Blessed John XXIII Parish

Sacraments

Introduction

The Catholic Church is a sacramental Church. A sacrament is a symbol of a sacred reality, a visible form of invisible grace. The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines sacraments as "efficacious signs of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, by which divine life is dispensed to us through the work of the Holy Spirit. The visible rites by which the sacraments are celebrated signify and make present the graces proper to each sacrament. They bear fruit in those who receive them with the required dispositions." (CCC, 1131). The sacraments form the basis of liturgical life in the Catholic Church, and are at the heart and core of our worshipping community here at Blessed John XXIII Parish.

Becoming Catholic at Blessed John XXIII (RCIA)

The process by which one becomes Catholic is referred to as the RCIA ...(RC - what?) It stands for Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. The words in the title, "Christian Initiation" indicate that it is for adults who are not already Christians. In other words, they have never been baptized. The RCIA has also been extended to include a second group of adults: those who are already baptized but are not Catholic. Why do people come in to the RCIA? It is different for each person. Here are reasons given by a few individuals. "Something was missing in my life. Returning to God and the church helped to fill that void." "We had a young child and wanted her to be raised in a Christian environment. We felt most comfortable in the Catholic Church." "I wanted more structure in my spiritual life, and I wanted to become part of a loving community."

You can think of RCIA as an apprenticeship in the Catholic way of life. Think of what an apprentice does ...they learn on the job, by working with a person with experience. In the RCIA the person who is considering becoming Catholic participates in the life of the parish, guided and accompanied by a sponsor. The RCIA is a combination of fun, spiritual growth, service projects, feeling like you belong, worshipping as a member of parish community, knowing others when you come to church, informal discussions about the Catholic faith, scriptures and the teachings of the Catholic Church. It builds on one's own personal faith journey that each of us has been on since the day we were born.

Please contact the Pastor for more information about becoming Catholic.

Sunday Eucharist

At Blessed John XXIII the Eucharist is the font and summit of everything we do. Our emphasis is on worship, welcoming and fellowship. We are known for our spirit-filled liturgies and welcoming atmosphere. Everyone is invited to sing and fully participate at Mass, to become a liturgical minister or join the choir. A Children's Liturgy of the Word is offered at most 10 am Masses, to help the children know that they are an important part of our worshiping community. After Mass everyone is invited to stay for refreshments and fellowship. Often Saturday night Mass is followed by supper and a parish activity such as Euchre, trivia night, or teen activity night.

We emphasize that the weekend Mass is the central time of learning and faith formation for both adults and children. At Mass we learn from scripture readings, homilies, prayers, and rituals. We are nourished by the Eucharist, and experience ourselves as a member of The Body of Christ.

Mass is a time of spiritual transformation that affects our entire lives. We take to heart being sent forth to love and serve the Lord in our families, workplaces, schools and wherever we find ourselves. We are also sent forth to take part in a number of parish sponsored social justice activities in which we bring Christ to the world.

We always seek new members in the following liturgical ministries: greeter, usher, altar server, lector, Eucharistic minister, sacristan. To become part of one of these ministries, contact the pastoral associate.

Mass is well attended at Blessed John XXIII. Additional Masses will be added in the future as needed to accommodate our ever-growing parish.

Children's Liturgy of the Word

All children from ages 3 or 4 through the beginning of second grade are invited to participate in the Children's Liturgy of the Word during most 10 am Sunday Masses. The children begin Mass with their families. Prior to the scripture readings, the priest invites the children to come forward. The children then process to the parish center for their Liturgy of the Word. During the Preparation of the Gifts the children return to their families in the pews. The Children's Liturgy of the Word is a time for children to gather, pray together, and read and discuss the readings of the day at their level.

Communion to the Homebound

Contact the pastoral associate to request that communion be taken to someone who is unable to attend Mass. We have a number of ministers who are happy to do this.

Baptism

Parents are expected to attend a pre-baptism class (held once a month) before the baptism of their child. It is recommended that parents attend this class prior to the birth of their child. Contact the parish secretary to register for the class and to schedule the baptism. Baptisms after Mass are held the 3rd Sunday of the Month. Baptisms during Mass can be at any time.

First Reconciliation

Children are usually prepared during the fall semester of 2nd grade to receive the sacrament of reconciliation for the first time. Most of the preparation is done at home with materials provided to the parents at an introductory meeting. Children gather once a month for group activities. Contact our Coordinator of Religious Education for more information.

Holy Family School families are asked to register their children for sacramental preparation at Blessed John XXIII. The question is often asked if children who attend Catholic schools still need to do sacrament preparation. The answer is "yes." Sacramental preparation occurs within the parish community where the sacraments are celebrated.

First Eucharist

The celebration of First Eucharist is normally celebrated in the spring of the child's 2nd grade year, with family based preparation taking place during the second semester. The children meet once a month for group activities. A family retreat in the form of a Seder Meal is held prior to receiving the sacrament. Contact our Coordinator of Religious Education for more information.

Confirmation

Preparation for the sacrament of Confirmation is a two year process that usually takes place in the 9th and 10th grades. 9th graders (confirmation I) meet twice per month on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month from 7:30-8:45 pm at John XXIII. They also do a group service project once a month. 10th graders (confirmation II) meet twice per month on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month from 7:30-8:45 pm at John XXIII. There are also service requirements and a required retreat. Contact the parish office for more information.

Xavier families are asked to register their children for sacramental preparation at Blessed John XXIII. The question is often asked if children who attend Catholic schools still need to do sacrament preparation. The answer is "yes." Sacramental preparation occurs within the parish community where the sacraments are celebrated.

Marriage

Wedding dates at Blessed John XXIII are not set without first meeting with the pastor. Please contact the pastor at least 8 months before the wedding. The parish provides marriage preparation in the form of Sponsor Couple and Engaged Encounter. For more information about getting married at Blessed John XXIII please contact the pastor, Fr. Dustin Vu at the parish office or e-mail him at dbq227@arch.pvt.k12.ia.us

Anointing of the Sick

Annually a special Mass for Anointing of the Sick is held. The pastor also visits the homebound to administer the sacrament.

In the case of an emergency, the pastor may be contacted at any time to administer the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick.

Reconciliation

Individual confessions are scheduled at 3 pm on Saturdays at the John XXIII site, or by appointment, or prior to or following daily Mass.

A number of Communal Reconcilation Services are scheduled in the Cedar Rapids area each Advent and Lent. The dates of these services are published in the bulletin.

Blessed John XXIII Catholic Parish