1 Damascus Rd. * Big Rapids, MI 49307
231-796-7393 * fax 231-796-3990 *stpauls@stpauls-fsu.org

Are you in need of sacramental information?

Sacramental Records: If you are looking for a copy of your sacramental records(baptism, confirmation, marriage, etc) and you are Catholic please follow this simple procedure.  Determine which church you were brought into the church through Baptism or Profession of faith(someone baptized in another faith and converted to Catholicism).  Contact that church and request a copy of your baptism certificate.  The new certificate will indicate all recorded information about your sacramental history in the Catholic faith.  If the church of Baptism is no long in existence, check with the diocese where that church was located and they will assist you.  


Baptism - If you as a parent are Catholic and would like your child baptized, please consult the bulletin and contact the office to register for the next baptism class. This is a class that will assist you in understanding the reason for baptism, the process of baptism and any other questions you may have.  

If you or your child are 7 years or older there may be a different process of preparing for the sacrament of baptism and potentially other sacraments.  Please contact the office and let the staff know that you or your child would like to become Catholic and ask what you need to do to prepare.  We look forward to assisting you.  

Reconciliation (penance) - is the sacrament where we acknowledge our sinfulness to the Lord and the church.  Children who are preparing for 1st communion will also be prepared for reconciliation at that time.  Those who have never received reconciliation and are in 3rd grade or older are asked to contact the office so that we can prepare your for this sacrament.  Every week there is an opportunity to participate in this sacrament.  We ask the parents to be present outside the room to assist children with  their first reconciliation experience.    

Communion - the Catholic Community of Big Rapids celebrates the reception of first communion in 2nd grade.  If your child is in this grade and is attending Evening Faith Formation or St. Mary School then your child will be prepared for this sacrament and reconciliation.  Those older then this and have not received their 1st communion are asked to contact the office for more information.  If you are from another faith we ask that you come to know and understand the Catholic meaning of communion before joining us at the Lords Table.   

Confirmation - the Catholic Community of Big Rapids celebrates the reception of first communion in 8th grade.  If your child is in this grade and is attending Evening Faith Formation than your child will be prepared for this sacrament.   St. Mary School 8th Graders must also attend class for Evening Faith Formation. If you or your child are older then this and have not received your Confirmation please contact the office for more information.

Marriage - The Catholic faith requires at least 6 months of preparation prior to the reception of the Sacrament of Marriage.  Please contact the church first before making any other arrangements to talk with father and see what is required for preparation.  Not all couples will have the same process due to life situations.  Be sure to call now.   

Anointing of the Sick - If you or a loved one is seriously sick or is going in for surgery, we ask you to contact the office immediately for the sacrament of the sick.  In the past this sacrament was directed at those who were known to be dying.  The church has since then clarified that this sacrament is used to assist in the healing process of those who are seriously ill.  Father will arrange for a time to meet with you or your family to administer this sacrament.  With the laws of this country as they are it is important that you or a family member contact the office before or during serious illness in order for us to have authorization to meet with you and to know you are in serious condition.  Otherwise, we may not know until too late that you wish to have this healing care.

Vocations - If you feel called to serve the church as a priest, nun, sister, brother, or monk, there are many opportunities available to you.  Our priest would be happy to discuss the priesthood to all the gentlemen interested in knowing more.  Contact father or the office to find out other opportunities available to you in religious life.    

For any other information or questions, please contact the office. We would be happy to address any needs or concerns that you have.