Sacraments
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.
Sacrament of Baptism | Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist | Sacrament of Confirmation | Sacrament of Reconciliation | Sacrament of Matrimony | Anointing of the Sick | Holy Orders
Sacrament of Baptism
Sunday: 1:15 p.m. by appointment only and on Holy Saturday for RCIA candidates.
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.
Baptisms are scheduled most Sundays at 1:15 p.m.
Please call the parish office at 908-766-0888, ext. 3 to schedule a Baptism for your child. A Baptism Preparation Session is required for first-time parents only. Godparents must be confirmed Catholics, 14 years of age or older, and must have a sponsor letter from their parishes.
Adults who wish to be baptized are invited to join the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA). Please contact Deacon Luke Hally at 908-766-0888, X5 or hally1@optonline.net for more information.
SACRAMENT OF THE HOLY EUCHARIST
Daily: at Mass and by appointment for shut-ins
Catholics believe the Eucharist, or 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 School of Religious Education (CCD). Please call the parish office for additional information.
Adults who wish to receive First Eucharist are invited to join the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA). Please contact Deacon Luke Hally at 908-766-0888, X5 or hally1@optonline.net for more information.
SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION
Annually: during Autumn and on Holy Saturday for RCIA candidates
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 Religious Education (CCD). Please call the parish office for additional information.
Adults who wish to be confirmed are invited to join the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA). Please contact Deacon Luke Hally at 908-766-0888, X5 or hally1@optonline.net for more information.
SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION
Saturday: 4:00-5:00 p.m. and by appointment
The Catholic Sacrament of Reconciliation (also known as the Sacrament of Penance, or Reconciliation) has three elements: conversion, confession and celebration. In it we find God’s unconditional forgiveness, and as a result we are called to forgive others.
Preparation for First Penance is offered to the students of Saint James School and the School of Religious Education (CCD). Please call the parish office for additional information.
Adults who wish to receive First Penance are invited to join the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA). Please contact Deacon Luke Hally at 908-766-0888, X5 or hally1@optonline.net for more information.
SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY
By appointment
For Catholics, the Sacrament of Marriage, or 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.
Registered parishioners or the children of registered parishioners may apply for marriage at the parish office one year in advance of the desired wedding date. 908-766-0888, ext. 3
Saint James Church offers preparation for the Sacrament of Matrimony through the Pre Cana program. Please contact Andrea and Lou Chiafullo at 908-542-1674 or achiafullo@optonline.net for more information.
ANOINTING OF THE SICK
By appointment
The Catholic sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, formerly known as Last Rites or Extreme Unction, is a ritual of healing appropriate not only for physical but also for mental and spiritual sickness.
Please call the parish office if you would like a priest to visit, or to arrange for Communion for the sick or homebound. 908-766-0888, ext. 3
HOLY ORDERS
In the Sacrament of Holy Orders, or Ordination, 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 (908-766-0888 or stjamesbr@optonline.net) or Deacon Luke Hally (908-766-0888, X5 or hally1@optonline.net) for more information.
