Baptism is the primary Sacrament of Initiation.  Baptism initiates and incorporates us into the Body of Christ, the Church.  Through its waters, we are remade into a new creation and become children of God and temples of the Holy Spirit.  Original sin is forgiven and grace is given to us from God enabling us to believe, to hope, and to love.

It is the tradition within the Roman Catholic Church to baptize infants.  Parents present their children for baptism, and with that, profess a willingness to raise the children with gospel faith.  Baptismal preparation is essential because having a child baptized comes with tremendous responsibilities. Children must be nurtured in the faith and learn fundamental Catholic teachings and values in the home. The entire parish community also takes on the responsibility of helping to develop and safeguard the gift of God's life given in baptism.

Adults who desire to be baptized enter into the RCIA process.  Usually at the Easter Vigil celebration they are baptized and experience the other Sacraments of Initiation (Eucharist and Confirmation).

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is very powerful because it frees us from sin and grants us grace.  Reconciliation is the sacrament used for the forgiveness of sins committed after baptism.  The story of the Prodigal Son reflects our attitudes about forgiveness and how important it is to our church family to admit to our wrongdoing and ask for forgiveness.  The power of forgiving sin belongs only to God, but He uses priests as His tool and through Reconciliation, Christ wipes "the slate clean" and your soul is pure once more.  According to Church Law, Catholics should go to Reconciliation at least twice a year.  The sacrament of Reconciliation is celebrated in a parish gathering during both Advent and Lent, and weekly on Saturdays at 4PM.  Reconciliation can also be requested is you are unable to participate at the scheduled times.

Communion is the reception of the Sacrament of the Eucharist.  We as Catholics, believe that the Body and Blood of Christ are present during the Mass in the form of bread and wine. Communion is a sacrament that is shared through the church body - we become one with Christ and share the meal in faith.  Catholics should take Communion with a clean heart.  Reconciliation is the first step on your way to receiving the Eucharist.  Only with a soul free from sin, should a person take Communion.  Communion is a way of celebrating the sacrifice of Christ and becoming a part of the gift of life that He gave to us.  We celebrate Communion as a church family and tell the story of our faith.  At Mass, we remember the history of Jesus's sacrifice and we are nourished with the Body and Blood of Christ.

The Sacrament of Confirmation is another sacrament of initiation in the Catholic Church.  When one receives the Sacrament of Confirmation, one is anointed with holy oil and is enriched with the strength of the Holy Spirit .  Confirmation completes the grace of Baptism and creates in each person the ability to act as a true witness of Christ.  Confirmation enables each person to become more deeply connected to God, unites us with Christ, allows us to seek out and share the gifts bestowed upon us by the Holy Spirit and perfects our bonds to the Church.  We become witnesses to God's love and mercy and defenders of the faith.  Just like Baptism, (which Confirmation completes), Confirmation is only given once and it imparts an indelible spiritual mark upon the soul - a sign that Christ has marked us as His own and gives us the strength and grace to bear witness to our faith.

The Confirmation process for students of the religious education program at St. James is a two-year process.  Their preparations begin in seventh grade as they begin to learn more about the sacrament of Confirmation and the history of the Church and sacred traditions.  As they enter into eight grade, they show their willingness to become witnesses to the Catholic faith by participating in service and outreach projects and studying about the saints and martyrs of our faith.  Students work hard to prepare themselves for this completion of the initiation process and to receive the fullness of the gifts of the Holy Spirit.  The Sacrament of Confirmation for eighth grade students is generally celebrated in the spring and all members of our parish are invited to attend and bear witness to this wonderful sacrament.

This is the proper name for what is sometimes mistakenly called “Last Rites” or “Extreme Unction.” It is meant for anyone who has a serious illness, is facing surgery, or even is dealing with the effects of old age. It should not be limited to the dying. As the Letter of James says clearly, “Are there any who are sick among you? Let them send for the priests of the Church, and let the priests pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord...” It is a sacrament of healing for spirit, mind and often body. It is administered at a monthly Mass, usually on the second Monday, and anytime on request.