Sacraments
[All Sacraments are an action of the Faith Community and as such, are public events. 
However, time constraints sometimes force us to limit what we can add to our Sunday Masses.]

INFANT BAPTISM

If not celebrated at a Sunday Mass, the Sacrament of Baptism is celebrated in English on the 3rd Sunday of each month at 3:00PM, and in Spanish on the 4th Sunday of each month at 2:00PM.  At least one parent must be an active parishioner of the parish and complete Baptism forms before calling the Parish Office to register for the Baptismal Preparation Class.  The class is held on the first Thursday of each month at 7:00PM in the San Damiano House (English) and in the Education Building (Spanish).  Parents must register for the class at least one week in advance.

FIRST EUCHARIST & FIRST RECONCILIATION

Preparation for these Sacraments is offered through the Religious Education Office.  At least one parent must be an active parishioner.  Please contact Eileen Powell, the Religious Education Coordinator.

CONFIRMATION

Preparation for this Sacrament is offered through the Religious Education Office.  At least one parent must be an active parishioner. For more information, please contact Mary Mauldin, DRE, by e-mail: mmauldin@stphilipbenizi.org or call (770) 478-0178, Ext. 114.

MARRIAGE

Please contact Deacon Peter Swan in the Parish Office six months prior to the wedding. Couples must attend a Pre-Marriage Program. At least one party must be an active parishioner. Wedding times: Saturday at 11:00AM, 2:00PM & 7:30PM.

ANNULMENTS

Marriages that end in divorce must be annulled before either person can remarry in the Catholic Church. For more information about annulments, or to find out how to begin the annulment process, please click here.

What is an "Active" Parishioner?

The question of active parishioner status is important.  Active parishioners rightfully look to their parishes for any number of services.  Among these services are:

• Enrolling their children in our Religious Education Programs and programs leading to the Sacraments of First Reconciliation, First Eucharist and Confirmation.

• Use of our facilities for liturgical services such as Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals.

• Active parishioner tuition rates in our Catholic Schools.

• Certification as sponsors at sacramental celebrations.

These rights and services within the Church bring with them certain obligations, as in any form of community.  The criteria for determining active parishioner status include the following: 

• Attend Mass at St. Philip Benizi Church on a regular, weekly basis and on Holy Days.

• Be an officially registered member of the parish.

• Complete a stewardship sacrificial giving/time and talent form (updated annually).

• Children have received sacraments appropriate to their level of maturity (i.e., Baptism, First Reconciliation, First Eucharist and Confirmation).

• Be an active volunteer in some of the various ministries and programs of the parish community.

• Financially support the parish by being a weekly contributor to St. Philip Benizi Church and by using the envelope system.  The use of envelopes is not primarily about money; the envelopes provide a record of Mass attendance.  If you cannot make your expected contribution, please be sure to drop an envelope into the offertory basket each Sunday anyway, even if it contains only a minimal contribution.

• Support any Capital/Building Campaign of the parish.

• Support the Archbishop's Annual Appeal.

For further information concerning the topic of discussion at each Adult Faith Formation session, please contact Mary Mauldin in the Religious Education Office by e-mail:  mmauldin@stphilipbenizi.org or call (770) 478-0178, Ext. 114.

NOTE: In order to register for the Religious Education classes above, at least one parent must be an active parishioner.

Visitation to the homebound, the sick, Nursing Homes, and those in the hospital may be arranged by calling the Parish Office.

Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, coffee and donuts are served in the Parish Hall every Sunday after the 7:30am, 9:00am, and 10:45am Masses. During the summer months, they are served after the 7:30am and 9:00am Masses only. This is a perfect time to meet other members of the parish and to welcome newcomers!