Sacraments
WHAT IS A SACRAMENT?
A Sacrament is an outward sign instituted by Christ to give us Grace. Below is a definition of the Catholic understanding of each of the seven Sacraments and how/when they are celebrated in our parish.
BAPTISM
The Sacrament of Baptism, the first of the three sacraments of initiation, is also the first of the seven sacraments in the Catholic Church. It removes the guilt and effects of Original Sin and incorporates the baptized into the Church, the Mystical Body of Christ on earth.
Baptism is normally administered to infants in the Roman Catholic Church. For children over the age of 7 and adults, formal instruction is required. Please contact the parish office for more information. Adults in RCIA receive all of the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil each year.
CONFIRMATION
The Sacrament of Confirmation is the second of the three sacraments of initiation because, historically, it was administered immediately after the Sacrament of Baptism. Confirmation perfects our baptism and brings us the graces of the Holy Spirit that were granted to the Apostles on Pentecost Sunday.
There are 2 different classes for Confirmation, both of which require the participants to have been baptized in Christian faith and to have received First Eucharist.
1. Faith Formation: this is a program for those under the age of 17. Students must attend 2 consecutive years with 80% attendance required. Confirmation Mass is scheduled by the Office of the Bishop, usually in late spring or early summer.
2. Adult Confirmation: this is a program for those over the age of 18. Classes are the 3rd Sunday of the month (beginning September 18, 2022), from 12:30 - 1:30. Adult Confirmation is scheduled by the Office of the Bishop, usually in May.
HOLY COMMUNION
While Catholics in the West today normally make their First Communion before they receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, the Sacrament of Holy Communion, the reception of Christ's Body and Blood, was historically the third of the three sacraments of initiation. This sacrament is the source of great graces that sanctify us and help us grow in the likeness of Jesus Christ.
Communion is the most important part of Catholic worship and it is administered at each Mass or Communion service to Catholics who are in communion with the church. At St. James, First Holy Communion is typically given to children in the 2nd grade and requires two consecutive years of instruction with 80% attendance required.
adults needing this Sacrament must go through the RCIA process.
CONFESSION
The Sacrament of Confession is one of the least understood, and least utilized, sacraments in the Catholic Church. In reconciling us to God, it is a great source of grace, and Catholics are encouraged to take advantage of it often, even if they are not aware of having committed a mortal sin.
A first Confession is given to those in formal instruction such as RCIA or Religious Education before receiving their First Holy Communion. Confession, Communion and the Anointing are the only three Sacraments that can be repeated throughout our lives.
MATRIMONY
Marriage, a lifelong union between a man and a woman for procreation and mutual support, is a natural institution, but it is also one of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church. It reflects the union of Jesus Christ and His Church.
Catholics wishing to be married must contact the office to make an appointment.
HOLY ORDERS
The Sacrament of Holy Orders is the continuation of Christ's priesthood, which He bestowed upon His Apostles. There are three levels to this sacrament: the episcopate, the priesthood, and the diaconate.
ANOINTING OF THE SICK
In the Church's Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, through the ministry of the priest, it is Jesus who touches the sick to heal them from sin – and sometimes even from physical ailment. The Rite of Anointing tells us there is no need to wait until a person is at the point of death to receive the Sacrament. A careful judgment about the serious nature of the illness is sufficient. - USCCB
Those needing the Anointing of the Sick must call the parish office at 801-782-5393 or find a priest nearby to administer this Sacrament when needed.