Sacraments
Guided by the Holy Spirit, the Church recognizes the existence of Seven Sacraments instituted by the Lord. They are the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, the Eucharist), the Sacraments of Healing (Penance and the Anointing of the Sick), and the Sacraments of Service (Marriage and Holy Orders). Through the Sacraments, God shares his holiness with us so that we, in turn, can make the world holier.
Baptism
Baptism is the first sacrament welcoming an individual into the faith community of the Catholic Church. St. Elizabeth shares in the joy when a registered parishioner's new child is baptized. Click here for infant baptisms. St. Elizabeth also welcomes adults and older children into our Catholic faith through the RCIA process. Please contact our Director of Religious Ed, Mrs. Mary Spieker, for more information.
Reconciliation (Confession)
Jesus instituted the sacrament of Reconciliation to allow the faithful to confess their sins to Him (through the priest), receive a Penance, and obtain forgiveness and absolution for their sins. Thus, we are reconciled with God and receive extra grace to avoid sin. Over the years this Sacrament has been referred to as confession, penance, and reconciliation.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered Saturdays from 3:30 - 4:15 or anytime by appointment. If you wish the Sacrament of Reconciliation by appointment, call the Parish office at 610-266-0695 to schedule a time with our priest.
Holy Eucharist
The Blessed Sacrament, the Body and Blood of Christ, are the source of all life. We believe that, under the species of bread and wine, Christ is truly present. At the Last Supper, before He died, Jesus instituted the Eucharist, a memorial of His death and resurrection. It is a sacrament bound to the ultimate love God has for us. “The Eucharist is the sum and summary of our faith: Our way of thinking is attuned to the Eucharist, and the Eucharist in turn confirms our way of thinking.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, No. 1327)
The Holy Eucharist is coming into full Communion with our Lord, the first time an individual receives the Holy Eucharist is referred to as First Holy Communion. Click here for First Holy Communion for Children.
Confirmation
Confirmation is the sacrament whereby one becomes an adult in the eyes of the Church. The one who is confirmed (the confirmandi) receives the gifts of the Holy Spirit through the imposition of hand and anointing with oils by the bishop. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are wisdom, understanding, knowledge, counsel, fortitude, piety, and fear of the Lord. For more information, visit our page on Confirmation.
Sacrament of Marriage
Congratulations! Please contact the parish at least 6 months prior to the proposed wedding date. The Pastor will be happy to help parishioners as they prepare for their special day united in love before God. Please click here for more information..
If you were married civilly or outside the Catholic Church, we can help you have your marriage blessed. Please contact the Pastor at 610-266-0695.
For general information about Catholic marriages and to sign up for FOCCUS in the Diocese of Allentown, click here.
For more information about celebrating your marriage at St. Elizabeth, please click here.
Anointing of the Sick
The Sacrament of Anointing, (also known as 'Last Rites') is a spiritual healing by which the sick person receives the Holy Spirit's gift of peace and courage to deal with the difficulties that accompany serious illness or the frailty of old age.
If you or your loved one is anticipating surgery or hospitalization please contact the Parish prior to your hospital stay to receive the Sacrament of Anointing. The Parish office is in daily contact with the neighboring hospitals to be informed if any of our parishioners have been admitted. However, if you would like a visit by a priest, please inform the Parish office at 610-266-0695. In the case of an emergency, please contact the Church at 610-266-0695 ext 310.
Funerals
Through Baptism, a Catholic begins their faith journey with the belief that death is not the end nor does it break the bonds forged in life. Since the Mass is the central source and summit of our faith, Catholic funerals generally include Mass. The Mass is planned to incorporate the wishes of the deceased and provide opportunity for loved ones to reflect. Funerals are normally held at St. Elizabeth Church at 10:00 am, Monday through Friday, allowing time for burial after the Mass. For more information click here for our Funeral Planning Booklet