Parish Membership Requirement
In order to receive the Sacraments of
Baptism, Confirmation, First Reconciliation, First Communion, and Marriage,
the family or individual must be a registered member(s) of the parish.
You may register on-line! Arrangements for these sacraments are made by calling the parish
office at (717) 755-7503.
Sacraments for Children
Baptism: The Sacrament of Baptism is administered on the first Sunday
of the month at 1:45 PM or during the 5:00 PM (Saturday), 10:15 AM or
12:00 PM (Sunday) Masses on the following weekends: Baptism of the Lord,
Pentecost, the first weekend of August, and the first weekend of
October. The number of baptisms is limited to two per Mass. Required
workshops for parents and godparents are held on the last Sunday of the
month at 1:45 PM. It is recommended that parents and godparents
attend the required workshop prior to the birth of the child.
Godparents must be practicing Catholics, age 16 or older, and must have been
confirmed. Godparents must be a registered member(s) of this parish, or must present a
sponsor certificate from his or her home parish.
First Reconciliation, first Communion, and Confirmation:
Children should be registered and attending Parish Sacramental
Preparation Programs for at least two years before receiving these sacraments.
Sacraments for Adults
Baptism, Confirmation, First Reconciliation, and Communion: Adults
are received into these sacraments through the Rite of Christian Initiation
of Adults. Please contact the RCIA Coordinator or one of
the parish priests for information. RCIA Web Page
Eucharist: Everyone is welcome to attend Mass. Only
Catholics in good standing and not conscious of grave sin and who have
fasted for one hour may receive Holy Communion.
Preparing for the Eucharist
Reconciliation: Confessions are heard on Saturdays from 3:30 PM to
4:30 PM in the reconciliation rooms in the Daily Mass Chapel and at any time
by appointment.
Marriage: Couples planning to marry must contact one of the
parish priests to set a date for the wedding at least nine months before
the marriage. The church calendar and the schedule of the priests'
schedules are set far in advance, so no other wedding plans should be made before
contacting one of the priests. Other marriage information is located
at Pre-Cana Web Page.
Anointing of the Sick
Every parishioner who is facing major surgery or serious illness may
receive the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick. Anointing may be done
at any time by appointment or after the Saturday Mass. If surgery
has been scheduled, please arrange for anointing before admission to the
hospital.
Visitation of the Sick
Please notify the parish office staff if someone is unable to attend
church and wishes to receive Communion at home or in a nursing home.
St. Joseph Church is served by the Capuchin
Franciscans
