Sacraments

Sacraments of Initiation

Baptism

The Sacrament of Baptism is the first of the Sacraments of Initiation:  Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.  Baptism welcomes new members into the Church.  We baptize infants, children, teens and adults.


The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA/catechumenate) is the process for those interested in learning more about the Catholic Church and discerning a call to become Catholic.


Infant Baptism (birth – age 7)


The Sacrament of Baptism is the first of the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. Baptism welcomes new members into the Church. We baptize infants, children, teens and adults.


Parents must be registered members of the parish or have the written permission of the pastor where they are registered.


At least one of the godparents must be a baptized, confirmed, practicing Catholic. The other godparent may be a Christian witness of another Christian denomination.


There is no fee for the Sacrament, however, it is customary to offer a small financial gift ($25-$100) to the priest performing the Sacrament. In addition, non-parishioners are asked to make a $100 donation to the Church to help cover expenses (staff time, formation materials, ritual supplies, heating and cooling of the building, cleaning, etc.). 


Baptisim for Children and Teens (Ages 7-17)


Children age 7 (“the age of reason”) and older must be prepared for all three Sacraments of Initiation through a process called the Children’s Catechumenate.


Scheduling


Baptisms occur once per month at one of the weekend Masses. Contact Mariann for more information.


Baptismal Prep Class for Parents and Godparents


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.


The requirements that parents and godparents be registered members of a parish in good standing and attend a Baptism Preparation class may be waived by the priest performing the baptism.

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Communion

The Sacrament of Communion (also called “Eucharist”) is one of the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. We receive Communion at Mass, “the source and the summit of the Christian life” (Vatican II Constitution on the Church #11).  Roman Catholics believe we are fed by Word and Sacrament and experience the Real Presence of Jesus Christ, His Body and Blood.


Preparation for First Communion traditionally takes place during Grade 2.  Special accommodations will be made for older children and teens.  Preparation includes weekly classes and assumes regular attendance at Mass.

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Confirmation

The Sacrament of Confirmation is one of the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. Confirmation “confirms” our infant baptism and strengthens within us the Gifts of the Spirit: Wisdom, Understanding, Right Judgment, Courage, Knowledge, Reverence and Wonder & Awe in God’s Presence.


Practicing Catholics, age 21 and older, who “missed” being confirmed as teenager receive the Sacrament of Confirmation once a year at a special ceremony at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.

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Sacraments of Healing

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.


Preparation for First Reconciliation traditionally takes place during Grade 2.

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Anointing 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 12:00pm daily Mass (check the parish calendar for dates), or by appointment with one of our priests.  


Fr. Caime and the parish staff pray for the sick among our parishioners and their families and friends at the weekly staff meeting. If you would like a name added to our prayer list, please call the parish office at 816-523-5115. Names will be written in our SFX Book of Intentions, posted on our website and printed in the bulletin for three weeks.

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Sacraments of Vocation

Marriage

The Sacrament of Matrimony signifies the union of Christ and the Church. Marriage is a vocation in the church through which we live our baptismal promises. This sacrament reveals the very mystery of God in our lives. Marriage is always a serious, conscious, sacred commitment. Your choice to share your lives together in marriage and with this community is a bond formed before God and His people. In your relationship, you draw closer to God and to the Church. It is in this sacrament that Christ manifests unconditional love daily and forever.


Engaged couples are asked to contact the parish office at least nine months prior to the planned wedding date. This allows sufficient time to complete the Marriage Preparation Process. It is expected that at least one person is a registered and active member of the parish. Weddings are usually celebrated on Friday or Saturday (1:00pm or 6:00, 6:30pm), although they may be scheduled on other days as circumstances require. Contact Fr. Jim Caime, S.J., at (816) 381-9169 or pastor@sfx-kc.org.

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Holy Orders

If you believe God is calling you to priesthood in a religious congregation or in a diocese, please contact the vocation director of that religious congregation or diocese.  Here are a few resources:


Becoming a Jesuit


Kansas City St. Joseph Diocese Office for Priestly Vocations

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Funerals

To arrange a funeral at SFX, contact Fr. Jim Caime, S.J., at (816) 381-9169 or pastor@sfx-kc.org as soon as possible. We will make every effort to accommodate the needs of the family. Funeral Masses are usually held Tuesday – Saturday at 12:00 pm.


You may call the parish office at (816) 523-5115 if you have any questions.

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