Sacrament: A visible sign of an inward grace, instituted by Jesus Christ.

 

BAPTISM 

Baptism, the first and fundamental sacrament and the gate to the other sacraments, is the purifying and sanctifying sacrament of rebirth. It is the means by which its recipients are incorporated into the church in a sacramental bond of unity. 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.

The Sacrament of Baptism is celebrated at 12 noon on Sundays. Please remember that Godparents must be practicing Catholics who have reached their 16th year and have received all of the Sacraments of Initiation (i.e., Baptism. First Holy Communion, and Confirmation). For those Godparents who are married, their marriage must be recognized by the Catholic Church. Parents of the person being baptized are not eligible to act as Godparents.

Only one Godparent is necessary for Baptism and not more than two. When two are acting as Godparents, one must be male and the other female according to Canon Law (universal Church Law). A non-Catholic, legitimately baptized and practicing Christian may act as a Christian witness along with a Catholic Godparent. 

To make arrangements to have your child baptized, kindly reach out to the Parish Office at (908) 638-6211 or email: parishoffice@sjchb.org

RECONCILIATION (CONFESSION)

The Catholic Sacrament of Reconciliation (also known as Penance) has four elements: contrition, confession, satisfaction, and one on the part of the Priest of the sacrament, absolution. In it we find God's unconditional forgiveness; as a result, we are called to forgive others.
Through penance, the faithful receive pardon through God's mercy for the sins they have committed. At the same time, they are reconciled with the Church community.

For children, preparation for the reception of First Penance takes place in the second grade of the Faith Formation class.

Confessions are heard on Saturdays from 3:30 pm to 4 pm, and by appointment or upon request. Call the Parish Office if you'd like to make an appointment!

EUCHARIST (HOLY COMMUNION)

We as 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 and are filled with His sanctifying grace which is needed to gain heaven.

As children reach the age of reason, generally around age seven, the Church extends to them an invitation to celebrate the sacrament of Eucharist (First Holy Communion). The initiation into the Christian community that took place at baptism is further extended by inviting children to enter fully into the heart of the Christian faith through participation in the Eucharist.

Formal religious preparation will encompass at least two years preceded by the reception of the Sacrament of Penance. First Holy Communion is received in the second grade.

CONFIRMATION

Confirmation is the Catholic Sacrament of mature Christian commitment and a deepening of Baptismal gifts. It is one of the three Sacraments of Initiation for Catholics. It is most often associated with the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which are wisdom, understanding, knowledge, right judgment, courage, reverence, wonder, and awe.
Confirmation is conferred through anointing with chrism and the laying on of hands by the Bishop or the Bishop can "delegate" his apostolic authority to perform the sacrament of Confirmation to the local Priest who is then able to do so without having the Bishop present.

Students will be confirmed at the end of their 9th grade Faith Formation year.

Preparation time encompasses a two-year period, grade 8 & 9.

MATRIMONY

Matrimony is a celebration of a lifelong commitment of faithful love. Living together in marriage is not the only way in which people love one another, but marriage is certainly the supreme example of human love.

In accordance with Diocesan Policy, arrangements for a Wedding must be made at least one year in advance. Before contracting a date with a venue, please call the Parish Office to make arrangements to meet with one of the clergy members. You will be required to partake in Pre-Cana and God's Plan for a Joy-Filled Marriage which is a marriage preparation course and complete the required paperwork.

ANOINTING OF THE SICK

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.

Through the Sacrament of Anointing, Christ strengthens the faithful who are afflicted by illness, providing them with the strongest means of support.  The Sacrament of Anointing prepares a person for death, which includes spiritual healing and forgiveness of sins. If death is imminent, the Eucharist is offered Viaticum, (food for the journey). Canon Law states that "anyone who is such danger of death from an illness or old age" can receive the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.

If you or a loved one wishes to receive this Sacrament, please contact the Parish Office at (908) 638-6211.

HOLY ORDERS

In the Sacrament of Holy Orders, or Ordination, the Priest being ordained, vows to lead other Catholics by bringing them the sacraments (especially the Eucharist), by proclaiming the Gospel, and by providing other means to holiness. Holy Orders is the Sacrament by which Bishops, Priests and Deacons are ordained and receive the power and grace to perform their sacred duties. The sacred rite by which orders are conferred is called ordination.

Through the Sacrament of Holy Orders the Holy Spirit imparts that tremendous power, to the ordained Priest, to call Jesus Christ, Himself, down upon the altar.

 If you feel God is calling you to the Priesthood or to become a Deacon please contact Father Kris at (908) 638-6211.

ORDER OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS

The O.C.I.A. program is not a Sacrament but is a Religious Education Program for non-Catholic adults who are interested in becoming Catholic or for Catholics who have not received all the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Reconciliation, Holy Communion, Confirmation). Candidates who were baptized into another Christian church, who wish to become Catholic, can also enter the program. Candidates will be received into the Church at the Easter Vigil.

For those baptized Catholic adults who have not received all of the Sacraments of Initiation, (Baptism, First Holy Communion and Confirmation) please contact the Parish Office at (908) 638-6211 ext.1