Baptism

We celebrate baptism at any weekend Mass. Baptism is the celebration of Initiation into the Church and into our parish, therefore the parish gathers together with the family to witness and welcome. The preparation process begins during pregnancy at a Baptism Preparation Session which is offered quarterly. Please call the parish office to register. Parish membership and active worship is required for two months prior to preparation. No baptisms are celebrated during Lent.

First Reconciliation

The celebration of the first sacrament of reconciliation takes place in the month of December, during Second Grade, in the Season of Advent. Preparation for the sacrament occurs during four ninety-minute sessions of Saturdays in the fall. A parent orientation meeting is held prior to the preparation sessions. Parish volunteer catechists prepare the children for the sacrament of reconciliation.

First Eucharist

The celebration of first eucharist presupposes two years in the religious education program and regular attendance at the Liturgy. Preparation for the sacrament occurs during six ninety-minute sessions on Saturdays in the winter and early spring. A parent orientation meeting is held prior to the preparation sessions. Parish volunteer catechists prepare the children for the sacrament of first eucharist, which is received in early May. A day of retreat is provided for the children during the week prior to first eucharist.

Confirmation

The confirmation preparation program is not grade-related but is situated within the context of the Parish’s ministry to youth and is modeled on the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults). Preparation begins in grade 6 which is referred to as CP I (Confirmation Preparation I or first year). CP I catechesis occurs at the Sunday/Saturday gatherings. The Junior High Youth Ministry sessions for CP II (grade 7) and CP III (grade8) take place on Sunday evenings according to the published calendar.

Confirmation preparation presupposes regular attendance at the Liturgy and in the CP I, II, III sessions. A confirmation schedule of events holds activities, which are a mandatory part of the preparation for the Sacrament. Immediate preparation includes parent created activities, a retreat day and evidence of growth in faith shown through service to the community. A conference with the pastor determines the candidate’s readiness to complete his or her initiation with the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Marriage

Couples wishing to be married at St John’s are required to make arrangements one year in advance. Four sessions with the pastor and Pre-Cana or Engaged Encounter take place during this year. Parish registration and active worship are required.