The sacraments of the Catholic Church are very specific, public rituals in which the Church experiences the love, mercy and compassion of our God.  The seven sacraments, especially the Eucharist, make God's grace present in word and sign.  Thus graced, we are sent into the world to build up the kingdom of God.

Baptism

The Sacrament of Baptism is normally celebrated at St John's on the second Sunday of the month during the Sunday morning Mass, and on the fourth Sunday of the month after the Mass.  Exceptions to the above times will be made in the case of emergencies and if it is too difficult to gather family, godparents, etc. for these Sundays.  If it is your  first child that is to be baptized, or if you have never attended a baptismal preparation class, it is necessary that you do so.   info[at]sjccduluth.org

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)

The RCIA is a process that welcomes women and men into the Catholic Christian Community.  An invitation is given to those who have never been baptized, have been baptized in another Christian faith tradition or to those who have been baptized Catholic but have not received the Sacraments of Confirmation or Eucharist or any spiritual formation.

The process includes instruction in the teachings of the Catholic Church, reflection on Sacred Scripture, participation in community worship and prayer, and sharing in the mission of the Church through Christian service.  An open invitation extends to interested persons throughout the year.   rcia[at]sjccduluth.org

First Reconciliation and First Communion

These sacraments are normally celebrated by children who are seven years old (second graders).  The classes and the celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation take place in the late fall.  The preparation and the celebration of First Communion occur in the Spring.  We normally celebrate First Communion on the last Sunday of April or the first Sunday of May.  It is necessary that children who are preparing for these sacraments have already been baptized.

If your children are older than seven years of age or beyond the second grade and have not yet been prepared for and celebrated these sacraments, please call the rectory and you will receive the necessary information.   info[at]sjccduluth.org

Confirmation

In the Diocese of Duluth, the Sacrament of Confirmation is usually celebrated in the 11th grade.  Young men and women who are asking to be confirmed are required to attend classes, make a retreat, and perform several hours of service.  If they are not baptized at St John's they must also provide a copy of their baptismal certificate.   info[at]sjccduluth.org

Marriage

Those who are free to marry in the Catholic Church need to contact the parish a minimum of four to six months before the desired date of the wedding.  It is required that you have an initial meeting with the pastor or deacon before any definite date for the wedding can be set.  At the initial meeting with the pastor or deacon, a packet containing the parish wedding policy will be provided.

A pre-marriage program is required.  In order to be free to enter marriage in the Catholic Church you must not have been married before, or if you have been married, the first marriage is either annulled or declared invalid due to lack of form.  Those Catholics who are not baptized at St John's must provide a baptismal certificate issued within the previous six months.   info[at]sjccduluth.org

Anointing of the Sick

In view of the fact that there are fewer priests available today it is not wise to put off the Anointing of the Sick.  It is not necessary that the sick person be in danger of death to celebrate the Anointing of the Sick.  Please call the parish office as soon as you know if someone needs to be anointed.  In case of emergency, we will come as soon as possible.  If a family member is hospitalized and you cannot contact the pastor, a chaplain is on call at all times in the hospital.  Deacons can visit the sick and bring them communion, but they cannot celebrate the Anointing of the Sick.   info[at]sjccduluth.org

Christian Burial

It can be a very stressful time when a loved one dies.  The Church is available to help the family not only celebrate its life on earth, but also its eternal life in heaven.  After the death of a loved one, please call the rectory and speak with the pastor as soon as possible to notify him of the death and to discuss possible dates and times for the funeral liturgy.  Once all the arrangements have been made with the funeral director, the presider at the funeral would like to meet the family to plan the funeral liturgy.

Because it is an official celebration of the church, certain parameters are in effect when planning a funeral liturgy.  The family will be able to choose and proclaim the readings, write the intercessions, have a member offer a short reflection, etc.  Our desire is to help the family truly celebrate the Christian belief that even in death we live forever.

The parish will also be able to provide you with the contact person from the Rosary Society to help coordinate the luncheon.  The food is usually catered in and the Rosary Society will serve it.

Please contact the parish office as soon as possible so that we can begin to plan the service and luncheon.   info[at]sjccduluth.org

More about St John's Catholic Community:

History of St. John's
Sacraments
Religious Education
Liturgical Ministries
Parish Ministries
Faith and Fellowship
Parish Socials / Seasonal Activities
Parish Facilities
Parish Organizations
Social Outreach
Parish Giving