St. Paul Campus Parish

Catholic Ministry of Big Rapids Serving the Students, Faculty and Staff at Ferris State University since 1949

Sacraments

New to the Catholic Faith? Are you new to the Catholic faith?  Do you have questions about the Catholic faith?  Do you have questions about becoming Catholic?  The Catholic church provides information sessions and instruction on the Catholic faith.  These classes are meant to provide information to you without obligation to become Catholic.  Following these inquiry sessions, you are welcome to join the Catholic church through addition discernment, prayer and reflection.  For more information, please contact the office.  For adults this will include full initiation into the church(Baptism, confirmation, and Eucharist) 

 

Baptism:  The sacrament of baptism begins our initiation into the Catholic community.  It is proper to schedule your infant for baptism shortly after their birth.  If you are older and want to become a baptized member of the Catholic Community, please contact the office for more information.  

 

Eucharist: For those who have reached the second grade or those who are older may prepare to receive Eucharist.  Second graders will receive instruction in Religious education class or at St. Mary School.  Please contact the office to register your child.  It is understood that proper faith formation has occurred throughout the child’s life.  Those who are older or who have not had proper faith formation should contact the office for information on how to prepare. 

 

Confirmation:  Bishop Walter Hurley has asked all parishes to consider preparing students for confirmation in the eighth grade or first semester ninth grade.  Considering these recommendations and discussion with the pastoral staff(Fr. Lam, Deacon John and Patrick) Preparation for the sacrament of confirmation will occur in the 8th grade 2007-2008 school year.  Schedule for class times will be available in august.  Please contact the office for a registration.  It is understood that proper faith formation has occurred throughout the child’s life.  Those who are older or who have not had proper faith formation should contact the office for information on how to prepare.   

 

Reconciliation: We often find ourselves on the wrong side of sin that keeps us distant from our Lord.  Reconciliation is a time for us to reflect on our sinfulness and our need for forgiveness.  If we are truly sorry for that sin and wish to ask for forgiveness, the priest is available to offer us this sacrament.  See Mass scheduled for dates and times or contact the office for assistance.  Do not let another day pass without bringing the healing sacrament of reconciliation into your relationship with God.  Those students who are in the fourth grade Faith formation program are instructed in this sacrament and are asked to participate in their first reconciliation(2nd grade for St. Mary school).  For more information please contact the office. 

 

Marriage: If you are a member of St. Paul Campus Parish you are asked to meet with the pastor to discuss marriage preparations.  You are strongly encouraged to meet with the pastor prior to making any plans for space, church and food.  This gives the priest the opportunity to make sure all preparations for a wedding are correctly made.   

 

Anointing of the Sick:  Throughout our life we encounter times that our health changes drastically.  We as a church take this opportunity to remember Jesus Christ our healer in the Anointing of the Sick.  If you find yourself in need of surgery or find out that you are sick, please contact the office so that we may arrange to have father meet with you to receive this sacrament.  

 

Holy orders:  If you are a single male and considering becoming a priest, please take some time and talk with Fr. Lam, Patrick or Deacon John.  This ministry is very rewarding and can lead to contentment and satisfaction for those how feel called to serving others. 

Religious life: even though holy orders is reserved for men, women and men are encouraged to look into religious life as well.  This is an opportunity for people to meet with others who have similar goals of faith and good works in their life.  Please contact the office if you are interested in learning more.  Age, marital status and education are different for each order so this may be open to you.  Also, there are many orders who have information available online.  Check them out! 

 

For more information about the sacraments-please contact the office. 

*St. Paul Campus Parish * One Damascus Rd * Big Rapids, Michigan 49307

*Phone: 231-796-7393 * Fax: 231-796-3990 * stpauls1@charterinternet.com