BAPTISM - Parents wishing to have a child baptized should contact the Pastor to provide the basic information about the child. Parents bringing their first child for baptism will be required to participate in some preparation for the sacrament. Adults who are seeking to be baptized and join the Catholic Church are expected to share in the Rite of Initiation for Adults which usually begins in September each year and concludes with initiation into the Church at the Easter Vigil.
FIRST COMMUNION - We generally invite children to make their First Communion in the second grade. Your child is prepared during the course of the year by participation in St. James Catholic School or Parish School of Religion program. This would also involve their preparation for and reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Some parent meetings are also required. For more information please contact the rectory, school or PSR director. The date of First Communion has customarily been the Sunday after Easter.
CONFIRMATION - This Sacrament is usually received in the eighth grade. Preparation programs are available through the St. James Catholic School and PSR program. These programs require that students do a certain amount of service hours and make a Confirmation retreat. The Bishop sets the date for Confirmation which ordinarily is sometime during the Easter Season.
RECONCILIATION - The Sacrament of Reconciliation is received in the second and is part of a year-long program in our school and PSR which also includes receiving first communion. Please contact us for more detailed information. Confession time for those seeking to celebrate the Sacrament is at 4:15 to 4:40 every Saturday. During Advent and Lent special Penance Services are available and extra times for confession will also be listed in the parish bulletin. Confessions are also available by appointment with the Pastor.
MARRIAGE - Couples wishing to receive the Sacrament of Matrimony at St. James need to contact the rectory at least 6 months before the proposed wedding. They will be expected to participate in a Pre-Cana program and the PREPARE/ENRICH relationship inventory.
ANOINTING OF THE SICK - The Sacrament of the Anointing is available to anyone who is ill or suffering from ailments of aging. Please contact the rectory if there is a need for the Sacrament. Each year during October the Sacrament of the Sick is offered after all the Masses on a Sunday that will be specified in the bulletin.