The Seven Sacraments

Jesus touches our lives through the sacraments. Our celebrations of the sacraments are signs of Jesus’ presence in our lives and a means for receiving his grace. The Church celebrates seven sacraments, which are divided into three categories.

​SACRAMENTS OF INITIATION
These sacraments lay the foundation of every Christian life.

Baptism - In Baptism we receive new life in Christ. Baptism takes away original sin and gives us a new birth in the Holy Spirit. Its sign is the pouring of water.

If you would like to have your child baptized, or if you yourself would like to be baptized into the Church, we are happy to help! Call the Parish Office at 570-587-4808 for more information ​regarding our Infant Baptism program or our adult RCIA program.

Confirmation - Confirmation seals our life of faith in Jesus. Its signs are the laying on of hands on a person’s head, most often by a bishop, and the anointing with oil. Like Baptism, Confirmation is received only once.

Our parish celebrates the Sacrament of Confirmation on Pentecost Sunday each year for our 8th grade students. Adults wishing to be confirmed celebrate the Sacrament at the Easter Vigil. Contact Cristen Klamp, our Middle School Faith Formation director, at [email protected] for information about our Confirmation program, or the Parish Office for information about adult confirmation.

Eucharist - The Eucharist nourishes our life of faith. Its signs are the bread and wine we receive—the Body and Blood of Christ.

Our parish celebrates the Sacrament of First Eucharist with our 2nd grade students each May. Students wishing to receive their First Communion at St. Gregory's should be enrolled in our Faith Formation program beginning in 1st grade. Contact Ruth Fried, our Primary Faith Formation director, for more information at [email protected].

SACRAMENTS OF HEALING
These sacraments celebrate the healing power of Jesus.

Reconciliation - Through Reconciliation we receive God’s forgiveness. Forgiveness requires being sorry for our sins. In Reconciliation we receive Jesus’ healing grace through absolution by the priest. The signs of this sacrament are our confession of sins and the words of absolution.

Our parish offers the Sacrament of Reconciliation every Saturday prior to our 5 PM Vigil Mass, beginning at 4 PM, or anytime by appointment. We also celebrate First Penance with our 2nd grade students each year during the season of Advent in preparation for their First Communion. 

Anointing of the Sick - This sacrament unites a sick person’s suffering with that of Jesus and brings forgiveness of sins. Oil, a symbol of strength, is the sign of this sacrament. A person is anointed with oil and receives the laying on of hands from a priest.

If you or someone in your family is sick, preparing for surgery, or hospitalized, and would like to receive this Sacrament of sick, please call our Parish Office at 570-587-4808.

SACRAMENTS AT THE SERVICE OF COMMUNITY
These sacraments help members serve the community.

Matrimony -  In Matrimony a baptized man and woman are united with each other as a sign of the unity between Jesus and his Church. Matrimony requires the consent of the couple, as expressed in the marriage promises. The couple and their wedding rings are the signs of this sacrament.

If you are engaged and interested in getting married at St. Gregory's, congratulations! We would be happy to help you plan for your big day. Simply contact Judy Walsh, our Pastoral Associate, at the Parish Office at 570-587-4808. It is recommended that couples contact our office at least six months prior an intended wedding date.

​Holy Orders - In Holy Orders men are ordained as priests, deacons, or bishops. Priests serve as spiritual leaders of their communities, and deacons serve to remind us of our baptismal call to help others. Bishops carry on the teachings of the apostles. The signs of this sacrament are the laying on of hands and anointing with oil by the bishop.

If you or someone you know is interested in a vocation to the priesthood or religious life, feel free to contact Fr. John at the Parish Office at 570-587-4808 or visit the Diocese of Scranton's website for contact with the Diocesan Vocations Office.