In most cases, advance planning and preparation is involved to receive the Sacraments.  Here are some details to help you understand the process:

Sacrament of Baptism

We confer the Sacrament of Baptism on the second and fourth Sunday of most months.  The celebration is held at noon in the Cathedral.  We invite our baptismal families to join us for 11:00 a.m. Mass before the ceremony.

Parents are asked to be or to become active parishioners in advance of the baptism.  First time parents must attend one preparation workshop in advance.  These two-and-a-half hour workshops are typically held on the fourth Sunday of the month at 10:00 a.m.  Please contact Mary Wheaton or Sonia Hernandez at 815-722-6653 to make arrangements for your child’s baptism.

For Baptism dates and Preparation Workshop dates, please call 815-722-6653 x 11.

First Holy Communion

We celebrate the Sacrament of First Holy Communion on the first Saturday in May.

Most of our First Communicants are in second grade.  We prepare our children as part of our faith formation programs in both St. Raymond School and our Religious Education Program.

For more information, please contact Christine Pershey, Director of Life Long Formation.  She can be reached at 815-726-0947.

Sacrament of Reconciliation

In advance of First Holy Communion, children receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered each Saturday from 4:00 until 4:45 p.m. in the Cathedral or by appointment.  Please contact the rectory at 815-722-6653 to schedule an appointment.

Additional times to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation are scheduled prior to Christmas and Easter.

Sacrament of Confirmation

Most of our Confirmandi are in eighth grade.  We prepare our children as part of our faith formation programs in both St. Raymond School and our Religious Education program.

For more information, please contact Christine Pershey, Director of Life Long Formation.  She can be reached at 815-726-0947.

Adults wishing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation are asked to contact Christine Pershey at 815-722-6653 for more information.

Sacrament of Marriage

Weddings are scheduled at the Cathedral at either 4:00 or 5:00 p.m. on Fridays and noon and 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays.

Engaged couples looking to schedule their wedding should contact Danielle Schumacher at 815-722-6653 a minimum of six months in advance of the wedding.

Sacrament of Holy Orders

As the Diocesan Seat, the Cathedral of St. Raymond is the site of liturgies at which the Sacrament of Holy Orders is conferred.

Ordination for Deacons is also held at the Cathedral.

Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick

The Catholic Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, formerly known as Last rites or Extreme Unction, is a ritual of healing appropriate not only for physical but also mental and spiritual sickness.

It is appropriate to receive the Sacrament when faced with major surgery, a chronic or severe illness or as death nears.  You may receive this Sacrament more than once.

Individuals wishing to receive this Sacrament are asked to contact the rectory at 815-722-6653 at any time of the night or day.  A priest will be contacted and arrangements will be made to receive the Sacrament in the home, hospital or nursing home.

Please check with the rectory for the next scheduled date.