Sacraments

Let no one have contempt for your youth, but set an example for those who believe, in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity.

1 Timothy 4:12

The celebration of Baptism is a joyful moment in which a person becomes a member of Christ's family. In order to fully experience the grace of this special moment for the family and the parish, parents with children whom they want baptized must contact the church either before or soon after the birth of their child. At least one parent must be a registered and an active member of the parish. Baptismal preparation sessions, which parents are expected to attend, are held on the third Monday of each month.   Baptismal preparation sessions in Spanish are the second Thursday of each month. Please call the parish office at 712-323-2916 to sign up for the preparation sessions.

Adults wishing to be baptized need to go through the process of Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults that begins in September of each year. Those completing the process are baptized at the Easter Vigil.

First Reconciliation

Second grade children attend preparation classes and retreat in the fall. These sessions focus on mercy and forgiveness. Each child must be regularly attending the parish's religious education program, or be enrolled in a Catholic school.

First Communion

Preparation for First Communion is provided in second grade, after children have received their First Reconciliation. Throughout the year our preparation for this central sacrament focuses on the meaning of the Eucharist and Jesus’ sacrifice for us. In the spring, we offer a retreat to students. First Communion is received at a special Mass, allowing family and friends to join the celebration.

Confirmation

Confirmation preparation is a two-year program starting in 9th grade and ending in tenth grade with Confirmation. During this time, students are invited to take ownership of their faith  lives. An offsite retreat is a required part of the Confirmation preparation. The Confirmatiion Mass takes place with the bishop in the spring.

For adults seeking Confirmation, please contact the parish office. 

 

Marriage

Marriage is the sacrament of life and love, so adequate preparation for this life-long commitment is essential. We are excited to walk with you during this process!

The Diocese of Des Moines requires an engaged couple begin their preparation for marriage six months to a year prior to the marriage ceremony. At least one of the engaged couple or a family member(s) should be an active member(s) of Corpus Christi Parish.

Marriage Preparation Process

-Preliminary meeting with the pastor to overview the preparation process and discuss possible dates.
-Meetings with a trained sponsor couple to assist in prayerful preparation
-Meetings with the priest or deacon who will be officiating at the wedding ceremony. These meetings gives the priest or deacon an opportunity to discuss with the couple their understanding of and their commitment to the sacrament of marriage.  During this time, appropriate readings and music are selected..

Looking for a reception venue? Check out our parish hall!


Those who are entering into a second or subsequent marriage as well as those who wish to have their civil marriage blessed or validated are to contact the pastor as these situations require special attention. If an annulment of a previous marriage is involved, a longer preparation time may be needed.  Please contact the parish office for more information.



Holy Orders

"Our hearts are restless until they rest in you, oh God." -St. Augustine

Is the Lord inviting you to joyfully lead souls to heaven as a spiritual father or mother?

4 practical steps to take:
1. Visit our diocesan vocations website
2. Talk to a priest, deacon, or sister.
3. Hear the call stories of our seminarians
4. Receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist



Anointing of the Sick

"Are there any in need of healing? Let them send for the priests of the Church, and priest will pray over them, and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise them up. If they have committed any sins, their sins will be forgiven them." (James 5:14-15) 

We offer the sacrament of the sick to anyone who is in need of healing. Despite popular understanding, one does not need to be terminally ill to receive this beautiful sacrament. If you know someone in the hospital or in a care facility, please contact a priest.