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Infant Baptism
Baptismal preparation class for parents (and godparents) of children under the age of seven years is required before arrangements to baptize can be made. Classes in English are offered on the first Saturday of each month, and classes in Spanish are offered on a Friday. Registration for these classes can be made by filling out a baptismal application and returning it to the parish office with a copy of the child’s birth certificate. Baptisms in English are usually performed after the 10:00 a.m. Sunday Mass while Spanish baptisms take place the 1st and 2nd Saturday of the month at 12:00 p.m.
Children 7 years old and older are required to take Sacramental Preparation Classes. (Baptism will occur during that preparation.) Please contact the parish office for more information (503) 581-1623.
Reconciliation & First Communion
This program includes children from the parish school and the evening Religious Education Program. Children in the second grade prepare all school year for the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Communion. Children in grades third through eighth who have not received First Communion prepare for the sacraments in a special program.
For more information, contact Sr. Raquel De Leon, MRF at (503) 581-1623 ext. 233
Confirmation
We offer our preparation course for Juniors and Seniors of high school age who wish to be confirmed. The preparation course usually begins in October and culminates with the Confirmation service (usually with the Archbishop) in the Spring. The service is held at a different area Catholic Church every year.
For more information about preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation, please contact the parish office during the weekday hours at (503) 581-1623.
Anointing of the Sick
Anointing of the sick is available upon request, and in an emergency one should call the parish office (503) 581-1623 at any time day or night to summon a priest.
Marriage
Arrangements for marriage should be made at least six months in advance. Pre-marriage preparation classes are required and are generally scheduled at St. Joseph two times per year in English and three times per year in Spanish. Details and additional information can be obtained by calling the parish office on weekdays (503) 581-1623.
Holy Orders
The Sacrament of Holy Orders is the continuation of Christ's priesthood, which He bestowed upon His Apostles; thus, the Catechism of the Catholic Church refers to the Sacrament of Holy Orders as "the Sacrament of Apostolic Ministry."
In the Sacrament of Holy Orders, a man is incorporated into the priesthood of Christ at one of three levels: the episcopate, the priesthood, or the diaconate.
The Sacrament of Holy Orders can be validly conferred only on baptized men, following the example set by Christ and His Apostles, who chose only men as their successors and collaborators. A man cannot demand ordination; the Church has the authority to determine eligibility for the Sacrament. If you are interested in discerning the priesthood, please visit here for more information.
RCIA
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process established by the universal Church for individuals to become Catholic and receive the sacraments of initiation — Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist. This initiation process also involves a parish community experiencing a renewal in faith as it prepares and welcomes new members into the Church. The Rite speaks of conversion as a “spiritual journey.” Centered on fostering a deep relationship with Jesus and the Church he founded, this journey takes place through distinct stages over a period of time suitable to bring about a thorough catechesis, significant experience of the parish community, and commitment to the liturgical and moral life of the Catholic faithful. The RCIA process is a restoration of the ancient catechumenate, arising within the first three centuries following the era of the apostles. It was the early Church’s way of Christianizing the pagan Roman Empire. The Second Vatican Council called for the restoration and use of this venerable and powerful method of initiation for the worldwide Church.
Who is RCIA for?
- Persons in need of Baptism.
- Persons baptized in another Christian tradition who desire to become Catholic.
- Persons baptized Catholic in need of First Communion and/or Confirmation.
How long is the RCIA process?
The time varies, but is rarely shorter than 9months (for the previously baptized) or longer than three years. St. Joseph’s RCIA process is around 2 years for those who have not been baptized. The Church greatly respects the time each person needs for conversion and decision. The RCIA text gives guides for discerning this on a case by-case basis.
If you are not Catholic or have not received all the sacraments of initiation (Confirmation and Eucharist) and are seeking answers to the faith, thinking of becoming Catholic or wanting more information please contact Rev. Mr. James Thurman by calling the parish office at (503) 581-1623. The RCIA process is a continuous year round ministry that is held on Thursday evenings at 6:30pm in the rectory basement.