Art. 9, §1 The parish priest, after careful consideration, can also grant permission to use the older ritual in the administration of the sacraments of Baptism, Marriage, Penance and Anointing of the Sick, if advantageous for the good of souls.
Baptism
To arrange a baptism in the Extraordinary Form, please complete the Baptismal Registration Form. Baptisms are coordinated by Deacon Tom Owsinski, at the St. Joseph Rectory, who will schedule time with Fr. Tcheou and secure at time in the church. Booklets that explain the Traditional Baptismal Rite and have Latin-English translation are located in the Communication Center located in the left rear of the church by the image of the Pietá. Approximately 30 copies are available for couples and their guests to use, but should be returned following the baptism. A traditional baptism video can be viewed here.
The Churching of Women and the Consecration of a Child to the Immaculate Heart of Mary will immediately follow the Baptismal Rite.
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- Photo courtesy of the DeBakey Family
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- Photo courtesy of Jeremy Hess Photography
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- Photo courtesy of the DiCamillo Family
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- Photo courtesy of James Morgan
Confession
Our celebrants use the Extraordinary Form of Penance when you receive behind the screen at St. Joseph’s. Other opportunities for Confession in the traditional rite are available in the Lancaster area as well. Please see our Mass and Confession page for more information.
When Confession is not available due to plague or other crises, please use this guide to a perfect contrition.
First Holy Communion
First Communions are as a group (usually once a year when the Bishop visits) or individually (at any time by arrangement). Contact Fr. Tcheou at least six weeks prior in order to make arrangements. Since 2015, Bishop Gainer has made an annual visit to our community to celebrate a Solemn Pontifical Mass. It has become a tradition for our children to receive the Blessed Sacrament for the first time from our bishop at that time if they choose.
Those who are to receive their First Communion will need to provide proof that they are prepared for the sacrament (an interview with one of the celebrants), conduct first Penance (usually the Saturday before First Communion), and submit a baptismal certificate.
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- Photo courtesy of Michele Quigley Photography
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- Photo courtesy of Michele Quigley Photography
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- Photo courtesy of the Di Camillo Family
Confirmation
Confirmations are typically offered once a year, depending upon the needs of the community. All those to be confirmed will need to provide proof that they are prepared for the sacrament (an interview with Fr. Tcheou), and a baptismal certificate. Letters of suitability may be required of the sponsor. The text “Preparation for Confirmation“ is recommended for preparation. Our community’s first Confirmation was held Oct 27, 2019, with his excellency Ronald Gainer who was then the Bishop of Harrisburg. Our second confirmation class was held in 2022 and was delegated to the pastor due to Vatican restrictions.
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- “The Catechism Lesson” by Jules-Alexis Meunier
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- August 2019. Fr. Olkowski prepares the confirmandi with instruction in the former convent grotto/garden.
Holy Matrimony
Please contact Deacon Tom Owsinski at the St. Joseph Rectory at least nine months prior to your anticipated date of marriage to meet diocesan norms regarding the Sacrament of Matrimony. If you have not already requested the Rite of Betrothal, you are encouraged to do so. He will coordinate arrangements with the celebrant whom you prefer to conduct your preparation, officiate your nuptials and offer the Nuptial Mass. Latin-English Nuptial missals for all guests at a Nuptial Mass to follow the liturgy are in the Communication Center located in the left rear of the church by the statue of the Pietá. A new online resource for traditional nuptial masses can be found at https://www.latinmasswedding.com.
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- Photo courtesy of Mike DeBakey
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- Photo courtesy of the Morgan Family
Extreme Unction
To arrange for Fr. Tcheou to use the Extraordinary Form of the Anointing of the Sick, please contact him directly by phone at the St. Joseph Rectory: (717) 397-6921. This sacrament is often, but not always, given in conjunction with Penance and Viaticum (Holy Communion to those who are dying) and the Apostolic Pardon. Fr. Tcheou is prepared to offer all elements of what is informally known as the “Last Rites” to anyone in need.
Requiem Mass
To arrange a Requiem Mass, please contact Deacon Tom Owsinski, at the St. Joseph Rectory, who will coordinate arrangements with the celebrant whom you prefer. Latin-English Requiem missals are in the Communication Center located in the left rear of the church by the statue of the Pietá.
A Guide to Ensuring You Have the Traditional Mass at Your Funeral