St. Monica Parish
Sunbury, Pennsylvania
Sacraments
Infant Baptism
The Sacrament of Baptism brings great joy to the whole parish community. Parent/parents must be practicing Catholics and registered members of Saint Monica 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 required. Parents must attend a Baptism Preparation Class before Baptism and it is recommended in advance of the child’s birth.
If you have attended a class in the past three years, it is not necessary to attend again.
The Godparents must be: fully initiated practicing Catholics above the age of 16, registered and participating members of a parish, not the parents of the one to be baptized, and if married, in a sacramental Marriage. One of the witnesses (Godparent) may be non-Catholic at the request of the family. If the godparents are from another parish, letters of good standing are needed from their pastor. For baptismal arrangements, call the Parish Office.
Reconciliation
Confessions are held on Saturdays from 4:00– 4:45 pm, and you may also call the Parish Office at any time and schedule an appointment.
Confirmation
The rite of the Sacrament of Confirmation is the completion of the Sacraments of Initiation celebrated for students in the 8th grade. It is a two-year program that begins in the 7th grade.
Holy Eucharist
Sunday Mass is celebrated at 10:00 am, with the Mass of Anticipation for on Saturday evening at 5:30 pm. Weekday Masses are celebrated in the Main Church:
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Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at 9:00 am, preceded by the Holy Rosary at 8:40 am.
A Holy Hour is held in the Saint Augustine Chapel every first Friday of the month from 6:00 - 7:00 pm with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, the communal celebration of Evening Prayer of the Church, and Benediction.
Preparation for the reception of First Holy Communion (and First Reconciliation) is a two-year program that begins in the 1st grade, with both sacraments being received in the 2nd grade.
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
A Process for adults being instructed and received into the Catholic Church during the Easter Vigil Mass.
If you have:
• never been baptized
• been baptized in another faith tradition, but are interested in the
Catholic Faith
• been baptized in the Catholic Church, but never received
First Holy Communion and/or received Confirmation
Please contact the Parish Office for more information.
Anointing of the Sick
The Sacrament of Healing is administered by a priest to those seriously sick, those in advanced age and before surgery. Family members and care givers can call the Parish Office and request for the sacrament.
For after-hours emergencies, call 717-683-7116.
Marriage
Couples should contact the Parish Office at least 9 - 12 months prior to the date of their wedding and before any other plans are made. The priest will in the first meeting introduce you to the diocesan policy and other instruments for marriage preparations.
Vocations
Priesthood and Religious Consecrated Life is a long discernment process. You need another person to journey with you. Men and women who are discerning the Call to the Priesthood and Religious Consecrated Life should contact the priest.