SAINT
BARNABAS'
SACRAMENTAL
POLICIES
It is most important to all us here at St. Barnabas Parish that the FAMILY - PARISH - CLASSROOM work together to provide the best experience possible for all of God's people who are preparing to receive the Sacraments.
What we do in the PARISH and the CLASSROOM supports the formation only you can provide for your family. Minimally, we ask of you the following in preparation for ALL sacraments.
 | You must be a registered member of the parish to receive any sacrament. ( If you need to register, please call the Rectory for an appointment with one of the priests.) |
| Attend Sunday Mass each week. |
| Pray daily as a family. |
| Share GOOD experiences of God and the Sacraments. |
| Provide Religious articles (statues, crucifixes, etc..) around your home. |
| You must attend the Sacramental Preparation sessions provided by the parish for each sacrament. |
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE CALL T HE RECTORY OR THE DIRECTOR OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION. ( D.R.E.) OR SEND US AN E-MAIL.
Anyone requesting to be a Godparent or a sponsor for Confirmation must be registered in the parish at least three (3) months before the eligibility slip can be issued. Also in order to be eligible as Godparent or sponsor, one must be in a valid marriage and attend Mass on a regular basis.
FAMILY / PARTICIPANT Any person interested in experiencing the Catholic Faith, please contact Fr. John Babowitch, or the Director of Religious Education.
PARISH The on-going Rites of Christian Initiation of Adults are provided as the sponsors, priest, catechumen / candidates themselves discern.
CLASSROOM Inquirers / Catechumens / Candidates meet Monday evenings at 7:30 in the Rectory.
PARENTS Any parent who wishes their child to be baptized must be registered in the parish and obtain eligibility slips for the child's godparents. When this have been completed, call the Rectory to make an appointment with one of the priests to initiate the following:
| Schedule to attend the Pre-Jordan class. |
| Schedule the date for their child's Baptism. |
PARISH We celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism with great joy and we congratulate you and your spouse on your new born baby. Baptism is administered on the FIRST and THIRD Sunday of each month at 1:00 pm in the church.
CLASSROOM Parents and godparents are asked to attend a Pre-Jordan Class, the second Thursday of each month, in the rectory basement, to prepare for their child's baptism. All parents are required to attend the class. If the godparents live at a distance, then their participation in the Pre-Jordan classes may be waived by one of the priests. Contact Deacon Len Wolkowicz or Deacon John Ellis, Sr.
FAMILY At least one parent is required to attend the Parent Session preparation for the Sacrament of Reconciliation / Penance. We ask the you spend time reviewing at home the Examination of Conscience, and the Rite of Penance.
PARISH A specific evening or Saturday afternoon celebration will be scheduled at the end of grade / level two (2).
CLASSROOM Children will receive specific instructions on Examination of Conscience and the Rite of Penance in grade / level two (2).
PARENTS At least one parent is required to attend the Parent Session in preparation for the Sacrament of First Eucharist. Of utmost importance in the preparation of a child for First Eucharist is attendance at Sunday Masses before and after the reception of the Sacrament.
PARISH The parish schedules yearly celebration of First Eucharist for children in the Spring of grade / level three (3).
CLASSROOM Children prepared for the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist during grade / level three (3). Along with general instructions in the classroom, the children have the opportunity of participating in a Retreat Day.
PARENTS At least one parent is required to attend TWO (2) Parent Sessions in preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Parents will assist their children by preparing for this sacrament by helping them select a sponsor and witness the faith by helping them with service projects.
PARISH The celebration is usually held in the fall of the year for grade / level six (6).
CLASSROOM Immediate preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation begins in grade / level five (5) and completed in grade / level six (6) prior to reception of the sacrament.
Sacramental Preparation for Older Children
PARENTS Parents enroll their children in two (2) programs:
| Full time school or CCD |
| A special class for immediate preparation of sacraments to be scheduled by the DRE in the spring. |
When the immediate preparation has been completed, PARENTS will make an appointment with one of the parish priests and the DRE to arrange a time for their child to receive the Sacraments.
PARISH The priest and the DRE will arrange with the family a convenient time during which their child will receive the Sacraments.
CLASSROOM Children will be enrolled into two (2) programs of preparation:
| Full time school or CCD |
| A special class for immediate preparation will be scheduled by the DRE in the Spring. |
PARTICIPANTS Any couple who wishes to receive the Sacrament of Marriage must contact the parish at least SIX (6) MONTHS in advance. NO EXCEPTIONS.
PARISH Arrangements for marriage are made with the parish priest. Weddings are celebrated on Friday Evenings and on Saturdays at 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM and at 2:30 PM.
CLASSROOM The Archdiocese of Philadelphia requires that all couples MUST participate in the Pre-Cana Program for Marriage. The parish priest will make you aware of the different sites where Pre-Cana is held in Philadelphia. You are urged to attend those classes at least two (2) months in advance of your marriage. Two Pre-Cana sessions a year will be held at St. Barnabas Parish.
Copyright © 2002 St. Barnabas Catholic Church. All rights reserved.
Revised: February 02, 2005 .