The baptism of a child gives the parents an opportunity to look at their own Christian life and spirituality and to see how well they are living out their own baptism commitment. Parents are requested to come to the rectory for a personal interview, and they are expected to attend one catechesis class which explains the Sacrament of Baptism and the obligation and commitment that goes along with presenting their child for baptism. On the first Sunday of the month that their child is to be baptized they will be introduced and welcomed during Mass to the congregation.
The engaged couple must schedule an initial interview at least 6 months in advance of their wedding date. St. John’s requires that all engaged couples participate in an engaged encounter weekend. Our parish also handles Lack of Form cases and formal annulments. At least one other meeting is scheduled with the couple after they complete their engaged encounter weekend to plan their wedding ceremony. Call the rectory office for more information.
Saturday: 3-4:00 pm
FIRST RECONCILIATION
At St. John's, we offer first Eucharist and first Reconciliation preparation beginning in 2nd Grade, and Confirmation preparation beginning in high school. Children must have participated in one full year of religious education classes before being eligible to participate in sacramental preparation. This extra year ensures that your child has enough time and preparation to fully understand the sacraments and how they fit into their participation in the Catholic Church.
Starting Late?
For children who are beginning the religious education and sacramental preparation process later in their lives, we offer the Special Sacraments course (formerly known as RCIA for Young Persons or RCIC). After completing a full year in their grade level, students enroll the following year in the Special Sacraments course which focuses on specifically preparing them for Baptism, First Communion, and/or First Reconciliation. After Special Sacraments, they will complete their religious education in their regular grade level.
The St. John's confirmation program is intended for high school aged students. The confirmation program is a two year period of preparation in which all those seeking to receive confirmation must participate. This includes those students who attend Catholic high schools. It is expected that those in the preparation program will:
- have been baptized in the Roman Catholic faith
- attend Mass on Sundays and Holy days in accordance with our Catholic tradition
- wisely participate in the Sacrament of Eucharist and Reconciliation
- achieve a deeper knowledge of what Catholics believe by studying the information provided and participating in group discussions and activities
- attend service opportunities each year
- make a mature decision to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation
Any high school student may begin confirmation preparation if he or she has attended religious education classes in prior years. Additional catechesis will be provided for those individuals who have not attended. Youth unwilling or unable to fulfill these requirements would do better to delay their preparation for confirmation until such time they are able.
Confirmation Meeting Dates and TimeMeetings begin on the Third Sunday in September. The meetings are held on most Sunday mornings after the 9:30 AM mass until 12:15 PM. A detailed schedule will be handed out at the beginning of the program that provides the dates of all meetings, events and activities.
All classes are to be attended and those missed must be made up, even if missed for the reason of sickness or because of some pressing family need. Make-ups are usually done by attending additional special sessions.
Adults who are preparing for their Baptism, first Eucharist, and Confirmation are prepared by taking part in the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initation of Adults) program.
Adults are initiated into the church and receive their sacraments at the Easter Vigil mass each year.
Those wishing to receive their sacraments may be Catholics already or may belong to another denomination or religion but wish to become Catholic.
Please go to Adult Education for more information about the RCIA process.