Sacraments

 We baptize children from this parish only, unless permission is obtained from their own parish. This permission must be brought in with the registration form. We consider anyone attending mass here to belong to our parish.

The child’s birth certificate must be brought in for verification of data. Children may be baptized from birth up to 6 years of age. Once they are 7 years old, they must attend religious education classes for a full year as preparation for the Sacrament of Baptism.

·        Be at least 15 years old by the time of confirmation

·        Present the baptismal and first communion certificates (if you have received the sacraments) at the time of registration.

·        Non-refundable donation is $70.00 per person, and should be paid at the time of registration. If you are requesting two sacraments the donation is $75.00, and if you are requesting three sacraments the donation is $80.00.

·        Spanish classes for those candidates between the ages of 15-22 are on Tuesdays from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Franciscan Hall.

·        Spanish classes for those over 22 years of age are on Wednesday from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Franciscan Hall.

·        English classes are on Fridays from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Franciscan Hall.

·        Candidates are required to do 40 hours of community service at the parish.

·        If you are planning to take a vacation or a long time off, please consider taking the course in the future.

·        You may need to buy extra material during the course.

·        Classes start on time, and doors will be closed, unless you notify the instructor in advance.

·        Only three absences are allowed. After three absences you will be asked to take the course again.

·        Required materials: a notebook, a journal, a Bible, a pen.

      Certificate of Baptism (must be a recent copy from the parish of Baptism), and certificate of First Communion and Confirmation.

      Civil license (this is needed two months before the wedding). The marriage License Bureau is located at 1106 Madison Street, tel (510)272-6377. (The church ceremony is also valid for civil marriage.)

      Marriage Certificate, if you are married by civil law.

      Written permission from your parish, if you belong to another parish.

      Proof of attendance at a marriage preparation program. The Oakland Diocese offers an Engaged Encounter program, which is a weekend retreat. St. Elizabeth parish has also trained couples who will give four to five sessions on marriage and family life in their homes.

      The name of a witness for each of the two persons getting married. This witness should have known you well since the age of 16 (or at least for the last 5 years).

 The family must be registered members of St. Elizabeth parish.

 Arrangements should be made at least six months before the desired date.

 The quinceañera should have already received her First Communion and should bring a copy of her certificate of First Communion to the parish office. In the event that she has not yet received First Communion, she must enroll in the RCIA program. This will add time to the preparation time for the Quinceañera celebration.

 The celebration may occur on any Saturday of the month at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., or 3:00 p.m. We strongly advise that one celebration have a maximum of four quinceañeras.

 There is a liturgical rehearsal on the Thursday or Friday evening before the celebration. This rehearsal takes place in the church at 6:30 p.m.. The quinceañera, parents, godparents, and all participants must attend. We ask that everyone be punctual for all instructional classes and rehearsal. In addition, everybody should be in front of the church 15 minutes before the time of the ceremony.  This is to ensure that it will begin on time. The celebration may begin with those who are present.

 The Sacrament of Reconciliation must be received by the quinceañera and participants the Saturday prior to the celebration, from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m.

The quinceañera must attend a parish youth group during the time of preparation — that is, for 6 months prior to the celebration. If this requirement is not fulfilled, the ceremony may be cancelled

Confessions are Saturdays from 3:30pm to 5:00pm

Contact the mortuary and make arrangements with them.  They will call us to reserve a date for the rosary, funeral Mass,  and the grave side service.