Sacramental Preparation Programs
Sacrament
of Baptism
St. James requires that all new parents take the Baptismal preparation class with the Baptismal Coordinator prior to having their baby baptized.
When choosing godparents, one godparent is required to be a practicing Catholic. If they are not from St. James, sponsor form or letter from their pastor is required. If you are not registered at St. James and are looking to have your child baptized here, a letter from your pastor granting permission to have your child baptized outside your home parish is required.
Baptisms are then scheduled with the priest or deacon. We encourage baptisms to be held during the Masses so as to welcome our newest members in the presence of the St. James and the church communities. Baptisms can still be scheduled after the 5pm or 11am Masses.
Sacrament of Reconciliation
St. James begins preparing children for the Sacrament of Reconciliation in 2nd Grade.
Following Diocesan guidelines, children preparing for this sacrament must have completed one year of Religious Education and the preparation classes must be separate from their weekly religious instructions.
Reconciliation classes begin in the fall, usually October, and goes for four weeks on Saturday mornings from 9:00-11:00am. The program is taught by four volunteer catechists. The program teaches the children about their baptism, how to follow Jesus, how to show sorrow for our sins, how to ask to be forgiven and how to share in God's gift of peace and to share it with others.
Sacrament of First Holy Communion
Our 2nd Graders begin preparation classes for the sacrament in March.
Following the same procedure as Reconciliation, there are four weeks of preparation classes on Saturday mornings from 9:00am-11:00am. The children are taught about community, worshiping together as a family, the different parts of the Mass, the Last Supper, and how to live as disciples.
The week prior to receiving the sacrament, the children and their parents attend a 3-hour Workshop. The Workshop consists of a Walk through the Mass, they make their own bread, the parents attend a short workshop on the Eucharist, and the children are given materials to create their own banners that are placed at the end of their family pew the day they receive First Communion.
The Sacrament of First Holy Communion is usually the first weekend in May and is celebrated at all three of the weekend Masses.
Family participation is strongly encouraged with both reconciliation and Eucharist programs.
Sacrament of Confirmation
The Confirmation program at St. James is a year-long program and is typically completed during the teen's sophomore year. Students wishing to receive the sacrament must have completed a full year of Religious Education during the year prior.
The program consists of an initial parent-candidate meeting, the Enrollment Ceremony (held during a weekend liturgy), a class team building activity, six classes, two day retreats, service requirements and involves connections with sponsors and prayer partners.
The candidates' preparation focuses on the Sacraments, freedom, spirituality, confirmation, prayer and service. The candidates must complete and interview with the Confirmation team and submit a letter of readiness to the Bishop.
The program runs from late summer through the spring. Confirmation is typically held either in April or May.
For More Information...
If you would like more information concerning any of the Sacramental programs, please feel free to contact:
Confirmation - Julie Hagan
phone: 315-655-4871; e-mail: stjyouth@twcny.rr.com
Baptism, Reconciliation, First Eucharist - Missy Race
phone: 315-655-3441; e-mail: stjamesc@twcny.rr.com