The life of a Roman Catholic parish is centered around the Eucharist, the celebration of the Mass. At Saint James, the liturgy of the Mass is celebrated daily and, during the course of the year, all of the special feasts and sacraments of the Church are celebrated.
BAPTISM of Infants and Children under 5 years of age
Baptisms at St. James Church take place on Saturdays at 10 am. It is expected that the parents of the child be practicing Catholics and active members of the St. James community. Godparents must also be practicing Catholics over the age of 16. A baptismal preparation class is required of the parents and godparents before the Baptism takes place. Older children who are not yet baptized should be enrolled in our faith formation program to prepare them to receive both Baptism and first holy Communion.
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Fees: While there is no charge for any Sacrament, the preparation involved for the sacrament to take place, and the use of the church incur expenses which must be covered.
The fee to cover baptismal preparation and church expense is $100. This fee is payable at the time the family sign up their child for baptism and provide a copy of the child’s birth certificate.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION
Our 2-year children’s faith formation program strives to impart the Catholic faith to the young people of the parish while preparing them to receive the sacrament of Holy Eucharist. Class participation and regular Sunday Mass attendance are required.
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Fees: While there is no charge for any Sacrament, the preparation involved for the sacrament to take place, and the use of the church incur expenses which must be covered.
The yearly enrollment fee for First Communion classes is $75.
Youth Confirmation Program
Our 2-year youth faith formation program prepares teenagers to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. Preparation includes Mass regular attendance, class participation, social service projects and a retreat.
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Fees: While there is no charge for any Sacrament, the preparation involved for the sacrament to take place, and the use of the church incur expenses which must be covered.
The yearly enrollment fee for Confirmation classes is $75.
RECONCILIATION or CONFESSION
The Sacrament of Reconciliation / Confession is offered by request after the daily 9:00 AM Mass or by appointment. Call (415) 824-4232.
MATRIMONY
Weddings are celebrated at St. James on Saturdays. It is expected that at least one member of the couple be a practicing Catholic involved at St. James Church. A minimum of 6 months is required to gather the requisite sacramental documents and to complete the marriage preparation process.
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Fees: While there is no charge for any Sacrament, the preparation involved for the sacrament to take place, and the use of the church incur expenses which must be covered.
The fee to cover marriage preparation, the wedding rehearsal and the wedding ceremony is $750. This fee does not cover music which is a separate expense depending on the musician(s) contracted for the ceremony.
ANOINTING OF THE SICK
The Sacrament of the Sick is offered regularly at the church (after Sunday or daily Mass) for parishioners who request it. This Sacrament is for those who are ill or who are to undergo surgery or other medical procedures. Local families of those who are dying may call the parish to request a home visit to anoint a person near death (the Last Rites).