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Christ left his church seven sacraments. Through these outward signs, God's grace continues to flow into our lives.
- Baptism (for infants and adults)
- First Communion
- Confirmation
- Confession - Penance - Reconciliation
- Matrimony (Marriages)
- Holy Orders (Vocations)
- Anointing of the Sick (and funeral information)
 Baptism
To properly prepare for baptism of infants and young children, the church calls for parents to participate in Monday evening discussion sessions to gain a full appreciation of the sacrament. Please call the St. Joseph parish office to arrange for these sessions.
- Baptism within Mass is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of the month during the 10:30 a.m. Mass.
- Baptism outside of Mass is celebrated twice a month on Sunday in church at noon.
- The sacrament is not celebrated during the season of Lent.
For adults wishing to be baptized, the church offers the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA). The rite can encompass Baptism, First Communion and Confirmation. Contact the church office for information on RCIA.
The RCIA program is conducted through the St. Joseph and St. Mary's Visitation Adult Ministry.
First Communion
At St. Joseph Congregation, children in our parish school and those in other schools who receive religious instruction here through Child Ministry come together for First Communion preparation. Our program normally prepares children who are in the second grade, at least 7 years of age. Children should have made their first Reconciliation prior to receiving First Communion.
- Our First Communion preparation is a family activity, with sessions held in the evenings to allow parents to participate.
- Call the Child Ministry office at 414-771-4626 to learn more.
- All registered parish members with young children will automatically receive registration information when their children reach second grade.
Confirmation
In the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, it is customary to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation in the junior year of high school. This final Rite of Initiation brings the youth into the church as full, adult members.
- The combined Youth Ministry program of St. Mary's Visitation, Elm Grove, and St. Joseph handles Confirmation preparation. The preparation program begins in the fall while the Sacrament is received in spring.
- Adult confirmation is celebrated through a joint program of St. Joseph, St. Mary's Visitation, St. John Vianney and St. Dominic.
- In using large and small group sessions, students are expected to examine their beliefs, learn about the Catholic Church, and put their faith into action. Requirements include session attendance, service experience in five different areas, and a full weekend retreat.
Confession - Penance - Reconciliation
"CPR for the Soul"
Individual Rite: Saturdays, 4:00-4:45 p.m. or by request
- The parish Child Ministry office prepares children for their first Reconciliation, generally prior to the reception of First Communion in the second grade.
 Matrimony (Marriages)
Couples wishing to marry at St. Joseph should contact the parish at least six months in advance to make arrangements and to sign up for pre-marriage discussion sessions. The usual times for wedding celebrations are 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. Saturdays.
Holy Orders / Vocations
St. Joseph Congregation encourages vocations to the priesthood, deaconate, religious life and and consecrated life. If you are considering a vocation to the church, contact Deacon Jose Gonzalez at St. Joseph, or the archdiocesan vocations office.
Anointing of the Sick
Arrangements for Anointing of the Sick can be made by calling the parish office at 414-771-4626. The sacrament is celebrated within a weekend liturgy twice a year.
- Funerals: Please contact the parish office at 414-771-4626 to make arrangements for funerals. The St. Joseph Christian Women, through their Josephine group, can prepare funeral meals for receptions following the church service upon request. St. Joseph also has a Bereavement Ministry, which consoles those who have lost loved ones.
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