Baptism
In Baptism, God claims us as daughters and sons and brings us into the Body of Christ, the Church.
Parents are requested to call the Parish Office to register for pre-baptism classes, preferably during the first 6 months of pregnancy. Baptisms are normally celebrated in small groups of 4 or 5 children. We limit the group to 4 or 5 due to the size of our space and allowing for involvement of families. This reflects that the children are being baptized into the community of the Church and this means it is a community celebration, not just a private family celebration.
The usual times for Baptism are on the first 3 Sundays of each month following the 11:30 am Mass and the 4th Saturday of each month after the 4:30 pm Mass. Families are to gather by the Baptismal Font following Mass after the Gathering Space has cleared.
Baptisms are currently performed by pouring water over the foreheads of the children.
Except in rare circumstances, Adult Baptism is celebrated as part of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults at the Easter Vigil Mass.
If this is your first child, you need to attend a Baptism class. The next classes are August 10, 2024, October 19, 2024 and January 18, 2025 at 8:30 am in the Serra Room. For further dates, please contact Deacon Dan.
Baptism Class Registration Form
Baptism Rite of Initiation Form
Learn more about becoming Catholic
Reconciliation/Penance/Confession
We all sin and fall short of the lives God calls us to lead. Through the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Penance, we confess our sins and experience anew the complete forgiveness of our loving God.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available Wednesdays from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm, Saturdays from 8:00 – 9:00 am, and 30 minutes before each Weekend Mass in the Reconciliation Room. You may also call the Parish Office to schedule an appointment with one of the priests. A Communal Reconciliation Service is scheduled once during Lent.
First Communion
The Sacrament of First Reconciliation & First Communion is typically celebrated during the child’s 2nd grade school year. For more information, visit Prep for First Reconciliation & First Communion or contact the Faith Formation Office at 515-440-1030.
Confirmation
At. St. Francis preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation typically occurs during the 9th grade year and the Sacrament is received during fall of the 10th grade year. If you have a student in high school who would like to be part of the Confirmation process, please visit Prep for Confirmation.
For information regarding Adult Confirmation, contact David Reising, Adult Faith Formation Director, at 515-440-1030.
Anointing of the Sick
The Church celebrates the healing grace of God in this sacrament with us when we face illnesses of mind or body, when we are preparing for surgery, or when we are near death. The anointing assures us and our loved ones of Christ’s presence with us during a time of pain and suffering. It holds out for us the hope promised in baptism that God is a God of life and that eternal life is the ultimate gift of healing.
If you are having surgery, nearing death, or if you know someone who is, you may contact the Parish Office at 515-223-4577 to ask for the sacrament of anointing.
Wedding Ceremony – Marriage Prep
The love of God poured out for humanity is sanctified in the sacrament of matrimony when, as we read in Genesis 2:24, “two become one”. If you are preparing for marriage, congratulations! Your parish family shares your joy and welcomes you to the sacrament.
Congratulations on your engagement! We are looking forward to helping you prepare for your wedding day and your life together.
More information about Matrimony at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church
Holy Orders
Through this sacrament men are called by the Church to a life-time commitment of servant leadership. They are to preach the Gospel, celebrate the sacraments, and encourage and support the people of God in their mission of service especially to the poor and needy. There are three “orders” to the sacrament: deacon, priest and bishop.
Prayer for Vocations
God, our Father, today may I have an opportunity by my actions to encourage a vocation to the religious life. Help me to conduct myself in a Christian manner that I might give proper example, particularly to the young. Through the Inspiration of Your Holy Spirit, may I also support those in religious life in their vocation of service to your Church. May the sincerity of my prayers and my concern for vocations result in an increase of laborers for Jesus and His Church. Amen
Funerals/Last Rites
Contact the Parish Office at 515-223-4577 for more information.