Sacramental Preparation
 

The Sacraments of the Church are tangible signs of the sacred, offering grace, healing, and connection with God. The seven Sacraments contain rich symbols and meaning that point to God’s action in our lives and the world today. At ICSJ, we delight in walking alongside you as you experience the sacred milestones of your faith journey—we are here to support you every step of the way.

Baptism

Your baby’s baptism is a moment of great joy and celebration! It marks the first and most important step you, as Catholic parents, will take in nurturing your child’s journey of faith. Baptism is the first Sacrament of the Church, welcoming us into the Body of Christ—into His life, Death, and Resurrection. It’s the foundation for all other sacraments and a beautiful sign of God’s love for each child. Baptism reminds us that we are loved and created in God’s image.

To begin the joyful preparation for your child’s Baptism at Immaculate Conception and St. Joseph Parish, please fill out our Baptismal Intake Form below. A member of our staff will reach out to guide you through the process. We look forward to celebrating this sacred moment with you! To learn more about infant baptism, click here.  Looking to join the Catholic faith as an adult?, click here.

First Reconciliation

Learning about and receiving the mercy of God can be one of the most powerful experiences in a believer’s life. God’s mercy is given to us through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. At ICSJ Parish we prepare children in the Second Grade to receive Reconciliation.

Children not enrolled in a Catholic school can receive this Sacrament through the Religious Education Program. Children are prepared through lessons grounded in Scripture and Tradition. They complete various activities and lessons to help them prepare to receive Reconciliation. First Reconciliation includes a prayer service for all children receiving the Sacrament and normally occurs in December.

First Communion

The Sacrament of the Eucharist is the “Source and Summit” of our Catholic faith. It’s the heart of our spiritual life, providing us with the nourishment we need to grow closer to God and continue sharing His love in the world. At Immaculate Conception and St. Joseph Parish, we gather as a community to give thanks and receive the Body of Christ weekly. You can view our Mass schedule for times to join us.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, children typically prepare to receive their First Communion in second grade. We prepare ICSJ School’s second graders to receive this most glorious Sacrament through lessons grounded in Scripture and Tradition. Children not enrolled in a Catholic school can receive this Sacrament through the Religious Education Program. Students must complete First Grade religious education, either in a school or parish setting, before they can receive First Communion in the Second Grade.

However, it’s never too late for anyone to receive this Sacrament! Adults can also prepare for their First Communion through the OCIA process at Immaculate Conception and St. Joseph Parish.

Confirmation

Confirmation is one of the Sacraments of Initiation, and a person is considered a full member of the Catholic Church when they have received Confirmation. It builds upon the foundation of Baptism, completing a person’s full initiation into the Catholic Church. In this powerful sacrament, recipients receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit: Wisdom, Understanding, Knowledge, Counsel, Fortitude, Piety, and Fear of the Lord—empowering them to live out their faith more fully. The ICSJ School and ICSJ Parish Religious Education Programs prepare Confirmation students in the Seventh and Eighth Grade.

Preparing for Confirmation includes the completion of 15 service hours and participating in the Confirmation retreat. Students are required to complete the Seventh Grade religion year in order to receive Confirmation in Eighth Grade. 

If you are an adult who would like to be confirmed, please visit our OCIA-Becoming Catholic page to learn more.

Marriage

The Sacrament of Marriage is considered a sacred way to live out one’s life as a Christian.  To learn about weddings and marriage preparation, please visit our Marriage page.

For more information on our Sacramental Preparation programs, please contact Christina Norton, our Sacramental Coordinator.