Sacraments

Sacraments of the Church

Visit United States Conference of Catholic Bishops to learn more about the Sacraments of the Catholic Church.

Receiving Sacraments at Saint Raphael

Baptism

Baptism Class is held the first Sunday of most months from 1:30-2:30pm in the Community Room. It is intended for first time parents and is not required if you attended a previous Baptism class. Baptisms are held most remaining Sundays of the month.

To schedule a Baptism, register for a Baptism Class, or learn about Baptism for yourself or an older child, contact the Parish Office.

Confirmation

Students in eighth grade attending Saint Raphael School or Parish School of Religion (PSR) prepare to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation through our Unleash Confirmation program (www.saintraphaelparish.com/confirmation). Contact the Director of Confirmation for more information.

High School students may learn more about preparing for Confirmation through High School Ministry (HSM) by contacting the Director of Youth Ministry.

Eucharist

Children traditionally receive the Sacrament of Eucharist in second grade, after they receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Preparation includes Information (Parent Meeting and Religion Classes) and Formation (Prayer celebrations, Mini-retreats and Catechesis at home) through our First Reconciliation & First Communion program (www.saintraphaelparish.com/firstcommunion ).

Penance and Reconciliation

Confessions take place each Saturday in the church from 3:00-4:00pm or upon request by contacting the Parish Office.

For information regarding First Reconciliation for your child, visit First Reconciliation & First Communion program (www.saintraphaelparish.com/firstcommunion).

Anointing of the Sick

Anointing may take place in a church, private home, hospital or nursing home. Only bishops and priests may be ministers of the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick. The sacrament is not limited to adults. Children and infants may receive the sacrament prior to surgery, in the event of serious illness or in danger of death. Special graces come with this sacrament, bringing peace, comfort, spiritual and often, physical healing. To request the sacrament and speak with a parish priest, contact the Parish Office.

Our communal Anointing Mass takes place every October on the Sunday closest to the Feast of Saint Luke.

Matrimony

Pre-Cana (marriage preparation) is required for all couples in the Diocese of Cleveland. Saint Raphael Pre-Cana Retreat is held once a year on a Saturday (typically in February or March). Couples intending to marry should contact the Parish Office to speak with a priest at least six months prior to their requested marriage date. Please click here for our Marriage Guidelines. If you'd like to make an initial inquiry about a wedding or set a wedding date, please click here to fill out an inquiry form.

Holy Orders

Contact the Parish Office if you are feeling called to the Priesthood and wish to speak with a priest. You may also wish to visit Cleveland Catholic Priesthood clepriesthood.org and/or Clergy, Consecrated Life & Vocations of the Catholic Church from United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Funerals

Please contact our office as soon as possible after the death of your loved one so that we may help you during your time of sorrow. Our Funeral Planning Guide will help you choose appropriate readings and music, and a meeting with a member of the staff will help you complete the liturgy planning process. We hope that by choosing your own readings, music, and ritual movements, you and your family might share more fully in the liturgy, and express your care and love for the deceased.

Access our Funeral Planning Guide HERE. Access our Funeral Readings Guide HERE.