The anointing of the sick is administered to bring spiritual and even physical strength during an illness, especially near the time of death. It is easy to see how misunderstood this sacrament is. Prior to the Second Vatican Council, this sacrament was referred to as Extreme Unction or Last Rites, reserved for the dying or those in danger of death. Anointing of the Sick has been restored to its original intention since Vatican II so that those who are experiencing illness, physical or emotional, may receive this sacrament for strength and healing. The priest will anoint your forehead and the palms of your hands as you receive this sacrament. If for some reason you are unable to receive Holy Communion, you are not excluded from receiving the Anointing of the Sick. If you are facing surgery, a frightening diagnosis, or a chronic condition, then please consider the reception of this sacrament of God’s mercy.

Anyone who receives this anointing and recovers his or her health may receive this sacrament again if another grave illness occurs. If, during the same illness, the person’s condition becomes more serious, the sacrament may be repeated as well. Anybody can be in danger of death at any time. Therefore, it is fitting to receive the Anointing of the Sick prior to a serious surgery. The same holds for the elderly whose weakness becomes more pronounced. The elderly can receive this sacrament every three months. Those who are traveling are also in danger of death and may receive this sacrament prior to their journey. “Only Priests (presbyters and bishops) can give the sacrament of the Sick, using oil blessed by the bishop, or if necessary by the celebrating priest himself.” CC 1516

The Anointing of the Sick bestows a special grace which has the effect of uniting the sick person to the passion of Christ, for his own good and that of the whole Church; the strengthening, peace, and courage to endure in a Christian manner the suffering of illness or old age; the forgiveness of sin if the sick person was not able to obtain it through the sacrament of Penance; the restoration of health, if it is conducive to the salvation of his soul; and the preparation for passing over to eternal life. Who would not want this sacrament then at a proper time?

Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua), and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: "Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word." (CCC, no. 1213)

For infant and children baptisms, the parents should contact the Church Office for a Baptism Registration packet and information on the parent preparation class. Baptisms are scheduled through the office once documents are completed and approved by the pastor. 

For adult baptisms, the person should contact Deacon Paul Worth about the RCIA (Rite of Catholic Initiation for Adults) program. Typically, classes begin in September and the adults are welcomed into the Church at the Easter Vigil. 

Please read our RCIA page for more information.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PARENTS OR GUARDIANS?

Parents who wish to have their child baptized must be registered, active parishioners.  Please obtain a Baptism Registration packet at the Church Office.  Baptisms are scheduled upon receipt of the required documents and approval of the Pastor. 

A baptismal prepration class is required.  This baptismal preparation class is aimed at providing information about baptism and an opportunity for discussion about the meaning of Christian Baptism for infants. This course is also intended to highlight the responsibilities of parents and godparents as primary teachers and role models of the faith. Attending a baptismal preparation class is mandatory if you wish to have your child baptized at St. John the Evangelist..

The baptismal preparation class is scheduled as needed with Deacon David Lasseter (229-251-7874).  The Spanish preparation class takes place on the first Saturday of each month--contact Marco Perez for details at 229-415-0432 (Spanish speaking only.) 

Please contact the Church Office is you wish to have your child baptized at another parish, or if you need a letter of eligibility to be a godparent.  

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE GODPARENTS?

What are the requirements for the godparents?
Only one godparent is required for baptism. If two godparents are chosen, one must be Catholic. To be eligible to serve as a sponsor, a person must:

• Be appointed as such by the appropriate person or priest.
•  Be at least sixteen years of age.
• Be a Catholic who has received First Communion and the Sacrament of Confirmation, and who lives a life of faith befitting the role of a godparent.
• Not labor under any canonical penalties.
• Not be the mother or father of the one to be baptized.

Godparents who did not attend our baptismal preparation class must provide a certificate of completion from their home parish. Godparents who are not parishioners of St. John the Evangelist must also provide a sponsor letter from their home parish stating they are members in good standing and are eligible to be godparents.

Confirmation is the second sacrament of initiation, although it is normally received third. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC), “By the sacrament of Confirmation, the baptized are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit. Hence they are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread and defend by word and deed”(par. 1285).

Like Baptism, Confirmation can only be received once since it imprints on our soul an indelible spiritual mark. At Confirmation, we are marked with the seal of the Holy Spirit.

Confirmation Checklist

1. Candidates must be enrolled from the beginning of the school year and complete all diocesan and parish requirements for two (2) years to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.
2. Families must be registered at St. John Church.
3. Candidates and their families must attend Sunday liturgy every week and Holy Days of obligation. The family as a whole should be actively involved in the life of the parish.
4. Candidates must be at least in the 8th grade (13 years old).
5. Candidates must provide a copy of Baptismal, First Reconciliation and First Communion certificates.
6. Candidates must attend a Confirmation retreat.

Families who move into the parish during the summer or in the course of the year may certainly register and enroll their children in Religious Education. Those entering into eighth grade must show proof of one year of religious education at their former parish. A letter from the Pastor or Director of Religious Education is sufficient.

Communion is the third sacrament of initiation in the Church. In it we are nourished and strengthened for our daily lives. We believe that Jesus Christ is fully present – Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity. The bread and wine are not symbols, but signs of his Real Presence.

Families who move into the parish during the summer or in the course of the year may certainly register and enroll their children in Religious Education. Those entering into second grade must show proof of one year of religious education at their former parish. A letter from the priest or director of religious education is sufficient.

Checklist

1. Candidates intending to receive First Holy Communion and First Reconciliation must be enrolled and participate in a Catholic School or Religious Education Program for two(2) years.
2. Families must be registered in our parish.
3. Candidates must be baptized.
4. Candidates and their families must attend Sunday liturgy every week and Holy Days of Obligation. Families should be actively involved in the life of the parish.
5. Candidates must be at least in the second grade (7 years old).
6. Candidates must be enrolled from the beginning of each school year and must complete all diocesan and parish requirements to receive the sacrament.

The sacrament of Holy Orders is the continuation of Christ’s priesthood, which he bestowed upon his apostles. The Catholic Church refers to this sacrament as “The Sacrament of Apostolic Ministry”. It includes three degrees: episcopate, presbyterate and diaconate.
Catechism of the Catholic Church 1536

If you are being called and wish to discern a possible vocation to the diaconate or priesthood, speak with your priest or contact the Vocations Promoter for our Deanery, Fr. Robert Phillips, at [email protected].

You’re engaged and excited about getting married. Where do you start? What’s the process? Who should you call?

Your first call should be to the church both to make sure it is available and, more importantly, because your wedding day is about receiving a sacrament that is lifelong. The social event is secondary.

1. Couples must notify a Priest at least 6months prior to the wedding date.
2. Couples must be active, practicing members of the Parish.
3. Couples must complete the FOCCUS inventory and review.
4. Couples must attend a Marriage Prep weekend.