Sacraments

Marriage

Marrying couples must complete the Diocesan requirements for marriage preparation.

It is a nine month process prior to your wedding date and that process begins as follows:

Call the parish office (623-581-0707) to leave a message for Deacon Ron TenBarge with your name and daytime phone number and email address. He will contact you as soon as possible to schedule an appointment.

During the meeting, Deacon Ron will discuss the class requirements in detail.

You will need a current Baptism Certificate dated within six months of the wedding date.

This same process applies to couples married civilly and desire to marry in the Catholic Church. The deacon will establish whether there are previous marriages for either party.

Annulment for either civil marriage or Catholic Church marriage, please contact either Deacon Ron TenBarge or Deacon Frank Devine at the parish office.

Baptism

Baptism for children under the age of 7 can be arranged by contacting the Faith Formation Office. An appointment will be required to start the paperwork. Being registered in the parish is a requirement. Parents will be scheduled to complete the baptism prep class.
Baptism for children age 7 and older is required to attend weekly Faith Formation classes for one school year. Then children will attend one baptism preparation class. Parents are also required to attend the adult class.

Reconciliation / First Communion / Confirmation

Sacraments of Reconciliation, First Communion and Confirmation for school-age children is a three-year process. As with all elementary sacrament preparation at St. James, classes are separate and in addition to their regular Faith Formation classes.

Registration for Family Formation for the 2023-2024 school year is closed. For additional information, please call the Office at 623-581-0707 or email Terri at terri@stjames-greater.com.

Reconciliation

First Reconciliation is normally celebrated in the second grade, following one full year of prior formal Catholic Faith Formation classes.

For students out of sequence (that is, children who have no prior Faith Formation) in second grade and above must complete one year of Formation the first year. In the fall of their second year, they will enter the sacrament prep program while continuing with their regular Formation classes.

First Communion

Children in grade 3 and older are eligible to enter this sacrament program providing they have completed two full years of formal Faith Formation classes. This program is in addition to their regular Faith Formation.

Confirmation

Preparation for Confirmation is one all day class held on a Saturday 9 am to 2 pm. with a potluck lunch. Students are to be accompanied by their Sponsor.

Adult Sacraments

The Rite of Christian Initiation (RCIA) for adults IS THE Church’s response to anyone sincerely interested in joining the Catholic Church. This process is meant to aid an adult for continual conversion to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and the Church he founded. Whether unbaptized or baptized in another faith denomination, all are welcome.

Adults, 18 years and above, who have not been Confirmed and desire to complete the sacrament of Baptism, may also participate in this process.

Please contact Sr. Sophie in the parish office (623-581-0707) for more information and to register.

Anointing of the Sick

The Sacrament of Anointing of the sick is not solely reserved to those that are actively dying. This beautiful Sacrament is open to anyone that is about to undergo surgery, is severely or chronically mentally or physically sick, and the dying.

We encourage our parishioners to fully participate in this grace-filled Sacrament. If you or a family member would like to receive this Sacrament, please call the parish office to schedule an appointment with one of our priests.