Sacramental Life
Baptism
Baptism is a joyful and sacred celebration in the Catholic Church, marking the beginning of a person’s life of faith. It is the first of the Sacraments of Initiation and a powerful sign of God’s love and grace. Through Baptism, individuals — whether infants, children, or adults — are welcomed into the Church community and become members of the Body of Christ. It is a beautiful expression of faith, hope, and belonging that brings families and parishioners together in celebration.
To make arrangements to have your child baptized, contact Judy Walsh: jwalsh@abingtoncatholic.org. If you are an adult interested in the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, contact Deacon Leo Lynn: llynn@abingtoncatholic.org.
Reconciliation
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a grace-filled encounter with God’s mercy. In this sacrament, we experience in a personal way the healing power of God’s forgiveness and the assurance that nothing can separate us from God’s love.
Through Reconciliation, we are invited to reflect honestly on our lives, seek forgiveness, and receive the grace to begin again. God’s mercy restores peace to our hearts, strengthens our relationships, and renews our commitment to live with kindness, integrity, and compassion. This sacrament helps us grow closer to God and to one another as members of the Body of Christ.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered every Saturday afternoon at 3:15 PM at St. Benedict’s and 4:00 PM at St. Gregory’s, or by appointment through the parish office.
Eucharist
The Sacrament of the Eucharist is one of the most cherished and joyful celebrations in the Catholic Church. Whether received for the first time as a child, youth, or adult, it marks a sacred milestone in a person’s journey of faith. In the Eucharist, we receive the Body and Blood of Christ and are nourished by Christ's abiding presence among us.
The Eucharist is the heart of Catholic worship and a profound expression of Jesus’ self-giving love. It gathers us as one community, strengthens us for lives of service and discipleship, and reminds us of Christ’s promise to remain with us always. Through this sacrament, we are drawn more deeply into the life of the Church and the mystery of God’s presence in the celebration of the Mass.
Our parish celebrates the Sacrament of First Eucharist with our second-grade students each spring. Students wishing to receive their First Communion should be enrolled in our Faith Formation program beginning in first grade.
Confirmation
Through Confirmation, Catholics receive a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit, strengthening their faith and deepening their relationship with God. It is both a personal commitment and a public affirmation of belief, marking the moment when a baptized person chooses to live as a full and active member of the Catholic community.
The Sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated each year with our eighth-grade students or at the Easter Vigil for adults.
Matrimony
In the Sacrament of Matrimony, two baptized people enter a lifelong covenant of love and fidelity. Through their freely given consent, they establish a sacred bond that reflects Christ’s faithful love for the Church. Sustained by God’s grace, marriage calls spouses to grow in holiness, support one another, and witness God’s love in the world.
Couples preparing for marriage in the Church are encouraged to contact the parish office at least six months before their intended wedding date to begin the preparation process.
Holy Orders
In Holy Orders men are ordained as priests, deacons, or bishops. Priests serve as spiritual leaders of their communities, and deacons serve to remind us of our baptismal call to help others. Bishops carry on the teachings of the apostles. The signs of this sacrament are the laying on of hands and anointing with oil by the bishop.
If you or someone you know is interested in a vocation to the priesthood or religious life, visit the Diocese of Scranton's website to make contact with the Diocesan Vocations Office.
Anointing of the Sick
This sacrament unites a sick person’s suffering with that of Jesus and brings forgiveness of sins. Oil, a symbol of strength, is the sign of this sacrament. A person is anointed with oil and receives the laying on of hands from a priest.
If you or someone in your family is sick, preparing for surgery, or hospitalized, and would like to receive this Sacrament of sick, please call either Parish Office.
