three Holy Orders-

Deacon, Priest, and Bishop. The Deacon is a servant of Christ. The Priest is a Preacher, Teacher, Sanctifier, and Leader. The Bishop is the Successor of the Apostles.

From the moment of Jesus' conception in the womb of Mary until his Resurrection, he was filled with the Holy Spirit.  In biblical language, he was anointed by the Holy Spirit and thus established by God the Father as our high priest. As Risen Lord, he remains our high priest. . .

While all the baptized share in Christ's priesthood, the ministerial priesthood shares this through the Sacrament of Holy Orders in a special way. 

Ordination is always a call and a gift from God. Christ reminded his Apostles that they needed to ask the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into the harvest.  Those who seek ordination respond generously to God's call using the words of the prophet, "Here I am, send me" (Is 6:8).  This call from God can be recognized and understood from the daily signs that disclose his will to those in charge of discerning the vocation of the candidate.

Person with hands clasped resting on an open Bible on a wooden table.

OCIA

OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation for Adults)
Formerly known as RCIA, the OCIA is the process through which adults are welcomed into the Catholic Church. It is especially designed for:

  • Unbaptized adults who wish to become Catholic through the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist, typically celebrated at the Easter Vigil.

  • Baptized adults who have not yet received Confirmation and/or Eucharist, or who were baptized in another Christian tradition and now seek full communion with the Catholic Church.

The OCIA is a journey of faith, prayer, and community, where individuals explore Catholic beliefs, traditions, and what it means to live as a disciple of Jesus Christ in the Catholic faith.

Formation typically begins in the Fall and concludes at the Easter Vigil.

Please call the parish office at 920-468-0595 with further questions or to sign up to begin the OCIA process.