At St. James, we celebrate sacraments with a family emphasis. The family unit, in all its possible forms, is critically important in our parish and our community. Our process might be very different than your past experiences. First, our preparation for the first Sacraments of Reconciliation (Confession) and Communion involves both parent(s) and the child. Parents are the first and primary teachers of the faith. Your child learns best from you. During the sessions, we help you to explore faith and the sacraments with your child. Second, our process is ungraded, in other words, there is no set grade for the reception of the sacraments. You, as parents, know your child better than anyone else. You decide when they are ready. At the information session we will give you information to help you decide. We know that you, like many before you, will enjoy this time with your child.

Diocesan Policy on Sacraments
Important Note:
The official Diocesan Policy for all the Sacraments can be found by clicking here.

At St. James Parish Family, we are in compliance with the policy of the Diocese of Phoenix regarding the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Communion. The policy states that there will be one sacrament received per year. Only children older than fifth grade will be able to receive both sacraments in the same year. This requirement is intended to give each sacrament its own dignity, equal emphasis and importance. It is easy to rush over the Sacrament of Reconciliation as merely a requirement for First Communion. Each Sacrament is of equal importance and each is very important to who we are as Catholics. Your child may not receive First Reconciliation and First Communion in the same year. The policy also affirms the importance of family participation in sacramental preparation. This policy, in its entirety, is available in the parish office.

Your family must be enrolled and attending Generations of Faith for the entire year to be eligible for the preparation of either Sacrament.

First Reconciliation It is the policy of the Diocese of Phoenix and St. James Parish Family, that all children must be prepared for Reconciliation (confession) prior to the reception of First Communion. The reception of the sacraments may not take place in the same year. This policy is to ensure the sanctity of both Sacraments. We believe that we must always struggle to be worthy of the beautiful gift of the Body and Blood of our Lord. The preparation sessions for the Sacrament of Reconciliation emphasize our need to acknowledge and ask God’s forgiveness for the times that we fail to make the right choices. We must recognize the need to be responsible to our God and ourselves for the times we fail to serve Him. We have sessions on forgiveness in our families, the history of the Sacrament and how to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.