"Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons and daughters of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission..." (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1213)
Children and adults baptized here become new people, but also become new members of Corpus Christi. We delight in this joyous opportunity to say, “welcome to the family!” We do all we can to grow our children into faith-filled members of God’s church, and to help adults learn about and deepen their faith.
Parents are encouraged to contact the parish office to schedule their child’s baptism. If it is their first child, parents are required to attend a baptism class, and should call the office to learn when the next one is scheduled. Older children and adults wishing to be baptized will receive instructions privately with the pastor or the deacon.
“When he celebrates the sacrament of Penance, the priest is fulfilling the ministry of the Good Shepherd who seeks the lost sheep, of the Good Samaritan who binds up wounds, of the Father who awaits the prodigal son and welcomes him on his return, and of the just and impartial judge whose judgment is both just and merciful. The priest is the sign and the instrument of God's merciful love for the sinner.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1465)
At Corpus Christi, “going to confession” is a time when Jesus is made present in a loving way for people who need forgiveness for serious sin in their lives, or who simply want to work on correcting bad habits before they become serious. The Reconciliation Room in the back of church is set up to allow for either private or face-to-face confession.
Confession times are 3:30-4 p.m. each Saturday, or any time by appointment. Penance services, with more than one priest, communal examination of conscience and individual confession and absolution, are held during Advent and during Lent.
Children normally make their first confessions in the second grade, and are prepared for it either at St. John Bosco School, or through the weekly religious education program for public school students.
“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. Faithful to the Lord's command, the Church continues to do, in his memory and until his glorious return, what he did on the eve of his Passion: "He took bread..." "He took the cup filled with wine. . . ". The signs of bread and wine become, in a way surpassing understanding, the Body and Blood of Christ.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1333)
The name of our parish, Corpus Christi, means “Body of Christ.” We consider ourselves fortunate to be reminded, by our very name, of the this sacrament of love which is the source and summit of our faith.
Our newly refurbished Tabernacle is found at the very center of our sanctuary, where all eyes can fall upon it as people enter the church. Our Eucharistic liturgies are always carefully planned so that whatever happens during the Mass enhances, but never distracts, from this prayerful celebration.
The choir provides music on a regular basis, and well-trained cantors lead the congregation at other times. A family room just off the sanctuary provides a comfortable space—with a great view!--for those with small children who find it difficult to sit still or remain quiet.
Masses are at 4:30pm Saturdays and 7:30am and 10 am on Sundays. Daily Masses are at 8:20am Wednesday (private for school children) and Friday (8:20 am on Friday during the school year) with special times for Holy Days.
Parish members who are not able to be with us for Mass due to physical limitations should contact the parish office to coordinate a home visit through the Care Ministry.
Children normally receive their first Communion in the second grade and receive instrustruction/preparation either at St. John Bosco school or through the weekly religious education program for public school students. Parents and students are required to attend a retreat as part of the preparation. Parents aren’t required to attend classes, yet they are expected to help children learn their prayers
“The reception of the sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace. For "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. Hence they are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1285)
At Corpus Christi, we make every effort to insure that Confirmation is not simply a sacrament automatically received, but one which youth have been prepared for and have learned to desire. A vibrant tri-parish Life Teen program (in cooperation with St. Joseph and Sts. Peter and Paul parishes) helps in this goal, as do classes that teach our young people about their faith and about the challenges to that faith that they can expect to face as they move into the adult world.
Dates for confirmation can be obtained from the parish office.
For more information, see the Life Teen page.
“The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life, is by its nature ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring; this covenant between baptized persons has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1601)
Marriage is a major step in the lives of two people, and engaged couples are carefully prepared for this longed-for event so that they can fully appreciate its serious nature, the challenges and joys that can be involved, and the responsibilities to themselves and their children.
Couples seeking to be married at Corpus Christi Parish should contact the parish office at least six months before the wedding to reserve the date and receive the necessary preparation. A marriage handbook is available with more information, or a PDF can be downloaded here.
“Holy Orders is the sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to his apostles continues to be exercised in the Church until the end of time: thus it is the sacrament of apostolic ministry. It includes three degrees: episcopate, presbyterate, and diaconate.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1536)
“The sacrament of Holy Orders is conferred by the laying on of hands followed by a solemn prayer of consecration asking God to grant the ordinand the graces of the Holy Spirit required for his ministry. Ordination imprints an indelible sacramental character.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1597)
Vocations to the priesthood, permanent diaconate and religious life are actively encouraged at Corpus Christi. Anyone wishing to know more should feel free to contact Fr. Ryan Krueger or Deacon Mark for an informal discussion. The Diocese of Green Bay offers a program called Project Andrew where young men can visit with the bishop and vocation director to explore the possibility of a call to the priesthood. Young women can be connected with the religious orders that work in the diocese.
The sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is given to those who are seriously ill by anointing them on the forehead and hands with duly blessed oil—pressed from olives or from other plants—saying, only once: "Through this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up." (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1513)
This sacrament is primarily intended for any who suffer from serious or chronic physical or emotional illness or who struggle with the infirmities of age. One need not be in danger of death nor does the Church anoint one who has already died.
"Is any among you sick? Let him call for the presbyters of the Church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven". --James 5:14-15