The life of the Christian Community is further enhanced at particular sacred events in the lives of her members. Explore how we assist in preparing people for the celebration of the church’s sacraments.
Baptism (infants and children under 7)
St John’s holds the required Baptismal Preparation class 6 times a year. please check the Parish calendar for current dates.
Pre-register by contacting [email protected]
Baptisms are done Saturdays at 11:30 AM, on the last Saturday of the month, unless there is a conflict. Please arrive by 11:15 AM.
Children may have one or two Godparents. If two are chosen, they must be one male and one female.
Requirements for the Godparents:
- Be at least 16 years old
- Be a confirmed Catholic, who has also received the Holy Communion
- Not bound by canonical penalty
- Leading a life in harmony with the Catholic faith and will be a good example for their godchild. (e.g., attend mass regularly, if married, be in a marriage recognized by the Catholic Church)
- Not a parent of the child.
All documents must be turned into the office two weeks prior to the baptism date.
Confirmation
- Children must be at least 15 years old
- Be attending Mass regularly
- Choose to prepare for Confirmation
- Children must attend the Youth Group program in addition to the Confirmation classes
- Attend the Confirmation prep classes TBD
- Attend the Confirmation retreat TBD
- Provide copy of Baptism and 1st Holy Communion Certificates
Confirmation Mass will be celebrated during Lent or Easter time. The date is set by the Bishop’s office.
A parent information meeting will be held in the fall and is required for the teens to attend these classes.
First Eucharist (parents and children)
PARENTS ARE “FIRST TEACHERS” AND “PRIMARY EDUCATORS IN THE FAITH”
Parent decides: Is your child ready for First Communion?
- Is your child baptized Catholic and at least 7 years old
- Is your child interested in receiving Holy Communion
- Does your child have a sense of belonging to the Catholic Community – (awareness of the church as a “family”)
- Does your child participate in Sunday Mass according to his or her ability
- Does your Child pray at home
- Does your child relate to Jesus as one who loves and cares for him or her
- Does your child understand that he or she is to care for others. To begin formal preparation your child should:
- be attending mass regularly
- practicing basic prayers
- Be enrolled in the Christian formation class appropriate for their grade level
Formal preparation for First Holy Communion begins with preparing first for First Reconciliation.
In the fall there will be an informational meeting explaining the process in further detail.
There is also a required retreat in the spring.
You will also be required to provide a copy of the child’s Baptismal Certificate if not baptized here at Saint John.
First Reconciliation (parents and children)
We typically celebrate First Reconciliation (Confession) with young people also in the 2nd Grade. Preparation for the reception of the sacrament takes place during the academic year, and the sacrament is celebrated on a designated Saturday in the Advent Season. Contact Coordinator of Christian Formation.
Catholics past the 2nd Grade who wish to receive First Reconciliation should contact Coordinator of Christian Formation.
Marriage
The Pastor is primarily responsible for preparing engaged couples for the Celebration of Marriage as required by the Bishop of the Diocese of Richmond. With the help of several married couple parishioners trained by the Office of Marriage, Family, & Life, the Pastor meets with the couple to begin sacramental preparation at least 6 months prior to the celebration of the sacrament.
Engaged couples who wish to celebrate their wedding at St. John but are not members of St. John should meet with their Pastor to begin sacramental preparation as required by the Bishop of their diocese. Only after the engaged couple’s Pastor has contacted the Pastor at St. John will we be able to reserve your date on our parish calendar.
Contact the Pastor.
Anointing of the Sick, Viaticum, & Pastoral Care
A priest alone may administer the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. It is given to a person who is ill, preparing for surgery, recovering from surgery, in hospice care, or in any extreme form of physical distress. Contact the parish office as soon as possible while your sick loved one is alert and able to communicate. The sacrament of Anointing can be given more than once, but only to the living.
A person receives Viaticum who is still alert and able to take communion. What we formerly identified as Last Rites is actually the Anointing of the Sick, and it is only “last” when it cannot be administered again. But the last sacrament administered to the dying is Viaticum, that is communion, which is literally “food for the journey.” As such, the dying person needs to still be able to take communion. A person who is no longer alert or able to take communion may still be given the Anointing of the Sick.
It is best to bring your sick loved one to the attention of the Pastor and the Pastoral Care Team who visits those who are sick. Our Parish Nurses are able to help family members navigate the healthcare system, and provide resources available through the county or state.
Contact: Call the Parish Office