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Sacraments
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The Latin word sacramentum means “a sign of the sacred,” instituted by Christ to affect grace. The seven sacraments are celebrations that point to what is sacred, significant, and important for Christians. They are special occasions for experiencing God’s saving presence: they are at the same time signs and instruments of God’s grace.
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Helpful Links
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Baptism
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For Catholics, the Sacrament of Baptism is the first step in a lifelong journey of commitment and discipleship. Whether we are baptized as infants or adults, Baptism is the Church’s way of celebrating and enacting the embrace of God.
Learn more about planning a Baptism at The Church of Saint James at: Planning a Baptism
Adults who wish to receive First Eucharist are invited to join the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA). Learn more at: Becoming a Catholic
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Holy Eucharist
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Catholics believe the Eucharist, or Holy Communion, is both a sacrifice and a meal. We believe in the real presence of Jesus, who died for our sins. As we receive Christ’s Body and Blood, we also are nourished spiritually and brought closer to God. Preparation for First Eucharist is offered to the students of Saint James School and the Saint James School of Religion (CCD).
Adults who wish to receive First Eucharist are invited to join the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA). Learn more at: Becoming a Catholic
Please contact the parish office to arrange for Communion to the sick or homebound. Call 908-766-0888, ext. 3, or Click Here to submit your request by email.
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Confirmation
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Confirmation is a Catholic Sacrament of mature Christian commitment and a deepening of baptismal gifts. Like Baptism and Eucharist, it is a Sacrament of Initiation for Catholics and a Sacrament of faith in God’s fidelity to us.
Preparation for Confirmation is offered to the students of Saint James School and the School of Religion (CCD).
Adults Confirmation is offered annually on Pentecost Sunday. For more information, contact Acolyte Frank Sinatra at [email protected].
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Penance (Reconciliation)
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The Catholic Sacrament of Reconciliation (also known as the Sacrament of Penance) has three elements: conversion, confession, and celebration. In it we find God’s unconditional forgiveness, and so we are called to forgive others.
Preparation for First Penance is offered to the students of Saint James School and the School of Religion (CCD).
Confessions are heard in the Chapel on Saturday mornings at 8:30 a.m. and in the Church on Saturday at 4:00 p.m.
Confessions are also available by appointment for those who cannot take advantage of scheduled times, as well as for the homebound. Call 908-766-0888, ext. 3, or Click Here to submit your request by email.
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Anointing of the Sick
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The Catholic Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, formerly known as Last Rites or Extreme Unction, gives strength and support, and can be administered to anyone struggling with an illness.
Please contact the parish office if you would like a priest to visit, or to arrange for Communion to the sick or homebound. Call 908-766-0888, ext. 3, or Click Here to submit your request by email.
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Matrimony
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For Catholics, the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony is a public sign that one gives oneself totally to another person. It is also a public statement about God: the loving union of husband and wife speaks of God’s values realized in the family.
Learn more about preparation for the Sacrament of Matrimony and planning a wedding at The Church of Saint James at: Planning a Wedding
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Holy Orders
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Through the Sacrament of Holy Orders, the candidate vows to lead other Catholics by bringing them the sacraments (especially the Eucharist), by proclaiming the Gospel, and by providing other means to holiness.
Men who are discerning a call to the priesthood or the permanent diaconate are invited to contact the parish office at 908-766-0888, ext. 3, or Click Here to submit your request by email.
Information is also available through the Office of Vocations at the Diocese of Metuchen. Visit Discernment to learn more.
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