SAINT SHARBEL MARONITE CATHOLIC CHURCH
The Sacraments
The seven sacraments are the sacred rites through which God's grace enters our lives. In the Maronite tradition, rooted in the ancient Antiochian Church, each sacrament is a living encounter with the Risen Christ.
Baptism
The gateway to the Christian life
Baptism is the first and foundational sacrament, by which we are born again of water and the Holy Spirit, incorporated into the Body of Christ, and made children of God. In the Maronite Church, Baptism is traditionally celebrated together with Chrismation (Confirmation) and First Eucharist, even for infants, following the ancient practice of the Church of Antioch.
To arrange Baptism for your child or yourself, please contact Father Youssef.
Chrismation (Confirmation)
The seal of the Holy Spirit
Chrismation — known in the Latin Church as Confirmation — is the sacrament by which the baptized receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit. In the Maronite tradition, Chrismation is administered immediately after Baptism, completing Christian initiation from the very beginning of one's life in the Church.
Chrismation is administered at Baptism for infants and at adult initiation.
The Holy Eucharist
The source and summit of Christian life
The Eucharist is the heart of the Maronite Divine Liturgy — the true Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ under the appearances of bread and wine. Every Sunday and Thursday, the faithful gather to offer the Holy Sacrifice and receive the Lord in Holy Communion. Saint Sharbel himself was known for his profound Eucharistic devotion.
Mass is celebrated Sundays at 11:00 AM and Thursdays at 7:00 PM.
Reconciliation (Confession)
The sacrament of God's mercy
In the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the faithful confess their sins to a priest and receive absolution — the forgiveness of God — through the ministry of the Church. The Maronite tradition emphasizes the mercy and tenderness of God the Father, who runs to meet the returning prodigal son. Confession is available before Mass or by appointment.
Confession is available before Mass or by appointment with Father Youssef.
Anointing of the Sick
Healing of body and soul
The Anointing of the Sick is the sacrament of healing, administered to those who are gravely ill, facing surgery, or weakened by age. Through anointing with blessed oil and the prayer of the Church, the sick person is united to the suffering of Christ and receives strength, peace, and — where God wills — restoration of health. Saint Sharbel's intercession for the sick is especially powerful.
Please contact Father Youssef immediately if someone is gravely ill or in danger of death.
Holy Orders
The ordained ministry of the Church
Holy Orders is the sacrament by which men are ordained as deacons, priests, or bishops to serve the People of God. In the Maronite Church, the ordained minister acts in the person of Christ the Head, offering the Divine Liturgy, proclaiming the Gospel, and shepherding the faithful. The Maronite tradition has a rich heritage of priestly holiness, exemplified by saints such as Sharbel Makhlouf.
If you feel called to the priesthood or diaconate, speak with Father Youssef.
Matrimony
A covenant of love and grace
The Sacrament of Matrimony unites a man and a woman in a sacred covenant that reflects the love of Christ for His Church. The Maronite wedding rite is one of the most beautiful in the Catholic Church, rich with ancient Syriac prayers and blessings. Marriage preparation is required; please contact the parish at least six months before your desired wedding date.
Please contact Father Youssef at least six months before your desired wedding date.
CHRISTIAN BURIAL
Accompanying Our Loved Ones to Eternal Life
The Maronite funeral rites are a profound expression of faith in the resurrection of the body and eternal life. The Church accompanies the deceased and their family with prayer, the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, and the rites of Christian burial. In the face of death, the Maronite tradition proclaims the hope of the resurrection with great beauty and tenderness.
Please contact Father Youssef as soon as possible when a death occurs.
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St. Louis Catholic Church · 13207 County Rd G, Caledonia, WI 53108
ARRANGE A SACRAMENT
Contact Father Youssef Barakat
For any sacramental need — Baptism, Marriage preparation, Anointing of the Sick, or any other matter — please reach out to Father Youssef. He is here to serve you and your family.
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