Sacraments
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Sacraments of Christian Initiation
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Baptism
The growth of our parish family in particular and of the universal church at large takes place in one of two ways, when we welcome new members through the waters of baptism, or when baptized members of other Christian communities come into full communion with the Catholic Church. Most Catholics are incorporated into the people of God with the celebration of Baptism as infants. But it falls to the parents and godparents of children to seek baptism for them, and to raise them in the practice of the Catholic faith.
Preparation to celebrate the sacrament takes place upon request. After attending preparation, parents are able to schedule the Celebration of Baptism. Baptism is typically celebrated within Sunday mass, except during Advent and Lent. For special circumstances, consult with the Pastor.
For the baptism of children, please contact the Pastor.
Click photo above to see introductory video.
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Holy Eucharist
We ordinarily celebrate First Holy Communion with our young people in the 2nd Grade. Preparation for the reception of the sacrament takes place during the academic year, and the sacrament is celebrated on a designated Sunday in the Easter Season. Contact the parish office for information..
Catholics past the 2nd Grade who wish to receive First Holy Communion should contact the parish office for information.
Click photo above to see introductory video.
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Confirmation
We celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation throughout the Diocese of Richmond in the 10th Grade. Preparation for the reception of the sacrament takes place during the academic year, and the sacrament is celebrated with the Bishop or his delegate at various times throughout the calendar year. Contact the parish office for information.
Young adults who did not receive the Sacrament of Confirmation by the 10th Grade may prepare to receive the sacrament at any time, to be conferred by the Pastor.
Click photo above to see introductory video.
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Sacraments of Healing
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Reconciliation / Penance
We ordinarily celebrate First Reconciliation (Confession) with our young people also in the 2nd Grade. Preparation for the reception of the sacrament takes place during the academic year, and the sacrament is celebrated on a designated Saturday in the Advent Season or another convenient time after consultation with the Pastor.
Catholics past the 2nd Grade who wish to receive First Reconciliation should contact the parish office.
Click photo above to see introductory video.
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Anointing of the Sick
The Anointing of the Sick is administered by a priest to a person who is ill, preparing for surgery, recovering from surgery, in hospice care, or in any extreme form of physical distress. Contact the parish office as soon as possible while your sick loved one is alert and able to communicate. The sacrament of Anointing can be given more than once, but only to the living.
A person receives Viaticum (Last Rites) who is still alert and able to take communion. What we identified as Last Rites in the past is actually the Anointing of the Sick, and it is only "last" when it cannot be administered again. But the last sacrament administered to the dying is Viaticum, that is Holy Communion, which is literally "food for the journey." As such, the dying person needs to still be able to take communion. A person who is no longer alert or able to take communion may still be given the Anointing of the Sick.
It is best to bring your sick loved one to the attention of the pastor long before they lose the ability to communicate. The pastor visits residents of nursing homes upon request.
Click photo above to see introductory video.
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Sacraments of Service & Mission
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Matrimony
The Pastor is primarily responsible for preparing engaged couples for the Celebration of Marriage as required by the Bishop of the Diocese of Richmond. With the assistance of married couple parishioners, the Pastor meets with the engaged couple to begin sacramental preparation at least 6 months prior to the celebration of the sacrament.
Engaged couples who wish to celebrate their wedding at St. John the Evangelist Church but are not members of the parish should meet with their pastor at their parish church to begin sacramental preparation as required by the Bishop of their diocese. Only after the pastor of the engaged couple has contacted the Pastor at St. John will we be able to reserve your date on our parish calendar.
Click photo above to see introductory video.
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Holy Orders
The call to Holy Orders, either to the ministerial priesthood or the permanent diaconate, is discerned by the candidate (a baptized Catholic Christian man) over a period of years (graduate school degree and training in pastoral ministry) and officially acknowledged by the Church's representative (the Diocesan Bishop). If you are interested in the priesthood or the permanent diaconate, contact the pastor who will guide you along a preliminary process of discernment and put you in touch with the Office of Vocations of the Diocese of Richmond.
Click photo above to see introductory video.
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