Adult Baptism Adults seeking to become Catholic are welcomed into our church through Baptism at the Easter Vigil liturgy. Preparation is through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).

Infant Baptism The sacrament of Baptism for children under the age of 7 is celebrated on scheduled Saturday mornings. Preparation for the parents of children to be baptized is led by teams of catechists. Parents must register for the class and Baptism by calling or coming to the parish office.

Eucharist
The center of our community life is the celebration of the Eucharist.

Hospital Ministry: Communion for the sick, homebound, and hospitalized is provided by our Eucharistic Ministers as an ongoing ministry. Communion is distributed weekly by our Eucharistic Ministers to the patients at Houston Northwest Hospital and to the residents at Health South and the Mariner Nursing Homes.

First Eucharist is celebrated during the Sunday Liturgy at specified times during the year. The Children’s Sacrament Coordinator handles preparation for elementary and middle school age children, which is a 2-year commitment.

Reconciliation (Penance)
This sacrament offers a continuing process of conversion through which Christians are forgiven and reconciled with God and with the community of faith. The opportunity for individual Reconciliation is offered on Wednesdays from 6:30 - 7:15 p.m. and Saturdays from 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. and other times by appointment.

First Reconciliation: This sacrament is prepared for in conjunction with First Eucharist and is celebrated prior to First Eucharist. The Faith Formation Office can provide more information.

Confirmation
Confirmation is a sacrament of initiation recognizing the power of the Spirit in the life of a Catholic. Confirmation is a two-year program and preparation starts in the 9th grade. The Confirmation Coordinator, along with the clergy, prepares the instruction/formation of the candidates.

Confirmation for Adults: This program is designed for adults who desire the Sacrament of Confirmation. Weekly meetings prepare adults for Confirmation (and First Communion if necessary).

Marriage
The Sacrament of Marriage celebrates a lifelong commitment of love and fidelity between a man and a woman. The model for this union is Christ’s love for the Church.

Couples planning marriage at St. James must contact the parish office at least 9 months prior to their anticipated wedding date. This date is not set until meeting with the priest or deacon. Guidelines for the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston will be followed in preparing for Marriage, as in all sacraments.

Anointing of the Sick
The Anointing of the Sick is the sacrament which continues Jesus’ healing ministry in our day. It expresses the whole Church’s concern for the sick and our belief In the healing love of Jesus. This sacrament is no longer limited to the dangerously ill but is available on request to anyone facing serious illness or the limitations of advanced age.The sacrament is celebrated upon request before and after allthe Masses