Photo of stained glass window at Holy Redeemer by Andy Gero

CELEBRATION TRADITIONS
While we believe that human life is infused with the sacramental goodness of God, the Catholic Church has defined seven sacraments instituted by and through the life of Jesus Christ. It is through the experience of the sacramental ritual that we are infused with God's grace. The sacraments nourish and strengthen us as they express and build up our faith.

At Holy Redeemer-St James Parish Community, we encourage full participation in the sacramental life of the church. We hope that the sacraments enrich your already strong faith and that they bring your family more fully into our parish family.

BAPTISM
A New Life with Christ and His Church
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 children 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."

Baptisms are held on the first Saturday at Holy Redeemer 10am and the third Saturday at St James 10am. For children 7 years old and older, formal instruction is required. Please contact the parish office for more information 818-249-2008. 

Adults in OCIA receive all the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil each year. For more information on OCIA, please email our Director of Faith Formation at drehrsj@gmail.com

RECONCILIATION
Conversion, Confession and Celebration
The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Penance) has three elements: conversion, confession and celebration. In it we find God's unconditional forgiveness; as a result we are called to forgive others.

A first Confession is given to those in formal instruction such as RCIA or Religious Education/Parish School before receiving their First Holy Communion. Confession, Communion and the Anointing are the only three Sacraments that can be repeated throughout our lives.

Confession is offered at St. James on Saturdays at 8am and Monday evenings at 7pm at Holy Redeemer. Please call the parish office to reserve a time: 818-249-2008.

EUCHARIST
The Source and Summit of our Faith
The Eucharist is "the source and summit of the Christian life."The Holy Eucharist completes Christian initiation. Those who have been raised to the dignity of the royal priesthood by Baptism and configured more deeply to Christ by Confirmation participate with the whole community in the Lord's own sacrifice by means of the Eucharist. 

In our Parish Community, First Holy Communion is typically given to children in the 2nd grade and requires two years of instruction.

Adults needing this Sacrament would go through the OCIA process. Please email our Director of Faith Formation to inquire about these sacraments: drehrsj@gmail.com

CONFIRMATION
"Sealed" for High School Students
The Sacrament of Confirmation is a statement to the world that you are ready to step into the fullness of your Catholic life. It is a sacrament that fullfills the promise of the Holy Spirit in one's walk with Jesus Christ. Are you Ready? Visit www.hrsjlifeteen.com to learn more about this program.

Adults not Confirmed will go through the RCIA process. Email drehrsj@gmail.com

HOLY ORDERS & RELIGIOUS LIFE
The Call to Serve as a Priest, Deacon, Sister or Brother
We have celebrated with two parishioners who answered their vocational call.  Tommy Roide was ordained to the priesthood and Sister Anthony Marie Bautista made the Profession of First Vows with the Dominican Sisters. It is with great love that the Lord Jesus calls men and women to proclaim the Gospel and to serve their brothers and sisters in the name of Christ and his Church. Thus, the mission and ministry continues "in flesh and blood" through those called to a priestly or religious vocation. For more information, visit www.lavocations.org

PRAY FOR VOCATIONS! 

MATRIMONY
Reflects the Union of Jesus Christ & His Church
Marriage is a unique sacrament in that it is built into the very nature of our human reality as created male and female, through God’s love, in the image of God who is love, and called to a covenant of loving one another, in sharing God’s own divine love. Congratulations on finding this love!  Please contact the parish office to make an appointment  818-249-2008. 

ANOINTING OF THE SICK
For the Recovery of Health & Spiritual Strength
If you or a family member are facing serious illness, surgery or the debilitating effects of aging, please call to arrange for this sacrament to be celebrated. Hospitals no longer will contact the local Catholic Church for this sacrament, so it is very important that you call us.

Call 818-249-2008

The celebration of the anointing of the sick is the Church's faithful response to the Bible's mandate in the Letter of James, which states: "are there those who are sick among you, let them send for the priests of the church and let the priest pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord and the prayer of faith will save the sick person."