Sacraments at St. James Basking Ridge

St. James offers all the Sacraments of the Catholic faith. Hopefully, all your questions will be answered by the descriptions and guidelines below. If you have further questions please call the Rectory Office at 908-766-0888.

BAPTISM

Parents are expected to attend a Baptism Preparation Session before their first child's Baptism, to come to know and feel comfortable with the parish and to understand better the meaning of Baptism. Please call the Parish Office for details. Expectant parents may do this preparation prior to the birth of their child.

Baptism is celebrated after Sunday Mass in the church at 1:15 p.m. by one of our Priests or Deacons. Godparents must be Confirmed Catholics 14 years of age and older and must have a sponsor letter from their parish.

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WEDDINGS

Arrangements should be made one year in advance to assure the proper preparation for the sacrament. The bride must be a registered and active member of the parish. If not, permission must be received from her parish. It is the responsibility of the engaged couple to secure the date with the parish before making commitments with caterers, reception halls, etc. The engaged couple is also required to attend Pre Cana instruction after visiting with the parish priest.

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CONFESSIONS

Confessions will be heard throughout the year during CCD classes and at our St. James school, to help assist the children in the growth of their spiritual life to realize the forgiving power of God.

Confessions are heard each Saturday at 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m in the Church.

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MINISTRY TO THE SICK

As a parish community, we want to reach out to and include the sick, the elderly and homebound in the life and prayers of our parish. Please contact the rectory office regarding any member of the household who is ill, or confined in the hospital or at home. In addition to the pastoral staff, Eucharistic Ministers are available and most willing to visit and bring the Eucharist. The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is celebrated as requested.

Hospitals no longer notify churches by law of their parishioner's admission. Please let us know if someone in your household is hospitalized.

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MINISTRY TO BEREAVED

As a parish community we wish to support those who grieve the loss of a loved one. Our Parish Staff and Bereavement Ministry are available to offer support and consolation. It is the Catholic tradition to hold a vigil (wake) for the deceased and a Funeral Mass. Cremation is permitted in the Catholic Church, but it is encouraged that this take place after the Funeral Mass.

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FIRST PENANCE & FIRST COMMUNION (2 year program)

First Penance

Our program endeavors to teach our children that Reconciliation is a call to strengthen our friendship with people and with God. We stress the basic belief that God is all loving and all forgiving. Through parental example of forgiveness in daily situations at home, children will learn of God's never-ending forgiveness and regularly use the Sacrament of Reconciliation as a means for inward peace.

FIRST PENANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Attendance at all Sunday Masses and Holy Days of Obligation.
Attendance at all CCD classes or St. James school. Unexplained absences may determine reception of sacrament.
Parental attendance at all mandatory Penance meetings. Parent and teacher co-operation is necessary.
Must learn class material and format for Penance which includes: Act of Contrition and basic prayers.
Practice for 1st Penance is mandatory.
Parents are invited to receive the sacrament of Penance during the celebration. If any parent/guardian has any difficulty with receiving the sacrament, please see the Pastor.
Dress respectfully for the occasion.

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First Communion

The Eucharist helps develop an understanding of the message of Scripture and fosters informed participation in Mass. In the Eucharist we are called to imitate Jesus in His giving which "was an unconditional giving of self to and for others." The Eucharist is a memorial and a celebration which unites us with Jesus and with our Catholic Family. Through, with, and in the Church, Christ's sacrifice on the Cross and the victory of His resurrection becomes present to all who receive His precious gift of Himself - BODY AND BLOOD.

FIRST COMMUNION REQUIREMENTS:

Attendance at all Sunday Mass and Holy Days of Obligation.
Attendance at all CCD classes or St. James school. Unexplained absence may determine reception of sacrament.
Parental attendance is mandatory at all meetings.

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Confirmation

(Requires a 2 year program)

The two year Confirmation program at St. James begins in the 7th and 8th grade.

For many years now, our young adults have been living and growing as baptized Catholics. At this time, the Catholic Community extends an invitation to take the next step in a wonderful journey of faith - the sacrament of Confirmation.

CONFIRMATION 1 REQUIREMENTS:

Attendance at all Sunday Mass and Holy Days of Obligation.
Attendance at all CCD classes or St. James school. Unexplained absences may determine reception of sacrament.
Mandatory attendance at all special events pertaining to Confirmation.
Parent/Student meeting
1. Retreat - Mandatory
20 Hours of service.
Confirmation interview.

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NEW MEMBERS OF OUR PARISH COMMUNITY

Newcomers interested in joining St. James are invited to take part in a one-hour Welcome Meeting offered twice a year and conducted by our Ministry Leaders. Registration in the parish community can take place by calling the rectory office. We hope and pray that this Welcome Ministry will help us build a parish community where no one is a stranger. Newcomers are invited to join our 47 ministries. Please visit them on our web-site.

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