Baptismal Preparation: 

The couples involved in this ministry work with the young parents who are seeking to have their children baptized at the St. James or St. Joseph Site. The Baptismal preparation takes place on the 2nd Sunday of each month on a rotating basis between the two sites. 

                Sr. Zita Simon, 271-5771 or zsimon@straphael.org 

Confirmation Preparation Program:  

                The St. James Parish Confirmation Preparation Program provides sacramental preparation to young people grades 9 -12 who are seeking to celebrate Confirmation.  

Small group leaders, sponsors and guest speakers are always needed.  

Volunteer Commitment:  

                 Small group leaders commit to foster group dynamics in small group settings for a one year cycle of Confirmation related activities, including several group meetings and a one day long retreat. Small group leaders also commit to preparation and to planning meetings as necessary. Sponsors provide emotional and spiritual support to one particular confirmation candidate for one year, including presence at several two-hour Sunday Faith-sharing evenings and at part of the day-long retreat.   For further information, please contact   Sr. Zita Simon, 271-5771 or zsimon@straphael.org

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults RCIA:  

                Our parish offers the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), the process through which non-baptized and baptized men and women from non-Catholic  traditions enter the Catholic Church. These men and women are guided and cared for as  they awaken in faith and are gradually introduced to the Catholic way of life. Participants undergo a process of conversion as they study the Gospel, profess faith in Jesus and in the Catholic Church and receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist with support of a sponsor.  

Sponsor's Commitment:  

 Involvement in the RCIA process involves dedication to spiritual growth throughout ones lifetime. A sponsor should be well grounded in the Catholic faith tradition and be willing to share that faith intimately with another person. 

For more information about this program, please contact 

  Sr. Zita Simon, 271-5771 or zsimon@straphael.org 

Marriage and Family Ministry:

                    This ministry was set up to promote Catholic/biblical attitudes toward creating and strengthening Christian marriage and Christian family life. It currently consists of the FOCUS Ministry Team. The FOCUS Ministry assists engaged couples in preparation for Christian marriage. Persons doing this work are married couples in the parish. One married couple meets with one engaged couple for a series of discussions. FOCUS uses and inventory tool developed by a profession psychologist/social work team, and a discussion facilitation manual. Training and consultation are provided to the married couple who volunteer.  

Volunteer Commitment: 

A one year commitment is required for each team, but many who get involved stay on for several years.  

FOCUS team couples meet with approximately 2-3 engaged couples per year in the FOCUS couples’ home. Each engaged couple will require approximately 2 to 5 meetings ranging in time from 1-2 hours.  Membership The FOCUS Ministry team is usually selected by the pastor. Please call him if you are interested.  

Special Requirements  

FOCUS team couples must go through 2 hour training upon recruitment. Commitment to a solid marriage is a must. The couple must be willing to look at and work on needs of their own marriage as well as to share their own faith and marriage experience as appropriate.