Sacramental Policies & Guidelines
The following policies and guidelines help clarify roles for parishioners to better prepare for sacramental obligations for family members.

Baptism
Parents of children under 5 years of age to be baptized are expected to be registered and practicing members of St. Peter’s community. They shall call the parish office to register for the Baptism and a required Preparation Program, preferably prior to the birth of the child. Godparents should be at least 16 years of age and a confirmed, practicing Catholic. A sponsor from another faith may act as Christian Witness for this sacrament. Please contact Carolyn Nolan, Coordinator of Adult Faith Formation for additional information.

First Reconciliation and Communion
Children preparing for these sacraments must have been enrolled in an archdiocesan religious program or Catholic school one year prior to the celebration of the sacrament and must be currently attending with regularity.Parents attend Orientation and Sacramental Preparation sessions for both sacraments. Children must attend 2 retreats, the Enrollment Celebration and scheduled practices. Please contact Anne Mason, Coordinator of Children’s Faith Formation, for additional information and registration.

Confirmation
Must have received the sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation and First Communion. Candidates must be in the 10th through 12th grade and have been enrolled in a Parish Youth Ministry Program or Catholic school two years prior to the celebration of Confirmation. (Teens who have not yet received the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Communion should contact us as soon as possible.) Required activities include 2-day sessions, a weekend retreat and seven evening sessions prior to Confirmation. Please contact the Youth Ministry office for additional information and registration. 

Adults wishing confirmation should contact Carolyn Nolan.

Matrimony
Parishioners need to make arrangements with the Pastor or Deacon at least 6 months prior to the wedding. Contact Carolyn Nolan for information about the preparation programs Pre-Cana and Engaged Encounter. Those outside the parish desiring to be married at St. Peter’s must supply their own Catholic Priest or Deacon -- who will make pre-nuptial investigation, take full canonical responsibility, as well as perform the ceremony. Music arrangements are only made after scheduling a meeting with parish musician Judy Smarsh, who will provide the order of the service and musical guideline selections. This meeting should take place 4-6 months prior to the wedding date.

Burial in St. Peter’s Cemetery
Grave sites may only be purchased by St. Peter's parishioners who have been registered at least 1 year prior the purchase. Special requests for immediate family members not registered at St. Peter’s will be given consideration. Monuments may not exceed 36 inches in width, 12 inches in depth and 38 inches in height. Caskets shall be placed in a vault for burial. Cremated remains may be buried separately in a container or may be placed in another grave designated for vault burial. Contact Carolyn Nolan for details.