Sacraments of the Church
Anointing of the Sick
Anointing of the Sick is a ministry of comfort. In this sacrament, a priest lays hands on the head of the sick, prays, and anoints the person with oil blessed for this occasion. This sacrament can be celebrated more than once and is often conferred in hospitals, nursing homes, or home settings in which someone is approaching death. This sacrament can also be given to people who are seriously ill, elderly, are experiencing severe emotional stress, or who are preparing to undergo a risky surgical operation.
Emergency Care
If you or a loved one is in immediate danger of death, please call (815) 433-0700 and select the option for the emergency line.
Emergency Care
If you or a loved one is in immediate danger of death, please call (815) 433-0700 and select the option for the emergency line.
Baptism
Baptism is the celebration of an infant’s initiation into the Catholic faith and the mystery of Trinitarian life in Christ. The child’s family accepts responsibility to develop the child’s faith, in anticipation of the child choosing the faith publicly at Confirmation. A preparation class is required for the child’s parents, taught by the parish Director of Religious Education.
Baptisms are generally celebrated after the 11 am Mass on Sunday, but if this is unsuitable another time may be explored. For more information on attending a class or scheduling the sacrament, please contact the rectory.
Baptisms are generally celebrated after the 11 am Mass on Sunday, but if this is unsuitable another time may be explored. For more information on attending a class or scheduling the sacrament, please contact the rectory.
Confession
Confession provides parishioners the opportunity to acknowledge their sins in the presence of a priest and seek forgiveness of God and reconciliation with the Church. Catholics from any parish are also welcome. A variety of confession times are available, plus special services are offered during Advent and Lent.
Confession Times
Confession Times
- Saturday: 3:00-3:45
- 15 minutes before every daily Mass and Sunday Mass
- Confession is also available by appointment (815-433-0700)
Confirmation
The reception of 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. They, as true witnesses of Christ, are more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed.
Confirmation is offered to St. Columba students in the eighth grade through the school and parish CCD programs. Adults wishing to be confirmed can do so through the RCIA program.
RCIA stands for Right of Christian Initiation for Adults and is the process by which non-Catholics enter the Catholic Church. Catholics who have not received sacraments beyond Baptism can also enroll in the RCIA program. RCIA begins in the Fall and end in the Spring.
Confirmation is offered to St. Columba students in the eighth grade through the school and parish CCD programs. Adults wishing to be confirmed can do so through the RCIA program.
RCIA stands for Right of Christian Initiation for Adults and is the process by which non-Catholics enter the Catholic Church. Catholics who have not received sacraments beyond Baptism can also enroll in the RCIA program. RCIA begins in the Fall and end in the Spring.
Holy Communion
Holy Communion, or the Holy Eucharist, completes Christian initiation. At the heart of the Eucharistic celebration are the bread and wine that, by the words of Christ and the invocation of the Holy Spirit, become Christ’s Body and Blood. In the sacrament of Holy Communion we unite ourselves to Christ, who makes us sharers in his Body and Blood to form a single body.
Holy Communion is celebrated at all weekday and weekend Masses.
Holy Communion is celebrated at all weekday and weekend Masses.
Matrimony
Matrimony is the sacrament of marriage. Couples are encouraged to contact one of the priests at least eight months prior to their wedding to schedule a date and set appointments for marriage preparation meetings.
Attendance at Pre-Cana or Engaged Encounter is also required, plus a Christian Sexuality workshop or Natural Family Planning class.
For more information, contact the Rectory
Attendance at Pre-Cana or Engaged Encounter is also required, plus a Christian Sexuality workshop or Natural Family Planning class.
For more information, contact the Rectory