St. James Parish, Mason at 1010 S. Lansing St, Mason, MI 48854-1920 US - General Information

Baptism Preparation:
 
Deacon Tom Feiten is the current head of the Baptism Preparation program, which teaches children, parents, and godparents about what it means to be baptized, and what their roles are. The program is open to general attendance, however the meetings are most relevant to the parents (who are required to attend before the Baptism of their child) and godparents of children about to be baptized. Meetings typically occur every other month.

More specific details can be obtained by contacting Father Al or Deacon Tom Feiten

Confirmation:
 
Confirmation preparation is a separate entity from the regular programming of Faith Formation, and is open to students in grades seven and up. Preparation spans an 18 month time period.

To register or for further information, contact the parish Faith Formation Office at 676-9111.

Director of Faith Formation - Rose Robertson
Faith Formation Secretary - Barb Madsen

First Communion & Reconciliation:
 
Sacramental preparation for First Communion and Reconciliation is done within Parent/Child Workshops and at home preparation. Preparation for communion is in the second grade; in depth preparation for reconciliation is in the fourth grade. Parents may, with assistance from the parish, prepare their children for the Sacrament of Reconciliation in the second grade.

Un-baptized children,  in grades 3 and up wishing to become Catholic, are enrolled in the regular program as well as participating in the RCIA program (Rite of Christian Initiation). After adequate preparation, they will receive Baptism, Eucharist, & Confirmation at the Easter Vigil.

To register or for further information, contact the parish Faith Formation Office at 676-9111.

Director of Faith Formation - Rose Robertson
Faith Formation Secretary - Barb Madsen

R.C.I.A. (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults): R.C.I.A. provides preparation through scripture study, faith sharing, discussion, discernment, and rites, for reception of sacraments at the Easter Vigil. This faith journey takes place for approximately one year. Any adult considering joining the Catholic Church is welcome: a baptized or non-baptized person, someone not Catholic but married to a Catholic, someone not Catholic who is marrying a Catholic and exploring the possibility, someone who has not received all the sacraments, such as one who was baptized, but has not received Holy Communion and was never confirmed. RCIA meets one evening per week beginning with inquiry sessions in mid-summer and concludes after Easter with several sessions called Mystagogia, which explores the mysteries of the church. Adult Catholics who are active in the Church are invited to consider being a sponsor for someone on this faith journey.

For further information please contact the parish office at 676-9111 or Director of Adult RCIA: Walt Gurzenda (or Bonnie) (517) 623-0089

Marriage Preparation:

Couples from the parish preparing for marriage are asked to contact Fr. Al or Deacon Tom at least 9 months in advance of a planned marriage ceremony. Couples then complete the FOCCUS pre-marital inventory and review it with a Parish Sponsor Couple, attend a 6 hour communications seminar called “We Care,” and  attend the Catholic Information and Natural Family Planning Information Sessions. Couples entering a second marriage, must attend a weekend Remarriage Seminar. Also offered are the Engaged Encounter and four session Natural Family Planning training.

Couples who have a strong marriage of at least five years and have a good relationship with Christ and the church are needed to be sponsor couples to review the pre-marital inventory with couples preparing for marriage. If you are interested in this ministry, contact Father Al at the office.

Sacrament of the Sick:

“Is there anyone sick among you.  Let them call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord.”  (James 5:14)  The Sacrament of the Sick is celebrated communally at a Mass in the Spring and in the Fall.  Contact Father Al for anointing at anytime, when facing serious illness or surgery.

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