CCC 1131 "The sacraments are efficacious signs of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, by which divine life is dispensed to us. the visible rites by which the sacraments are celebrated signify and make present the graces proper to each sacrament. They bear fruit in those who receive them with the required dispositions." In the Catholic Church, there are seven sacraments: Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, Matrimony.
Baptism of Infants and young children - Parents who are willing to share their gift of faith to their children are required to take a class on the Sacrament of Baptism to understand the importance of their children's journey with Christ through the Catholic Church. The classes will equip parents with the knowledge of symbols (Easter Candle, Holy Water, Holy Oil, Baptismal Garment). In addition, they are able to renew their vows and commitment to Christ through the Catholic Church.
First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion - At about age 7, children will make the next important step to receive Christ's body and blood at mass for the first time. Children are required to attend class to enable growth and knowledge of the mysteries of Christ's real presence in the Sacrament of the Eucharist. The first holy communion class will help prepare them for their first confession. The Sacrament of Confessions will allow them to experience Christ's mercy and forgiveness which they could utilize throughout their life to safeguard them from eternal punishment.
Baptism of Adults - Adults who are interested in becoming a Roman Catholic are invited to participate in the RCIA process. The RCIA process will begin in October each year. The RCIA process will allow one the opportunity to discern whether God is calling them to grow in faith through the Catholic Church. If God is calling them to move forward, they will be able to profess their faith in God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) and make their commitment to Christ through the Catholic Church on Easter Vigil.
Reconciliation - The Sacrament of Reconciliation is an opportunity for people to encounter God's mercy and forgiveness for their sins. The consequence of committing a mortal sin is eternal damnation. To safeguard that, the Church allows people to utilize this wonderful Sacrament of Reconciliation. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered on Saturday 3:30pm - 4:30pm, and Sunday 9:00am-10:15am. You may also contact Priest for additional time if has been awhile you have received this sacrament. One of the precepts of the Catholic Church is that we go to confession at least once a year. A great time to go is during the Lenten Season and Advent Season.
Marriage - Marriage can be defined as a "covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life (CCC 1601). When a couple is entering into marriage, they are standing before God and the people making an important commitment to one another. They are making an important promise to one another: "I promise to be true to you, in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, I will love you and honor you all the days of my life." According to Canon Law, a marriage has to take place between an ordained minister (Priest or Deacon) and two witnesses. Couples who are discerning to enter into this Sacrament are asked to participate in a weekend Engaged Encounter Retreat, take a Pre-Marital Inventory (PMI), read the Theology of the Body, and take Natural Family Planning (NFP) classes. If you are interested in learning more, please contact parish offices.
The Anointing of the Sick - This Sacrament is not for everyone, but only for those who are of old age, who are experience difficulty with recurring sickness, who are preparing for surgery, and who are near the end of their physical life. Essentially, it is for those who are in need of Christ's healing and strength. When a person is physically sick, their soul is also weakened. Through this Sacrament, the person can be strengthened by the Holy Spirit, and be assured of prayers from the faithful. St. James said: "Are there anyone who is sick among you? Let them send for the priests of the Church, and let the priests pray over them and anoint them with the holy oil in the name of Jesus." Only priests can celebrate this sacrament because connected with it is the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
The Sacrament of the Eucharist - This Sacrament is celebrated on Saturday 5pm, Sunday 8am & 10:30am, and Tuesday - Saturday at 9am. This Sacrament is the "source and summit" of Christian Life. In other words, everything points to this Sacrament, and everything flows from it. Without the Eucharist, we will have no Church. This Sacrament allows a person to encounter the Risen Christ, the Lamb of God, through the Sacred Scriptures (Word) and receive Christ's body and blood. At the same time, this Sacrament empowers us to "Go in peace, to love and serve the Lord."
Confirmation - Every other year, Juniors and Seniors in high school are able to take classes so that they may receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. The Sacrament of Confirmation will empower the individual with the gifts of the Holy Spirit so that they may be able to share the gift of faith to others. The Bishop will come and administer the Sacrament of Confirmation to highlight the unity of the Catholic Church.
Please click for Confirmation Syllabus 2010-2011
Holy Orders - Every June, seminarians who have been called to the Priesthood and have completed their seminary studies, will be ordained at St. James Cathedral by the local Archbishop. It is vital that Parents sow the seed of vocations, and nurture the children to the Priesthood and Religious, for the service of God and the Church.
The Year for Priests, Prayer for Vocations
Good and gracious God, hear our prayer for an increase in priestly vocations. Touch the hearts of young men in our world today. Instill in them a burning desire to serve you. Give them courage to answer your call with generous hearts.
Reveal to them a vision of your Kingdom. Help them to see the joy of priestly ministry. Lead them in the footsteps of your Son, Jesus Christ.
We ask you to bless our seminarians and guide them on the path toward priesthood. Strengthen them as they are educated and formed in the duties and responsibilities of the priesthood. Help them to become faithful servants and leaders in the Church today.
We ask this through our Lord, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.
Graces received from assisting at mass
1. The mass is Calvary continued.
2. Every Mass is worth as much as the sacrifice of our Lord's life, sufferings and death.
3. Holy Mass is the most powerful atonement for your sins.
4. At the hour of death, the Masses you have heard, will be your greatest consolation.
5. Every Mass will go with you to judgement and plead for pardon.
6. At Mass, you can dimish more or less temporal punishment due to your sins, according to your fervor.
7. Assisting devoutly at Holy Mass you render to the sacred humanity of our Lord the greatest homage.
8. He supplies for many of your negligences and omissions.
9. He forgives the venial sins which you have not confessed. The power of Satan over you is diminished.
10. You afford the souls in Purgatory the greatest possible relief.
11. One Mass heard during life will be of more benefit to you than many heard for you after death.
12. You are preserved from dangers and misfortunes which otherwise might have befallen you. You shorten your Purgatory.
13. Every Mass wins for you a higher degree of glory in Heaven.
14. You receive the priest's blessings which Our Lord ratifies in Heaven.
15. You kneel amidst a multitude of holy angels, who are present at the adorable Sacrifice with reverential awe.
