Sacraments

The greatest gifts the Church has received from Jesus is His grace in the Sacraments. Through the seven Sacraments we are brought into union with Him so we may enjoy eternal life with the Father as He does. These Sacraments are essential to the life and identity of the Catholic Church.

Select a sacrament to learn more and find out how you can receive the sacrament at St. James.

Baptism

How can my child or I receive the sacrament of Baptism?

1. Register for Baptism

Call the Parish Office at least one month in advance to register and confirm baptism. Baptism is celebrated on most Sundays at 1:00 PM in the church.

Call 224.345.7200
2. Take the Baptismal Preparation Class

First-time parents are required to complete the Baptismal Preparation class. Godparents are welcome to attend, especially if they are first time godparents, though their attendance is not required. Sessions are held once a month in our Parish Office. Adults preparing to receive the sacrament of baptism must first complete RCIA. Call or email the parish office to learn more.

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3. Complete Baptism Form.

Once you have called the front office and reserved your child’s baptismal day, you will receive an email with an information form to fill out as it will appear on the baptism certificate. You must fill out this Baptismal Information Form no later than 1 week before your scheduled Baptism to have an accurate baptism certificate.

We’re excited to share in this special day! If you have any questions email us by clicking the button below.

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Reconciliation

When can I make Reconciliation?

Reconciliation is observed twice each week in the confessionals in the church.

Thursday – 6:00 to 7:00 PM

No confessions on Thursday, March 21; Holy Hour remains

Saturday – 8:00 to 9:00 AM

Confession Guide

Eucharist

The Eucharist (or communion) is a way that we participate in Christ’s own sacrifice as a community through the taking the Body and Blood of Christ.

How can I receive the sacrament of the Eucharist?

Children

Children preparing to receive the sacrament of the Eucharist for the first time must be enrolled in a Catholic school or religious education program for two years. For more information, visit our Children’s page or contact Theresa Storto

Children
Adults

Adults preparing to receive the sacrament of the Eucharist for the first time must participate in the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA). For more information, visit the RCIA page.

RCIA

Confirmation

Confirmation seals our life of faith in Jesus.

For my Child

Children ages 6th through 8th grade participate in EDGE, our middle school youth ministry and confirmation preparation program. Over three years, children will be discipled by mentors and get equipped to become lifelong Catholics living out their faith as missionary disciples.

Learn More

I never got Confirmed

Adult Confirmation (Vicariate I)
Are you an adult who has not celebrated the sacrament of Confirmation? This program, for adults (18 and older – out of high school), prepares the participants for receiving the gifts of the Holy Spirit in the Sacrament of Confirmation. Adult Confirmation classes meet for 8 weeks during the fall and spring months throughout the Archdiocese. St. James parishioners go to St. Edna for preparation groups which are forming now.

For additional information, please contact Lorie Crepeau.

I'm not Catholic

Adults who didn’t receive religious education or other sacraments as a child can participate in the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) to become a full participating member of the Catholic Church. For more information, please visit our RCIA page.

RCIA

Matrimony

Marriage for Christians is a sacramental celebration that serves as a sign of God’s love and fidelity for us. St. James is happy to assist you in planning this special day and sacrament.

How can I schedule my wedding ceremony at St. James?

1. Contact the Parish Office

Contact the Parish office to learn more about how you can celebrate your wedding at St. James. Flo will explain the process of preparing for Christian marriage, and assist you in selecting a date for your wedding liturgy.

Flo Trunk
224.345.7200
ftrunk@stjamesah.org
parishoffice@stjamesah.org

2. Prepare for Marriage

Preparing for your marriage and wedding happens simultaneously at St. James. Couples planning to marry at St. James are required to complete several things prior to their wedding.

Catholic Couples Check Up
This program enables engaged couples to answer a series of relationship questions before their wedding date to help better understand their strengths and weaknesses. The engaged couple can take the survey at home, and will receive and review the results with their presider and a trained facilitator couple from the parish.

Pre-Cana
The Pre-Cana program is for engaged couples planning to be married in the Catholic Church. A day-long encounter is created to enable the couple to have an opportunity to honestly discuss one another’s strengths and weaknesses, including family living, communication, finances, Christian sexuality, the Sacrament of Matrimony, and their role in the Church and society.

If you have questions, please contact the Priest or Deacon assisting with your marriage preparation.

3. Celebrate Together

Celebrate the sacrament of marriage in a ceremony filled with music, family, friends, and the rich tradition of the Catholic faith.

Holy Orders

In Holy Orders, men are ordained as priests, decons, or bishops, and serve in their community.

Interested in becoming a priest?

To learn more about becoming a priest:

Visit the Vocation Office page of the Archdiocese of Chicago website

Contact the Archdiocesan Vocations Office:
Archdiocesan Vocations Office
Fr. Joe Noonan, Director
312.534.8298
vocations@archchicago.org
PO Box 1979
Chicago, IL 60690-1979

Interested in becoming a deacon?

Contact the Parish office to speak with one of our Priests or Deacons on staff.

Call 224.345.7200Email Us

Anointing of the Sick

How can I receive the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick?

You can schedule to receive this sacrament in advance of surgery or treatment for serious disease or illness. Call the Parish Office to learn more about how to receive this sacrament.

Call 224.345.7200Email Us