Pope Benedict XVI Diocese of Orlando Fr. John Giel
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Sacraments

Baptism

We are pleased to be able to welcome new Christians in the Sacrament of Baptism.

Parents, requesting infant Baptism, are expected to be registered parishioners and practicing Catholics. In the case of a mixed religion family, this is expected of the Catholic party. An appointment with the Baptism Coordinator and a pre-baptismal session is required prior to setting a date for Baptism.

No Baptisms are scheduled during Lent.

Questions and registration for the preparation sessions, as well as registration for Baptism should be directed to Sister Ruth Platte 352-787-6354, ext. 251.

Adults are welcomed into the Church, at the Easter Vigil, through the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Eucharist) following preparation through the RCIA program (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults). Inquiries for the RCIA program should be directed to Sister Ruth Platte.

RCIA

What is it all about?

Christian Initiation is a Journey of Faith for all adults who wish to become members of the Roman Catholic Church. It involves the formation of the total person into a believing, living, praying and serving member of the church community.

  1. EVANGELIZATION/INQUIRY: A chance for people to ask questions about Catholic beliefs.
  2. CATECHUMENATE: An opportunity for participants to learn about and mature into the Catholic Faith while being guided by a Catholic sponsor.
  3. ENLIGHTENMENT: A time for deep spiritual reflection during the Lenten Season. It culminates with the administration of the three Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil.
  4. MYSTAGOGIA: An ongoing process for spiritual growth while entering fully into the community of Catholic believers.

CHRISTIAN INITIATION is a year-round process which may be entered into at any time. If you know someone who is curious about our Church or who is trying to decide whether to become a Catholic, or if you are interested in becoming a Catholic Christian, please contact Sr. Ruth Platte, for more information 352-787-6354, ext. 251.

Everyone is called: Everyone is welcome!

RECONCILIATION AND EUCHARIST

Children who are 7 years or older are ready to begin preparing for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist. Immediate preparation presumes that children have already had a year of familiarity with the Catholic faith e.g. attending Mass with parents, knowledge of basic concepts of faith. To register for these Sacraments as member of the Catholic Community of St. Paul must:

  1. Be enrolled in either the Parish School of Religion on Sunday or be attending St. Paul's Catholic School
  2. Present a copy of the Baptismal Certificate if not baptized in our parish
  3. Faithfully participate in the preparation program.

Adults who have not received the Sacrament of the Eucharist may call Sr. Ruth Platte, 352-787-6354, ext. 251.

CONFIRMATION

Youth: The ninth grade is the normal time for the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation in this parish. Sacramental Preparation for Confirmation will include a two year period of catechesis and formation within a comprehensive Youth Ministry model.

REGISTRATION FORMS

For additional information on the Sacrament of Confirmation or to register, please contact Janette Gamboa, (352) 787-6354, ext. 269.

Any Adult, 18 years and older, who was baptized and raised in the Catholic Church but, for whatever reason missed being confirmed, is invited to participate in a three sessions as a formation process leading to the receptin of the Sacrament. Formation will lead to a deeper understnding of the action of the Holy Spirit in our life and will prepare you to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. Contact Sr. Ruth Platte, 352 - 787-6354, ext 251.

MARRIAGE PREPARATION

In order to be eligible to be married at St. Paul's, one member of the proposed couple must be an active participant of the Roman Catholic Religion and a registered member of the parish. Both bride and groom must be "free to marry in the Roman Catholic Church". Any person who has been previously married in the Church or civilly married, and whose previous spouse is still alive, regardless of civil divorce or civil annulment, is not free to marry in the church. These people should seek a possible annulment in the Roman Catholic Church prior to any further marriage preparations, as noted below. Couples interested in getting married should make an appointment with the priest as soon as possible. The Diocese of Orlando requires at least a four-month preparation period before a couple approaches the altar. The Priest may assign you to a sponsor couple to work with.

Couples interested in being "Sponsor Couples" for those preparing for marriage can contact Fr. John Giel. These married couples from the Parish invite engaged individuals into their homes to discuss principles of Christian marriage using their own personal experiences as points of reference.

If you are interested in getting married in the Catholic Church, please contact any of the priests at the parish office, (352) 787-6354, ext 221.

ANNULMENT PREPARATION

All Catholics should be married in the Roman Catholic Church. Any person who has been previously married in the Church or civilly married, and whose previous spouse is still alive, regardless of civil divorce or civil annulment, is not free to marry in the Church. These people should seek a possible annulment in the Roman Catholic Church. If you are in need of an annulment please contact one of the priests of the parish who will arrange for your advocacy, (352) 787-6354, ext.221

For additional information on helping with Marriage or Annulment Preparation contact Fr. John Giel, please call the office at (352) 787-6354, ext. 221.