Sacraments

Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: "Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word". (CCC 1213)

For Catholics, the Sacrament of Baptism is the first step in a lifelong journey of commitment and discipleship. Whether we are baptized as infants or adults, Baptism is the Church's way of celebrating the embrace of God. Baptism is our birth as Christians. 
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To begin the process, please complete the Baptism Intake Form. Once you submit this registration, you can expect to hear from us within a week.

For more information, please contact Jen Sanders. 


ST. PAUL BAPTISM FAQ

USCCB - BAPTISM BASICS

Christ instituted the Holy Eucharist in this way: He took bread, blessed and broke it, and giving it to His apostles, said: "Take and eat; this is My body;" then He took a cup of wine, blessed it, and giving it to them, said: "All of you drink of this; for this is My blood of the new covenant which is being shed for many unto the forgiveness of sins;" finally, He gave His apostles the commission: "Do this in remembrance of Me."

At St. Paul parish and within the Diocese of Toledo preparation for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist takes place within the parish community.  We are proud to welcome our Norwalk Catholic Schools students, Public School Students and those who are homeschooled to prepare to join the table of the Lord!  

 Our Church teaches that the Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith (LG #11).  As their children's first teachers, it is important that parents model coming to the Table of the Lord. Attendance at Sunday Mass is important and gives families a chance to pause each week and, in union with the Christian community, give thanks to the God who has loved us so well.  It is as a community we are then sent out to be witness of that love to others. 

 If you are new to our parish and your child is in the 2nd grade or older, has been baptized, and you wish them to celebrate the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion, please contact Jen Sanders, Pastoral Associate for Evangelization and Faith Formation, at the parish office. Preparation begins in the fall of each year.

For more information about First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion, please contact Jen Sanders.

First Communion & Reconciliation FAQ

First Communion 2025 Information

In the Sacrament of Confirmation, the baptized person is "sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit" and is strengthened for service to the Body of Christ.Confirmation deepens our baptismal life that calls us to be missionary witnesses of Jesus Christ in our families, neighborhoods, society, and the world! 

We receive the message of faith in a deeper and more intensive manner with great emphasis given to the person of Jesus Christ, who asked the Father to give the Holy Spirit to the Church for building up the community in loving service.

At St. Paul Parish Confirmation preparation is a 2 year program and the Sacrament is typically celebrated in the 8th grade.  As with all other Sacraments preparation takes place within the parish community.  We are proud to welcome our Norwalk Catholic Schools students, Public School Students and those who are homeschooled to prepare to join the table of the Lord!  

For more information about Confirmation, please contact Jen Sanders.

          2025 Confirmation Information        CONFIRMATION FAQ

                       

We gladly accept the responsibility of assisting couples in preparing for the Christian celebration of marriage because of the Church’s firm belief that marriage is a Sacrament -- a sanctifying action of, and an encounter with, Christ -- that begins with the exchange of marriage consent and continues throughout married life. 

 St. Paul Catholic Church embraces the full Marriage Preparation Program of the Diocese of Toledo. Therefore, arrangements must be made with a priest or a deacon at least 6 months in advance of the wedding. Please call the parish parish office to speak with one of the priests or a deacon.

To prepare for this special, joyous event, couples will be given copies of the following documents:
      • Wedding Liturgy Guidelines
      • Photography and Videotaping Guidelines
 

Information about annulment and divorce can be found on our Annulment/Divorce FAQ.
 

                           

Formerly referred to as "Last Rites," the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick was most commonly administered to the dying for the remission of sins and the provision of spiritual strength and health.  The Church now makes this sacrament available to all Catholics who are gravely ill or are about to undergo surgery, recognizing a secondary effect of this sacrament – to help a person recover health. The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick can be repeated as often as necessary.

There are two complimentary aspects to this sacrament: through the sacrament of anointing the Church supports the sick in their struggle against illness and continues Christ’s messianic work of healing.

All who are united in the bond of a common baptism and a common faith are joined together in the body of Christ since what happens to one member affects all. The sacrament of anointing effectively expresses the share that each one has in the sufferings of others. When the priest anoints the sick, he is anointing in the name and with the power of Christ himself (see Mark 6:13). On behalf of the whole community, he is ministering to those members who are suffering.

The priests of our parish are available anytime day or night to administer this sacrament. If you would like to be anointed or if you have a family member in need of anointing, please call the parish office at 419-668-6044 to contact a priest to make arrangements.

Also, our tri-parishes offer the following opportunities to receive the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick:

1st Tuesday, 9:00 am Mass, St. Anthony, Milan
1st Friday, 9:00 am Mass, St. Mary, Norwalk
1st Saturday, following the 8:00 am Mass, St. Paul, Norwalk

About Anointing of the Sick - U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops

In the Sacrament of Holy Orders, or Ordination, the priest being ordained vows to lead other Catholics by bringing them the sacraments (especially the Eucharist), by proclaiming the Gospel, and by providing other means to holiness. Men interested in serving the Church as Priests or Permanent Deacons are encouraged to seek more information.

If you are thinking at all about the priesthood, we recommend this book: To Save A Thousand Souls by Fr. Brett A Brannen.

Also, please feel free to come talk to one of our priests in person if you are thinking God might be calling you to become a priest or a deacon. They will be more than happy to talk with you.

Visit the Diocese of Toledo Office of Priestly Vocations or Diocese of Toledo Vocations Office Facebook page to learn more about this sacrament.