BAPTISM
Parents wishing to have their child baptized into the Catholic community must contact the parish office in advance to make the necessary arrangement. Participation in a Parish Baptismal Preparation Program is required; it is strongly recommended that this be done during the pregnancy. Call the parish office for the schedule of pre-Baptismal instructions. One of the child's sponsors must be a practicing Catholic. Each sponsor must have a statement from his or her pastor noting that he or she is in good standing with the Church. Baptisms are performed on the second and fourth Sunday of each month at 1:00 p.m. at St. John the Evangelist. Adults are initiated through the RCIA program.
RECONCILIATION (Confession, Penance)
Children in second grade and above who have completed two full years of religious education (CCD) are candidates for First Penance. See the Worship schedule for times and places. During the seasons of Advent and Lent, we have Parish Communal Penance Services along with extra opportunities for individual penance.
HOLY EUCHARIST
As Jesus is made present to us through the Holy Eucharist, parishioners are encouraged to actively participate in the liturgy and to receive the sacrament regularly. Children in second grade are prepared for First Eucharist in our parochial school and in our religious education program.
CONFIRMATION
The sacrament of Confirmation is the fulfillment of the person's initiation into the Church. It is the completion of Baptism. The sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated in our parish with students who are in eighth grade or above, who are at least twelve years of age, who have attended religious instruction throughout the elementary grades, and who have participated in a special program in preparation for Confirmation. Starting in 2001, the bishop of the diocese of Scranton celebrates Confirmation every year at our parish.
MATRIMONY
Couples planning to be married in our parish must contact a parish priest at least six months in advance. It is strongly urged that this be done prior to making any other arrangements. Every couple is required to participate in a Diocesan Marriage Preparation Program (Pre-Cana, or Engaged Encounter Weekend and a Marriage Sponsor Couple), which serves as an enhancement of their preparation to receive the sacrament. Applications are available at the parish office.
HOLY ORDERS
Every baptized Christian shares in the priesthood of Jesus Christ. Some are called to share more fully in this priesthood through Holy Orders. The Second Vatican Council has restored the permanent deconate as an aid to our churches. Men who feel they may have a special call to serve the church as a deacon may contact St. Pius X Seminary, Dalton, for further information. The
priesthood is open to mature men single or widowed. All Catholics are asked to pray for and promote vocations to the priesthood. Interested candidates should contact a parish priest or the rector of St. Pius X Seminary, Dalton.
ANOINTING OF THE SICK (Holy Anointing)
This sacrament is administered to provide healing, both physically and spiritually, to those who are seriously ill, chronically ill, or advanced in age. The sacrament is not administered only to the dying. Family members and members of our Christian community are called on to encourage and sustain the sick person. The culmination of this ministry is the Anointing, and we are called on to actively participate when the sacrament is administered.
CONTACT PEOPLE
If you are interested in learning more about one or more of these sacraments, please check our list of contact people or call the rectory at 253-4561.
List of Sacraments contact people
