Sacraments

Infant & Adult Baptism

We welcome and congratulate those families wishing to pass on the faith to their children through the sacrament of Baptism.

Godparents of the child to be baptized are to be practicing Catholics. The parents can request that one of the witnesses (Godparent) be of another faith. If the Godparents/Christian witnesses are not from this parish, they will need letters of good standing from their parish before the baptism can be scheduled.

The parent/parents of the child being baptized are to be practicing Catholic/Catholics and registered in St. Pius X Parish. If the child to be baptized is from outside the parish, a letter from the pastor of the family’s home parish will be necessary. That letter should state that the family is active and has taken a baptismal preparation class in that parish.

If you have attended a baptism preparation class within the past three years at St. Pius X Parish you do not need to repeat the session. However, you will still need to contact the Parish Office prior to scheduling your child’s Baptism.

Baptism of adults and children over the age of seven is coordinated through the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA). We warmly welcome all those inquiring about becoming Catholic.

Please contact the Parish Office at:

Sacrament of Holy Penance/Rite of Reconciliation

A frequent reception of Penance is encouraged for all. Preparation for reception of the sacrament is taught in second grade in the parish religious education program. Parent meetings and preparation begin in the fall, ending with celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Confessions are heard on Wednesday afternoons from 5pm to 6pm, Saturday afternoons from 3:30pm to 4:30pm or by appointment.

A parish penance service is held during both Advent and Lent at announced times.

Holy Eucharist

As Catholics, we fully participate in the celebration of the Eucharist when we receive Holy Communion. We are encouraged to receive Holy Communion devoutly and frequently. To be properly disposed to receive Communion, a person should not be conscious of a grave sin and normally should have fasted for one hour.

Preparation for reception of Holy Communion takes place in the Second Grade Parish Religious Education program. Celebration of First Holy Communion is held in May.

The Holy Eucharist is celebrated during the Holy Mass on Saturday Vigil at 5pm, Sunday at 9am

Daily Mass is celebrated at 8am, Monday through Saturday in the Adoration Chapel.

While Susquehanna University classes are in session, a Mass will be celebrated on Sunday evenings at 5pm. Mass will be celebrated at Weber Chapel on the second Sunday of each month. The remaining Masses will be celebrated at St. Pius X Church.

Confirmation

The Rite of Confirmation, a sacrament of initiation, is celebrated for students in the Eighth Grade Religious Education Program. Preparation for the sacrament begins in Grade 7. Confirmation is administered by the bishop.

Adults who have not received the sacrament of Confirmation are asked to contact the parish office to arrange for preparation.

Marriage

The commitment that leads to a strong, loving, and happy marriage cannot be overstated. Over the years, the Catholic community has increasingly recognized that a good marriage requires good preparation. St Pius X Parish invites you to make the most of your engagement period, taking time for deeper dialogue, greater trust and sharing your hopes and dreams, your convictions, and values regarding your marriage.

We ask you to begin your formal preparation as soon as you make the decision to marry and at least 9-12 months prior to the proposed wedding date.

To register for the marriage preparation program, contact the Parish Office at 570.374.4113 or spxc@ptd.net.

To register for the marriage preparation program, contact the Parish Office at :

Anointing of the Sick

The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is for any member of the faithful in need of spiritual, physical, or emotional healing. Once referred to as “last rites,” this anointing is recommended when death is imminent. This Sacrament is also a “Sacrament of Healing” and can be administered before surgery or because of grave illness. The Sacrament is administered by a priest.

Please contact the parish office at 570.374.4113 to let us know that you are or will be in the hospital – or ask your family or neighbors to contact us. We want to visit and pray with and for you, especially while you are unable to join us for Mass. Please inform us so that your parish family may offer their spiritual support to you and your family.

Adult Initiation

The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) is the process by which adults are received into the Church community by providing instructions in the Catholic faith for non-Catholics. The RCIA prepares adults for the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist, usually celebrated at the Easter Vigil. The RCIA meets Thursday evenings from 7pm-8:30pm from September through Pentecost.

For additional information on the RCIA program contact the Parish Office at :