Sacraments

A parent, who is a practicing Catholic, should prepare for the Baptism of a child by contacting the parish office, preferably before the arrival of the child.

Diocesan sacramental guidelines require a minimum of two years of Catholic religious instruction before the reception of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. If you have a child who is five or six years old, and is baptized, but not currently a student in a Catholic School or the Family Religious Education program, please contact the parish office.

Teen Confirmation Preparation:

The Sacrament of Confirmation is usually administered to parish teens once per year, in the spring of their 8^th grade school year. The preparation program begins in August of their 8^th grade school year. If the candidate is not enrolled in St. Paul Catholic School, they must register for and enroll in Family Religious Education classes for sacramental preparation. Family Religious Education enrollment opens in the summer. Registration closes on September 30th. Announcements will be made in the bulletin and from the pulpit when the enrollment period opens.

Adult Confirmation Preparation:

Sacrament of Confirmation preparation classes for adults usually begin in January. Catholic adults who have been baptized and who are actively practicing their Catholic faith may receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. Contact the parish office for more information.

Couples should contact the parish office at least six months in advance. The Catholic party is expected to be attending Mass regularly.

Those who are being admitted to a hospital should receive this sacrament at church whenever possible by speaking to one of our priests. The infirm may receive the sacraments at home by calling the parish office.

For information about vocations, visit the Diocese of St. Petersburg’s website.

The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) program prepares adults interested in becoming Catholic, or Catholic adults not yet confirmed, for the sacraments of initiation or reception into the Church at Easter. A similar program is offered for children from third grade through high school. Contact the parish office for information.