Baptism
Baptism is the first of the Sacraments of Initiation. Through the waters of baptism we are bought into a new life with Christ. We die to our old self and are reborn into new life. Baptism cleanses us of Original Sin and leaves with a Spiritual mark on our souls. If you wish to have your infant or your child up to age 6 baptized, you must first attend a Baptism Class. This class is facilitated at St. John by Deacon Mr. Ted Kaser, Jr. You may obtain additional information by calling the parish office at 419-222-5521.
Once you have attended a class, the facilitator will complete a Sacrament Record Form and submit it to the Parish Secretary. You may then call the office to schedule the baptism.
Baptisms are performed at St. John either before or during the 9:30 a.m. Mass on Sunday.
If your child is 6 years to 12 years old and have not been baptized, then they must attend the PREP (Parish Religious Education Program) to receive the proper catechesis before their baptism or enroll at St, Rose school. You may enroll these students in the PREP programs by contacting Amanda Mick.
Children in high school who wish to be baptized must attend the RCIA program which runs from September through the Easter Vigil. Enrollment for RCIA may also be made by contacting Roseanne Roop at rroop@wcoil.com
Please be advised that proper dress code should be followed during the receiving of all sacraments and attending the Liturgy.
Reconciliation
Confessions are heard the first and third Sundays at 8:45 a.m. at St. John Church. Community Penance Services are held during Advent and Lent. Private Confessions can be made by contacting the Pastor at the parish office.
Through the Sacrament of Reconciliation or Penance we receive God's grace and the forgiveness of our sins.
You may make your confession face to face with the priest or behind a partition. The priest will guide you through your confession. Please note that the priest is bound by the seal of confession not to disclose anything you may tell him during your confession. You are confessing your sins to God through the priest. It is important to confess all sins, especially mortal sins to the priest.
After your confession is made, the priest will ask you to say the Act of Contrition – "O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended You. I detest all my sins because I dread the loss of heaven and the pains of hell. But most of all because they offend You, my God, Who are all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of Your grace, to sin no more and to avoid the near occasions of sin. Amen." The priest will then give you a penance to perform – this usually consists of prayers or some type of retribution. You then leave the confessional and say your penance before leaving the church.
Holy Communion
The Holy Eucharist completes our Christian initiation. It is the receiving of the Body and Precious Blood of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Vatican II describes Holy Eucharist as "the source and summit of Christian Life".
St. John First Communion will be at the 9:30 a.m. Sunday Mass.
First Holy Communion is scheduled in the Spring (April/May) each year. Children receiving the sacrament of Holy Eucharist must be baptized and catechized before receiving the sacrament. The child must either attend St. Rose school or the Parish Religious Education Program (PREP).
Confirmation
Para. 1315: "Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit; for it had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit" (Acts 8:14-17).
At St. John young people are confirmed in the seventh and eighth grades. Their preparation includes ministries within the church. They are catechized either through their religion courses at St.Rose School or through the PREP program. Confirmation is held every 2 years at St. Rose. Confirmation date is April 27, 2019 at St. Rose.
Should you wish to receive more information on the Sacrament of Confirmation, please click on the button for the Forms pertaining to Confirmation.
Anointing of the Sick
Anointing of the Sick is a powerful sign that brings strength and healing to the sick and the dying. You may receive this Sacrament as often as necessary throughout your lifetime. This Sacrament is called a Sacrament of Healing, as in many cases, once the anointing is administered, the person may in fact recover or become well again. This sacrament helps the dying on their faith journey into heaven.
Once called Extreme Unction, the sacrament was believed to be the final recourse before death. Newer thinking found that the Sacrament gives several graces as well as strengthening through the Holy Spirit against anxiety, discouragement, and temptation.
Should you or a loved one wish to receive the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, please contact the parish office. Arrangements for those who know they are entering the hospital can be made following a weekday or Sunday liturgy.
Marriage
Couples wishing to be married at our parish must contact the pastor to set up an appointment at least six months before the wedding date. Please be advised that spring weddings are always in demand, so you should call as soon as you set a date to ensure that date is available. The pastor will set up pre-marriage counseling sessions with the couples, and will let the parish secretary know the wedding date so it can be reserved.
When you meet with the pastor/priest you will be given a Marriage Contract that needs to be completed. Wedding fee for parishioners who attend Mass on a regular basis is $100; for parishioners who do not attend Mass on a regular basis $300; non-parishioner rate is $500. A $100 deposit is required and should be returned to the parish office along with the Marriage Contract. The above fees are for the church only and do not include organist, vocalist fees or the stipend for the priest. When paying a stipend for the priest, consideration should be given for mileage and accommodations as well as his time for the marriage prep classes.
An Engaged Couples booklet will also be given to you when you meet with priest. This booklet details the ins/outs of what is acceptable for your wedding.
The parish has a wedding coordinator and you may contact them through the parish office.
Weddings are held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday if it includes a Mass; ceremony only marriages are at 1:30 p.m. If you wish to have an evening wedding, it must be held on Friday. (These times are set with the diocese and cannot be changed due to the normal weekend Mass and Confession schedule of the parishes).