Sacraments & Celebrations
Baptism
“Let the little children come to me for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven”
- Matthew 13
The Baptism of your child is a wonderful faith-filled moment. We look forward to sharing that moment with you at Saint Raphael. Baptismal preparation and the Sacrament of Baptism are celebrated for children up to the age of six. Preference is given to families that are registered and active in the Parish. For those who are not, a letter of permission from their home parish is required.
At least one of the child’s parents must be a baptized and practicing Catholic. It is not required that the parents be married in the Church, although a future Church marriage is suggested to give a good example of Christian life to the child. Godparents must be “fully initiated” Catholics in that they have been baptized, confirmed and received Eucharist. Godparents must be over the age of 16.
Preparation is required for all parents and godparents prior to baptism. Please contact the office for information regarding registering, scheduling for preparation classes as well as when the Sacrament will be celebrated.
Contact: Vicky Otto, Pastoral Associate
415-454-8141, ext 13 votto@saintraphael.com
Eucharist
“While they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it, he broke it, gave it to his disciples, and said, ‘Take, eat; this is my body’.” - Matthew 26
First Communion is one of the three sacraments of initiation in the Church. We look forward to sharing this special moment with your family at Saint Raphael. Preparation for Eucharist is a two year process culminating in the celebration of the Sacrament. Special circumstances may be discussed on an as needed basis. Preference is given to families that are registered and active in the Parish.
Contact: Parish Office
415-454-8141
Confirmation
“Receive the Holy Spirit” - John 20
The sacrament of Confirmation concludes the sacraments of Initiation of the Church. We look forward to sharing this special moment with your family at Saint Raphael. Preparation for Confirmation is a two year process culminating in the celebration of the Sacrament. Special circumstances may be discussed on an as needed basis. Preference is given to families that are registered and active in the Parish.
Contact: Parish Office
415-454-8141
Marriage
“The two shall become as one” - Matthew 19
We appreciate that you are considering Saint Raphael as the place for your Catholic marriage. To begin the marriage preparation process or to schedule a wedding, the bride or groom must be registered and active in the parish or have a significant connection to the Saint Raphael community. The Archdiocese of San Francisco requires that we be contacted at the minimum of six months prior to the anticipated marriage date.
Weddings in the large Church are scheduled on Saturdays at 10:00am, 12:00pm and 2:00pm. Weddings in the Mission Chapel are scheduled at 11:00am, 1:00pm and 3:00pm. While there is no cost for the sacrament of matrimony itself, offerings are needed to cover the expenses associated with the use and maintenance of the parish as well as the preparation time required for a Catholic marriage. The basic offering for a wedding at Saint Raphael is $800.00. In addition to the use of the church facilities, this contribution includes meetings between the couple and the priest or deacon, preparation of all required canonical papers, planning of the wedding liturgy, the rehearsal, a consultation session with the director of music as well as the services of an keyboardist and cantor for the wedding liturgy.
Contact: Vicky Otto, Pastoral Associate
415-454-8141, ext 13 votto@saintraphael.com
Vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life
“You did not choose me, but I chose you” - John 15
Do you feel the call to priesthood, religious life or the permanent diaconate? If you have questions or would like to discuss your call to vocation please contact Fr. Ngoan in the Parish Office.
Contact: Fr. Ngoan Phan
415-454-8141, ext 21 frphan@saintraphael.com
Reconciliation
“Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” - Luke 6
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available on Saturdays from 3:30pm to 4:30pm. Clergy are also available by appointment if needed.
Contact: Parish Office
415-454-8141
Anointing of the Sick
“Are any among you sick? The should call for the elders of the church and pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord” - James 5:13
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is available for anyone who is seriously ill or for anyone who is about to have surgery. The Sacrament can be received again in the event that someone recovers from an illness and then falls ill again. There is no age limitation for this sacrament, anointing can be administered to children as needed. The commendation and communion for the dying called “Viaticum” is available at all times, day or night.
Contact: Parish Office
415-454-8141
Funerals
“O God, to whom mercy and forgiveness belong, hear our prayers on behalf of your servant, whom you have called out of this world; and because they put their hope and trust in you, command that they be carried safely home to heave and come to enjoy your eternal reward.” - Rite of Christian Funerals
At the time of the death of a loved one, our Parish community is available to support your family during this most difficult time. Please contact Vicky Otto at the Parish Office regarding scheduling. Family members of the deceased are invited and encouraged to participate in planning of the funeral liturgy.
Contact: Vicky Otto, Pastoral Associate
415-454-8141, ext 13 votto@saintraphael.com
Quinceañeras
We are excited that you are considering celebrating your Quinceañera here at Saint Raphael. Quinceañeras are celebrated at Saint Raphael for young ladies who are active in the Church and who have attended either Saint Raphael School or our Parish School of Religion. Young ladies must have already received the Sacraments of Baptism, First Communion and Confirmation or are currently enrolled in the Confirmation program. All participants must complete a preparation process.
Quinceañera in the large Church are scheduled on Saturdays at 10:00am, 12:00pm and 2:00pm. Quinceañera in the Mission Chapel are scheduled at 11:00am, 1:00pm and 3:00pm. Arrangements for the celebration at Saint Raphael will be made no more than six months in advance.
While there is no cost for the Quinceañera itself, offerings are needed to cover the expenses associated with the use and maintenance of the parish as well as the preparation time required for a Quinceañera. The basic offering for a Quinceañera at Saint Raphael is $800.00. This includes the preparation process, rehearsal and the services of the music ministers for the liturgy. No outside musicians are allowed to play at the liturgy unless authorized by the Director of Music.
Contact: Vicky Otto, Pastoral Associate
415-454-8141, ext 13 votto@saintraphael.com