Sacraments

- Every one of these starts with a phone call.
  
  We would like to hear what is happening in your life. You do not need the paperwork yet, or the right words. Here is who to ask for.
  
  Find your moment Call 201-891-1122
- Baptism
  
  Your child’s Baptism begins with a call to Jenn.
  
  Register with the parish if you are not already a member.
  Contact Jenn to discuss dates and begin your request.
  Both parents attend the preparation sessions.
  
  Baptisms are celebrated on designated Saturdays and Sundays throughout the year, outside Lent. Seeking Baptism for yourself as an adult? See OCIA.
  
  Jenn Ragucci, Baptismal Coordinator: 201-891-1122 ext. 260 · JennR@saintelizabeths.org
  
  Begin a Baptism request
  
  Baptismal Guide (PDF)
  Expectations of Baptism (PDF)
  Little Angel Prayer (PDF)
  Dear parent with young children in church (PDF)
  
  What the Church says
  “Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as children of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 1213)
  
  First Holy Communion
  
  Commonly in second grade. Jackie knows the dates.
  
  Ask Jackie about your child’s preparation pathway, parent meetings, First Reconciliation and the Communion celebration, and stay connected with your child’s religious education program.
  
  Jackie Heemskerk, Sacramental Coordinator: 201-891-1122 ext. 228 · Jackieh@saintelizabeths.org
  
  Earlier dates, 2023–24 (archive PDF) · A letter to First Communion parents
  
  Confirmation
  
  A two-year program for grades 7 and 8.
  
  Candidates have received Baptism and First Holy Communion, are between twelve and eighteen, have been catechized in a Catholic school or parish program, and have a sincere desire for the sacrament. Adults seeking Confirmation can explore OCIA.
  
  Calendar, handbook and service resources
  
  Jackie Heemskerk: 201-891-1122 ext. 228 · Jackieh@saintelizabeths.org
  Deacon John LaDuca: 201-891-1122 ext. 225 · JLaduca@saintelizabeths.org
  Susan Jansson: 201-891-1122 ext. 217 · Susan@saintelizabeths.org
  
  Becoming Catholic (OCIA)
  
  Questions are welcome. Your next step begins with a conversation.
  
  Never baptized? Our team will talk through preparation for Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist.
  
  Baptized in another Christian church? We will listen to your story and help you understand the path toward full communion.
  
  Baptized Catholic and want to complete your initiation? Tell us which sacraments you have received.
  
  Asking for a child or teenager? Call so we can connect you with preparation for their age.
  
  Father Jerzy Pikulinski: 201-891-1122 ext. 209 · FrJerzy@saintelizabeths.org
  
  Try the “Your story. Your next step.” guide
- Talk to a priest before you book the hall.
  
  Call at least one year before the celebration. If an earlier marriage needs review, it could affect your date, so meet with clergy before making non-refundable arrangements.
  
  Call 201-891-1122 Marriage guide and Q&A
- Marriage
  
  Meet, prepare, celebrate.
  
  Begin with a conversation. Contact the parish to meet with a priest.
  Prepare together. Your priest and wedding coordinator will guide you through preparation, documents and arrangements. Pre-Cana is part of the ordinary path, after you meet with the parish.
  Stay in touch. Use the brochure and the coordinators below as you plan.
  
  Married before, already civilly married, marrying someone of another faith, or not sure where to begin? Discuss it with a priest before making firm arrangements. The marriage guide answers questions about annulments, convalidation, certificates and more.
  
  Marta Yagos, Wedding Coordinator: 201-891-1122 ext. 200 · Marta@saintelizabeths.org
  Bernadette Testa, Wedding Coordinator: 551-206-4035 · Bernadette.Testa@outlook.com
  MaryBeth McGuire, Wedding Coordinator: 201-661-3217 · mbm0131@yahoo.com
  
  Wedding brochure (PDF)
  Archdiocese of Newark Pre-Cana registration
  Couples guide (PDF)
  Couples checklist (PDF)
  Metropolitan Tribunal
  Annulment process
  
  Confession
  
  If it has been a long time, do not worry. Tell the priest, and he will help you through it.
  
  Saturdays, 12:30–1:30 PM, in the church. For another time, call the Parish Office, 201-891-1122. Parish penance services are held in the evening during Lent and Advent.
  
  How to go to Confession
  
  Prepare. Spend a few quiet minutes asking the Holy Spirit to help you remember your sins.
  
  Begin. The priest welcomes you. Make the Sign of the Cross and say how long it has been since your last confession.
  
  Confess. Tell your sins simply and honestly. Confess any serious (mortal) sins by kind and, as best you can, how many times.
  
  Listen. The priest may offer a few words of counsel and gives you a penance, such as a prayer or an act of charity.
  
  Pray an act of contrition. Tell God you are sorry, using the prayer below or your own words.
  
  Receive absolution. The priest prays the words of absolution. Answer “Amen.”
  
  Go in peace. Do your penance soon, and thank God for his mercy.
  
  Examination of conscience
  
  Have I made time for God in prayer? Have I put anything (money, work, pleasure) ahead of him? Have I turned to fortune-telling or horoscopes?
  
  Have I used God’s name carelessly or in anger?
  
  Have I missed Mass on Sundays or holy days of obligation without a serious reason?
  
  Have I honored my parents, cared for my family, and been faithful to my responsibilities at home and at work?
  
  Have I hurt anyone by my actions or my words? Have I held on to anger or refused to forgive? Have I taken part in or encouraged an abortion?
  
  Have I been chaste in my thoughts, words and actions? Have I been faithful to my spouse? Have I looked at pornography?
  
  Have I stolen, cheated, or damaged what belongs to someone else? Have I shared with people in need?
  
  Have I lied, gossiped, or harmed someone’s good name?
  
  Have I been envious of others or greedy for what they have?
  
  Act of Contrition
  My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In his name, my God, have mercy. Amen.
  
  Jackie Heemskerk, for First Reconciliation: 201-891-1122 ext. 228 · Jackieh@saintelizabeths.org
- If you cannot come to us, we will come to you.
  
  Our Ministry to the Sick and Homebound brings Holy Communion to parishioners at home and to residents of the Christian Health Care Center.
  
  Call Mary Ann Musto at 201-891-1122 ext. 212 with the person’s name, address, phone number and the best times to visit. To help as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, call her too.
  
  “I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever.”John 6:51
- Anointing of the Sick
  
  For serious illness, before surgery, or for a serious chronic illness.
  
  Call the Parish Office. A priest may celebrate the sacrament in the church, the Parish Center, or at home. Hospital chaplains usually assist patients in their hospitals. A priest can also hear confession at home. A Mass of Anointing is offered periodically in church, and once a year for residents of the Christian Health Care Center.
  
  Urgent sacramental need: call a priest at 201-994-5699. This line is for emergencies only. For a medical emergency, call emergency services.
  
  Parish Office: 201-891-1122
  Mary Ann Musto: 201-891-1122 ext. 212 · MMusto@saintelizabeths.org
- When someone you love has died.
  
  We are sorry for your loss. Contact a funeral director first. They will call the Parish Office to set the date and time of the Funeral Mass. You may also call us yourself, at 201-891-1122.
  
  “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live.”John 11:25
- Funerals
  
  The parish will pray with you and help you plan.
  
  If death is near, ask for a priest: 201-994-5699 for urgent needs, or the Parish Office.
  
  Vigil (wake): prayers for the person who has died, usually at the funeral home.
  
  Funeral Mass: celebrated in the church. Families choose the Scripture readings and music with the parish. Sample worship guide (PDF)
  
  Committal: final prayers at the cemetery or mausoleum.
  
  Cremation: the Church permits it, though it prefers that the body be present for the Funeral Mass, with cremation afterward. The ashes are buried or placed in a mausoleum or columbarium. They are not scattered or kept at home.
  
  You can have a Mass offered for your loved one and add their name to our prayer intentions.
  
  Grief support
  
  You do not have to walk through grief alone.
  
  Compassionate, confidential support after the death of a loved one, for people of all faiths, from facilitators who have suffered their own losses.
  
  Support groups and times
  
  201-891-1122 ext. 266 · bereavement@saintelizabeths.org
  
  Holy Orders
  
  Feel called? A priest can help you discern the next step.
  
  For the priesthood, permanent diaconate or religious life, a parish priest can connect you with the Vocations Office of the Archdiocese of Newark.
  
  Father Jerzy Pikulinski: 201-891-1122 ext. 209 · FrJerzy@saintelizabeths.org
  Father Robert Burkot: FrRobert@saintelizabeths.org
  
  Certificates
  
  Records and sponsor letters.
  
  Copy of a Baptism, Communion, Confirmation or Marriage record: request it online, or call the Parish Office with the person’s full name, date of birth, mother’s first and maiden name, and your mailing address.
  
  Sponsor certificate for Baptism or Confirmation: see how to request one, or call the Parish Center. Staff will explain the process.
  
  Parish Office: 201-891-1122
  
  Prayers and Mass intentions
  
  Someone on your heart.
  
  Mass intention: $10 donation requested. The 2027 Mass book is open. Request one online. Approval may take several days, then you will get an email with payment details and Mass card pickup instructions.
  
  If no scheduled Mass times are available, unannounced Mass intentions may be requested by phone, email or in person. Our priests carry them to Masses outside the regular parish schedule, with the same reverence and care.
  
  Pay by Venmo with “Mass intention” and your full name in the memo, or by cash or check payable to Saint Elizabeth Church: Parish Office, Attn: Mass Intention, 700 Wyckoff Ave, Wyckoff, NJ 07481.
  
  Jenn Ragucci: 201-891-1122 ext. 260 · JennR@saintelizabeths.org
  
  Prayer chain: a phone and email relay for people who ask for prayers. First names only. Ask to add an intention, or to join the relay.
  
  Mary Ann Musto: 201-891-1122 ext. 212 · MMusto@saintelizabeths.org

Sacraments

Every one of these starts with a phone call.

Baptism

First Holy Communion

Confirmation

Becoming Catholic (OCIA)

Talk to a priest before you book the hall.

Marriage

Confession

If you cannot come to us, we will come to you.

Anointing of the Sick

When someone you love has died.

Funerals

Grief support

Holy Orders

Certificates

Prayers and Mass intentions