Sacraments

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." Catechism of the Catholic Church 1213

Infant Baptisms are celebrated for newborns and children up to 6 years old (for children over 7 years old, please contact the Religious Education Coordinator). Baptisms are celebrated the second Saturday of the month at 10:00 AM.

*Please Note: We do not have Baptisms during Lent.

Baptism Preparation

Parents and Godparents must attend the Baptism Preparation Class, which is scheduled for the Tuesday prior to the baptism.

The Baptism Preparation Class is held in one of the Religious Education Classrooms from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM. Please call the parish office to register 760-922-3261.

Requirements:

• Parents and Godparents must complete a baptism preparation class
• Parents must complete a baptism application
• Child's birth certificate must accompany the completed application
• Godparents must have received the Sacraments of Baptism, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation
• Payment of $100.00 fee per child

"Those who approach the sacrament of Penance obtain pardon from God's mercy for the offense committed against him, and are, at the same time, reconciled with the Church which they have wounded by their sins and which by charity, by example, and by prayer labors for their conversion." Catechism of the Catholic Church 1422.

Come and be reconciled with God.

We have the Sacrament of Penance every Saturday in the Church by

4:00 PM or by appointment.

Jesus said: "I am the living bread that came down from heaven; if anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; . . . he who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life and . . . abides in me, and I in him" (Jn 6:51, 54, 56).



The Eucharist is the heart and the summit of the Church's life, for in it Christ associates his Church and all her members with his sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving offered once for all on the cross to his Father; by this sacrifice he pours out the graces of salvation on his Body which is the Church. Catechism of the Catholic Church 1406-1407

Jesus is the Bread of Life. Let us make effort to receive him

Per the Diocese of San Bernardino individuals must be 16 years of age by April 1st (the second year of Confirmation classes) in order to receive this Sacrament.

The Sacraments of Baptism, Holy Eucharist, and Confirmation together constitute the "Sacraments of Christian Initiation," whose unity must be safeguarded. It must be explained to the faithful that the reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace. For "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 the faith by word and deed." Catechism of the Catholic Church 1285.

Program Overview:

This is a three (3) year formation program (one year of Pre-Confirmation and two years of Confirmation classes). This comprehensive program includes Prayer and Worship, Catechesis, Community Life (within the parish), Evangelization, as well as Justice and Service opportunities. Classes are held for one hour, once a week.

Registration dates and times will be announced during masses, on the bulletin and posted on the website. Parents must register students in person. If you have any questions, please call the Religious Education Office at (760) 922-8934.

Needed at time of Registration (copies will be made of all required documents)

1. Baptism Certificate
2. First Communion Certificate
3. Registration fee: $60 per student

Our parish community welcomes couples wishing to be joined in holy matrimony. May God Bless you on your journey. Contact us at (760) 922-3261 if you have any questions.

Couples seeking marriage must abide by the following policies:

• Allow a minimum of six months for marriage preparation
• Complete all required paperwork
• Submit all required documentation

Scheduling the Wedding

Weddings are scheduled at the day and time requested; however, dates are not finalized until the couple meets with the Parish Priest. At the first meeting, the couple's freedom to marry is confirmed, the date and time is agreed.

Donation Fees

It is appropriate to support the work of the parish by giving your financial support.

Wedding Fee: $300

Complete a Marriage Application

The first step in the marriage process is to meet with the priest. The priest will provide the couple with a marriage application.

The application must be signed by both the bride and the groom and returned to the church office, either in person or by mail at St. Joan of Arc Parish, 875 East Chanslorway, Blythe CA 92225. Once complete, couples meet with the parish priest.

Couples with a Previous Marriage

When either the bride or groom has been previously married and subsequently divorced, they need an annulment of their previous marriage before they can marry again in the catholic church.

If you wish to discuss or begin the process of annulment, please call the Parish Office at (760) 922-3261.

By the sacred anointing of the sick and the prayer of the priests, the whole Church commends those who are ill to the suffering and glorified Lord, that he may raise them up and save them." Catechism of the Catholic Church 1499.

To schedule an anointing, please call the Parish Office at (760) 922-3261.