The Sacrament of Baptism

“Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit and the door which gives access to the other Sacraments” (Catechism of the Catholic Church # 1213). It is a joyous sacrament of rebirth, belonging and holiness. Baptism is a Sacrament of initiation that is the consecration of the child into the Catholic faith community as a member of the Body of Christ and a commitment by the parents to raise their child to be a disciple of Jesus. In seeking Baptism, St. James Church and the Diocese require that all new parents attend a Baptismal Preparation class prior to having their child baptized. 
The one session class will cover the meanings of Baptism, parental responsibilities in their child’s faith formation, discipleship, how to choose Godparents, and the signs and symbols of the Baptismal Rite. When choosing godparents, it is required that at least one godparent must be a practicing, confirmed Catholic in good standing with the Church.  At St. James Church the preparation class is a private session and arranged personally on an “as needed” basis. Baptisms can be arranged for infants and young children.  If you live in the St. James Parish area and are not registered, you will be asked to register as a parishioner. If you are not living in the area but requesting to have your child baptized here, a letter from your home parish pastor granting permission to have your child baptized outside your home parish is required, as well as, certification that you have attended a Baptism preparation program. Baptisms are scheduled with the priest or deacon through the Baptismal Coordinator.  We encourage baptisms being celebrated during the Masses so as to welcome our newest members in the presence of the St. James Church community.  Baptisms can also be scheduled after 11am Sunday Mass, or at a time approved by the pastor. 
To schedule an appointment for the Baptismal preparation class and arrange a date/time for your child’s Baptism, or have any other questions regarding baptisms - contact Sandra Addante, 315-655-9309, saddan39@aol.com.

The Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation

Preparing for Sacrament of Reconciliation (confession) for the first time requires special sessions dedicated to understanding the Sacrament of Reconciliation as a sacrament of healing and a way to strengthen our relationship with God. The program teaches the children about …
  • the meaning of their baptism. 
  • God’s commandments and how to follow Jesus’    teachings. 
  • forgiveness.
  • the proper way to confess their sins and the prayers used in the Sacrament.
  • how to share in God’s gift of peace and to share it with others. 
St. James Church begins preparing children for the Sacrament of Reconciliation in 2nd grade. Following Diocesan guidelines, children preparing for this sacrament must be baptized, have completed one year of Religious Education, and be currently enrolled in weekly religious education.  Reconciliation classes begin in January, and consist of three Saturday morning sessions at 9:30-11:45am.  Each of the three sessions begins with a Prayer Service to set the theme for the session. Parents are required to be present during the Prayer Service with their child and to stay for a presentation. The Sacrament of First Reconciliation, which gives the children the opportunity for individual confessions, is celebrated on the Saturday that follows the completion of the four preparation sessions. Family members are invited to attend. The complete schedule for the 2018 First Reconciliation preparation program can be found on this website.

For more information or to register for the First Reconciliation preparation program, contact Sandra Addante, 315-655-9309, saddan39@aol.com.

The Sacrament of the Eucharist

Jesus says, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven” (John 6:51). “The Eucharist is the “source and summit of the Christians life.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church #1324)  Preparing to receive the Eucharist for the first time requires special sessions dedicated to understanding the Sacrament of the Eucharist as the true presence of Jesus. 
During the preparation sessions some of the topics that are taught to the children are…
  • the importance of worshiping together as a family and a faith community.
  • the different parts of the Mass and ways to actively participate.
  • the meaning of signs and symbols used in the Sacrament.
  • the proper way to receive the Eucharist and Cup.
  • about the gospel passage of Last Supper of Jesus.
  • how to live faithfully as disciples in their journey of faith that began with Baptism.
The Catholic Church refers to families as the “Domestic Church” and, as such, families have the responsibility to set the foundation of faith formation. To reinforce the concepts taught during the preparation sessions, family participation in weekend liturgy is very strongly encouraged. St. James Church begins preparing children for the Sacrament of First Eucharist in 2nd grade. Following Diocesan guidelines, children preparing for this sacrament must be baptized, have completed one year of Religious Education, and be currently enrolled in weekly religious education. 
The children (usually in 2nd grade) will begin First Eucharist (Communion) preparation classes for the Sacrament in March. First Eucharist preparation classes are on Saturday mornings from 9:30am-11:45am. Each of the four sessions begins with a Prayer Service to set the theme for the session. Parents are required to be 
present during the Prayer Service with their child and to stay for a presentation afterwards.  The children and their parents also attend a 3-hour workshop.  The workshop consists of:  a review of the Mass and how to fully participate; bread making by the children while the parents attend a special presentation; a family clay project; and time to create their own banners that are placed in the church on the day they receive First Communion. It is a fun, meaningful morning for the children and their parents.  Additionally, to give a special spiritual meaning the Sacrament, the children are asked to attend and participate in the Holy Thursday evening service.  The Sacrament of First Holy Communion is usually celebrated on the Sunday of the first weekend in May at the 11:00 Mass with rehearsal for the Mass taking place the day before (Saturday) at 9:30 am. The complete schedule for the 2018 First Eucharist preparation program can be found on this website.
For more information or to register 655-9309, saddan39@aol.com.
**Please view the Calendar or click here to view the calendar of events for the above sacraments.**