BAPTISM
The sacrament of Baptism incorporates us into the Body of Christ. Parents who wish to have their child baptized (newborn to age 6) prepare by attending a baptism class with Deacon Mike McLean, who will then schedule the baptism. Children age 7-18 attend a brief series of age-appropriate catechetical classes to prepare for baptism. Adults 18+ prepare for baptism through the Rite of Christian Initiation (RCIA) process, which runs from Sept – May. Contact Deacon Mike for more information.
FIRST RECONCILIATION
The parish prepares second graders for this Sacrament by involving the entire family. Children enrolled in St. Elizabeth Catholic School receive their preparation as part of the second-grade curriculum. Children not attending STE school attend Parish School of Religion (PSR) beginning in August. First Reconciliation is celebrated in the fall.
FIRST EUCHARIST
The Parish also prepares second graders for this Sacrament by involving the entire family. Children enrolled in St. Elizabeth Catholic School receive their preparation as part of the second-grade curriculum. Children not attending STE school attend Parish School of Religion (PSR) beginning in August. First Eucharist is in the spring.
CONFIRMATION
Confirmation is the reaffirmation of an individual's Baptismal commitment and is one of the three Sacraments of Initiation. The Sacrament is ordinarily conferred each spring as announced in the parish bulletin. Our Diocese confirms individuals who are in high school and who have completed a discernment process. For members of St. Elizabeth Parish, the discernment process and confirmation are during their sophomore year in high school. Our goal at St. Elizabeth is to lead candidates to an experiential awareness of the Holy Spirit, through teachings, witness, and spiritual exercise. To reach that goal, we provide sessions to increase the candidate's relationship with God and to enable the candidate to experience a sense of and know the importance of, community.
Volunteers are needed to assist the Confirmation Coordinator with various aspects of our Confirmation program for high school students.
MATRIMONY
Couples who wish to be married at St. Elizabeth should contact Deacon Mike McLean eight to twelve months prior to the anticipated wedding date to begin the marriage preparation programs and reserve the church for the wedding. St. Elizabeth parishioners being married in another church can also complete their marriage preparation programs through St. Elizabeth. Program options will be explained at the initial meeting.
ANOINTING OF THE SICK
Contact the Parish Ministry Center to make an appointment for anointing if you are anticipating surgery or have an extended illness. Seasonal anointings are offered for the elderly.
FUNERALS & WAKES
The Mass of Christian Burial is a celebration of the life of our departed loved ones. When a Catholic member of your family dies, you may contact the Parish Ministry Center to arrange the memorial liturgies, which can include a Vigil service, rosary and/or visitation, Mass of Christian Burial, and graveside service. If you make arrangements through a funeral home, be sure to confirm availability of the church and ministers at St. Elizabeth before finalizing plans. Contact the parish office for details.
Contact the Parish Office (816-523-2405) to find out more information on Sacraments.