What are the sacraments?

The Catholic Church recognizes seven sacraments as essential rituals that convey God’s grace and presence to the faithful. These sacraments mark significant moments in a Catholic’s spiritual journey, from birth to death, and include practices that sanctify and strengthen individuals in their faith. They are seen as both symbols and instruments of God’s grace, aiding believers in living a life aligned with Christian teachings. Each sacrament serves a unique purpose, such as initiation into the Church, spiritual healing, or vocational commitment, and is deeply rooted in biblical traditions and the teachings of Jesus Christ.

From The Word

Let marriage be held in honor among all…

Holy Matrimony

Preparing for the Sacrament of Marriage through the Church typically spans approximately six months. Please contact the Pastor and begin these steps at least 6 months prior to your wedding date:

  • Contact the parish to kick off the process. Meeting with a pastor, assistant pastor, or deacon is necessary before setting a wedding date.

  • Receive guidance on the marriage prep process and sign up for the online course at CatholicMarriagePrep.com. Obtain required documents.

  • Enroll in the online program, facilitated by certified instructors, taking 3-12 weeks to complete at $239 per couple.

  • Register for the FOCCUS Inventory ($25 per couple) to enhance communication and understanding. Complete it at least six months before the wedding.

  • Discuss FOCCUS results with the priest or deacon, who will also administer the Pre-nuptial Inventory.

  • Collaborate with the priest or deacon to plan the wedding liturgy, including decisions on Mass, readings, hymns, and prayers.

Our Beliefs and Practices

The Sacraments of the Catholic Church

Msgr. John Grabish is able to assist you in English or Spanish. Fr. Quyet Pham is able to assist in English or Vietnamese.

Bereavement and Funerals

If, then, we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him.

Romans 6:8

Have you experienced a recent passing of a loved one? Contact us.

Learn More About Bereavement

Holy Communion

And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.’

Luke 22:19-20

For those who are home-bound and unable to get to Mass, please contact the rectory at 610-372-1531 – Holy Communion visits are on the First Friday of every month.

Learn More About Holy Communion

Confirmation

Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

Acts 8:17

Do you need to schedule a confirmation? Contact our Religious Education for support.

Learn More About Confirmation

Confession

And with that he breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.’

John 20:22-23

Confessions take place 30 minute before each mass. For Confession appointments outside the regular time, please contact the rectory at 610-372-1531 or visit our Contact page.

Learn More About Confession

Anointing of the Sick

Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.

James 5:14-15

Anointing of the Sick may be arranged by contacting the rectory at 610-372-1531 or via our Contact page.

Learn More About Anointing of the Sick
From The Word

Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.

Baptism

Baptism is the first sacrament of initiation into the Catholic Church and marks the beginning of a lifelong journey of faith. At Saint Paul Catholic Church, we joyfully welcome individuals of all ages to receive this sacred sacrament, through which we are cleansed of original sin, reborn as children of God, and united with Christ and His Church.

For Infants and Young Children

Parents seeking baptism for their child are asked to attend a preparation class to better understand the meaning of the sacrament and their role in raising their child in the Catholic faith. These classes also provide an opportunity to meet other families in the parish.

To schedule your child’s baptism, please contact the parish office.

For Adults

For those who have not been baptized and wish to join the Catholic Church, please contact our office.

Godparents

Selecting godparents is a meaningful part of the baptism process. Godparents must be practicing Catholics who have received the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation, and are committed to supporting the faith journey of the individual being baptized.