"That He might sanctify
and cleanse her with the washing of water by the Word "
Ephesians 5:26 NIV
Through Christ's Body, the Church, as Catholics we have wondrous opportunities to be nourished and renewed through the sacraments. The sacraments are privileged experiences of grace: the loving and abiding presence of God in Christ through the power of the Spirit. If you have questions about the Church's Sacramental life and the celebration of the sacraments at Saint James, see below or call the Parish Office for further information.
Baptism
Baptismal services are held on the fourth Sunday of each month at 11:30 am. Call the Parish Office to reserve dates for the actual Baptism, and to attend the Baptismal Preparation Class. This class is usually offered on the second Thursday of each month in the Parish Center. It is suggested that parents try to attend at least two months prior to the birth of the child. Godparents are also welcome. Call Deacon Tim Crooker at 741-5325.
Reconciliation
This sacrament of healing where sinners are reconciled to God, is also called Penance or confession. It is celebrated every Saturday from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. on the Hubble Road side of Church. The reconciliation room provides the opportunity to receive the sacrament behind a screen or face to face. In addition, the Sacrament of Reconciliation is celebrated communally during the Church's seasons of Advent and Lent.
First Eucharist
The celebration of First Eucharist is held the first weekend of May. Our programs consists of classroom instruction and parent meetings for second graders and their families. Parents of older children wishing to receive First Eucharist should contact the Office of Religious Education.
Confirmation
Candidates for Confirmation participate in classroom instruction, evening meetings, service projects and a retreat day. Partners and sponsors are expected to attend specific evening sessions with their candidate. The sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated in the spring with our seventh grade students. Older candidates should contact the Office of Religious Education.
Marriage
This sacrament of service and vocation strengthens committed couples as they strive to become one in life and love in the presence of Christ. Because of the serious nature of the commitment in marriage, couples must contact a priest or deacon at least six months before the desired date for marriage. After an initial meeting and the setting of the date, a three part preparation process begins. This process includes meetings with a FOCCUS couple to assist the couple in open communication, attendance at one or more of the following programs: Pre-Cana, Engaged Encounter or Natural Family Planning training, and additional meetings with the priest or deacon.
Annointing of the Sick
This sacrament of healing provides Christ's healing presence to those who are experiencing serious illness, those undergoing surgery as well as those who are in danger of death from sickness or old age. The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick may be repeated for those whose illness becomes more serious or for those who regain health and then fall sick again. Communal celebration of this sacrament is celebrated once a year as part of Sunday Masses. In an emergency, for the homebound, or before surgery, please call the Parish office.
Holy Orders
All the men of the parish are encouraged to think and pray about whether God is calling them to be a priest or a deacon in the Church. The ministry of the priest is to be the leader of the faith community through service to God’s people, especially in the celebration of the sacraments. The ministry of a deacon focuses on the proclamation of the Word of God and works of charity. For help to discern a calling to this sacrament, call Father Nolker.
We also encourage men and women in our parish to consider a vocation in the consecrated religious life. Being a member of a religious order offers many different ways of serving God’s people. While being a religious sister or brother does not involve a sacrament, it is a calling from God to enrich His holy people. For help to discern a call to religious life, contact Father Nolker.