Sacraments
The Catechumenate
The Catechumenate is process for those interested in learning more about the Catholic Church and who are discerning whether or not to join the Catholic Church. "Returning Catholics," those who have been away from the Church for a while, are welcome to join the process as well.
The process includes classes, prayer experiences, small-group discussion, and sharing, and includes a lot of time for "questions and answers." The Catechumenate group meets weekly from late summer to spring, although interested persons are encouraged to contact the parish at any time. The 2011-2012 schedule is now available along with the registration form. Also available is the Sponsor registration form. Please contact Mariann McCormally for more information.
Baptism
Please contact Pastoral Associate Mariann McCormally for more information and to schedule the baptism.
Baptisms are generally celebrated during the weekend liturgies on the third weekend of the month.
Parents must be registered members of the parish or have the permission of the pastor where they are registered. Parents (and godparents) are asked to attend one "Baptism Prep" class to walk-thru the baptismal ritual and to discuss the following information:
- The Seven Sacraments of the Catholic Church
- The Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist
- The Signs and Symbols of Baptism: Water, Oil, White Garment and Candle
- The Ritual of Baptism
- The Role of Parents in the Life of a Child: The First and Best Teachers in the Ways of Faith
- The Role of Godparents in the Life of a Child: Prayer Partner and Role Model
This isn't so much a "class," but a faith-sharing discussion. It is ideal (but not required) for the godparents to attend as well. Please contact Pastoral Associate Mariann McCormally or someone else from the Baptism Prep team to set up a time to meet:
Rosalind OHora : 816-523-5157
Jennifer and David Rouyer : 816-361-0586
Kate and Jeremy Morris : 913-677-5283
After scheduling the baptism, please review and fill out the Baptism application form.
Communion
(First Communion, First Reconciliation, and Older Kids' Baptism ("Children's Catechumenate"))
Preparation for Grade 2 First Reconciliation and First Communion and for "Older Kids' Baptism" are held on Wednesday evenings. Please contact Mariann McCormally for more information.
Calendars
- First Reconciliation and First Communion
- Children's Catechumenate
Registration Form Page 1 and Page 2.
In case of bad weather: We will cancel First Reconciliation, First Communion, and Children's Catechumentate classes whenever the Central City Schools are cancelled because of bad weather. If the weather begins to get bad after school is dismissed, please call the Religious Education office (816-523-5115, ext. 204) to see if we are holding classes.
Confirmation
St.Francis Xavier Parish offers preparation classes for the Sacrament of Confirmation for high school freshmen and sophomores (and older students), following the guidelines established by the Diocese of Kansas City – St. Joseph, every other year. The next Confirmation Prep class will be offered during the 2011-2012 school year. Contact Mariann McCormally for more information.
Confirmation Documents
Information Sheet
Description of the Process
Calendar of Events
Calendar for Sponsors
Conversation with My Sponsor
Attendance Policy
Service Record
Guidelines for Confirmation Letter
Adult Confirmation
Once a year, the Bishop confirms young (and not-so-young) adults who, for whatever reason, "missed" Confirmation when they were younger. Mariann McCormally coordinates the preparation process for this sacrament. The next Adult Confirmation ceremony will be Wednesday, June 22, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Contact Mariann for more information and to sign up for preparation classes.
Reconciliation
Reconciliation (also known as Penance or Confession) is one of the Sacraments of Healing. After an Examination of Conscience one is invited to confess one's sins to the priest, receive counsel, accept a penance, offer a prayer of sorrow, and receive absolution. Our penance may be a simple prayer or an act of kindness, something that helps us to grow stronger in our faith and something that helps heal the hurt our sin has caused ourselves or others. In offering the prayer of sorrow we make a firm intention to "do penance, to sin no more and to avoid whatever leads us to sin." In this sacrament we find God's unconditional forgiveness, and as a result we are called to forgive others. Reconciliation is held on Saturdays from 3:00 – 3:45 p.m. in the church or by appointment with one of our priests. For 1st Reconciliation, contact the Director of Youth and Family Ministry, Mariann McCormally.
Marriage
The Sacrament of Marriage is the public sign made by two people expressing their willingness to give themselves totally to each other. Contact the Pastor, Fr. John Vowells, S.J. (816-523-5115, ext. 203 or jvowells@sfx-kc.org) at least 9 months prior to desired date to check availability. Rehearsals are held on Friday evenings at 6:00 p.m. and weddings on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. or 6:30 p.m.
Anointing of the Sick
Anointing of the Sick, formerly known as Last Rites or Extreme Unction, is also a Sacrament of Healing. Rooted in the Scriptures (see James 5:13-15) and from the very earliest history of the Church, it is a ritual of healing appropriate not only for physical but also for mental and spiritual sickness. Anointing is celebrated once a month at our 11:00 a.m. daily Mass (check the parish calendar for dates), or by appointment with one of our priests. If there is a need to schedule a funeral, check the How do I? section.