Baptism makes one a member of the body of Christ and incorporates one into the Church, sharing in its mission. The principal effects of Baptism are purification from sins and a new birth in the Holy Spirit. The Catholic Church baptizes all ages. For infants the Church requires formation and catechesis for parents in preparation for the baptism of their children. Only one class is required. Adolescents and adults are prepared for Baptism through a process called the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation). Please call the church office if you or your child needs to be baptized.

The rite of reconciliation, often called "confession" is the sacrament in which Christ forgives our sins and reconciles us to our fellow Christians. Its sign or ceremony is the sinner's showing his sorrow by acknowledging his sins and the priest's words of forgiveness and reconciliation in Christ's name. The Rite of Reconciliation can be celebrated any time, please call the church office for an appointment or refer to the weekly bulletin for a scheduled time.

Christ's presence among us in the Eucharist (Holy Communion) has always been a key teaching of the Catholic faith. It has been the constant teaching of the Church from the beginning; the clear belief found in early Christian documents is overwhelming. Through bread and wine Christ becomes present in the Eucharistic celebration; somehow Christ himself is now truly present under this form of food as St. Paul says succinctly. (1 Corinthians 11, 27-30) Usually First Eucharist is celebrated in the Second grade.

Confirmation is the completion of baptism, the giving of the full power of a Christian. "Confirmation" means a strengthening -- this sacrament strengthens and increases what we receive at baptism, particularly the power of bearing witness to Christ. To emphasize this, the ceremony of confirmation includes a renewal of our baptismal promises. We now become full-fledged members of the Church, lay apostles in the fullest sense. The bishop normally confirms the young people in a special ceremony. Adults who are not confirmed can be confirmed when the Bishop comes or at the Easter Vigil. Please call the Church office if you need to be confirmed.

Prospective bride or groom must be a registered member of St. Joseph Parish. Arrangements must be made at least six months in advance.

Men become priests today as always -- by the sacrament of holy orders -- the laying on of the bishop's hands and prayer. Through this sacrament Christ changes the man internally, giving him the powers of the priesthood. There are different orders or degrees in the priesthood: a deacon, a priest, and a bishop. Priests and bishops are not married, although there are some priests who are ministers from another faith tradition who join the Catholic Church and want to serve as a priest. If you have any questions or interested in the priesthood please call the parish office.

Contact	Rev. Chad Arnold (316) 269-3900 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

In the sacrament of the anointing of the sick, Christ uses the anointing and prayers of the priest to give comfort and strength to the soul and to the body of one seriously ill. We meet Christ here to receive his healing comfort, strength, and pardon. Anyone who is seriously ill, mentally or physically, may take part in it -- or a condition which is so serious as to demand surgery with a general anesthetic or even one who is weak from old age. Don't be afraid to call for the Pastor to minister this sacrament at every serious change in your condition. In an emergency or serious illness if sick and confined to a home, entering a hospital or local nursing home, please notify the parish office.