The sacraments are 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 (Catechism of the Catholic Church, nos. 1131; cf. no 774).
From United States Catholic Catechism for Adults, page 169
Baptism
It is most appropriate to provide children with the grace of the Sacrament of Baptism and to welcome them into the community of faith within six months of birth. The Sacrament of Baptism is celebrated on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month at 12:30 pm. For first time parents, formation is required regarding Christian parenting and the teaching of the Church. A pre-baptismal instruction is offered at St. John Bosco on the third Sunday of February, May and November at 12:30 pm in the Activities Center. The Parish Office can provide the dates for the pre-baptismal instruction sessions at neighboring parishes. While two are customary, only one sponsor is required for baptism and he or she must be a practicing, registered Catholic who can obtain a “sponsor letter” from their parish. Christians of other denominations may serve as a “Christian Witness” and must also provide evidence of their church membership.
For additional information, please email the Parish Office at sjbinfo@sjbparmaheights.org or call at 440-886-3500.
Eucharist
Children typically begin preparing to receive their First Holy Communion or First Eucharist once they reach the Second Grade. For more information, please email Chris Kall, the Director of Religious Education or call the Parish School of Religion Office at 440-886-0061.
Confirmation
The Sacrament of Confirmation is usually received when one approaches or enters his or her young teenage years. At St. John Bosco, beginning with the 2015-2016 school year, the young people of our parish will be prepared to receive Confirmation during the eighth grade.
A little history will help you understand why we are waiting until that year to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation. At the conclusion of the 2008-2009 academic year Bishop Richard Lennon rescinded permission for parishes in the Diocese of Cleveland, including St. John Bosco, to prepare children for confirmation while they were in the second grade and to present them for Confirmation on the same day they received their First Holy Communion. It was the practice at St. John Bosco for the young people of our parish to be confirmed in the second grade through spring of 2009. So we are in a waiting period until the beginning of the 2015-2016 school year when those who have not yet been confirmed, who would have been in the first grade during the 2008-2009 school year, are entering the eighth grade.
However we realize that children of families who join our parish might have a child who is entering the eighth grade who has not been confirmed. So each year we have a Confirmation preparation program for young people, who are in the eighth grade or older, for the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation at one of the parishes in our cluster in the spring of each year. If you have a child who is in the eighth grade or older, who has not celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation please email Chris Kall, the Director of Religious Education or call the Parish School of Religion Office at 440-886-0061.
Penance and Reconciliation (Confession)
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a healing remedy for our sinfulness. Confession, one part of the sacrament, calls us to discover the struggles that cause sinful acts and present them to God in the presence of the priest. All adult Christians are encouraged to consider approaching this sacrament at least twice a year especially during Advent and Lent. Although serious matters should be brought before the priest, our lesser sins are healed through the celebration of Mass or with sincere contrition and any good work. Two priests are available in the church for confessions on Saturdays from 3:00 – 3:45 pm and you can always call the Parish Office (440-886-3500) to arrange to a time to meet with a priest for confession. A Communal Penance Service, with individual confessions, is regularly scheduled in cooperation with our cluster parishes, during Advent and Lent.
A priest will also provide the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation by appointment or as requested by the homebound, the sick, and the dying.
Please call the Parish Office at 440-886-3500 and ask for Father Matt for all emergencies and special needs.
Anointing of the Sick
The Sacrament of the Sick (anointing) is available to anyone who is seriously or chronically ill, weakened by age, or is preparing for surgery. Father Matt is available to administer the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, as necessary, day or night. You can also speak with the priest after Mass for anointing.
A Communal Celebration of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is celebrated in the spring and fall.
Father Matt is happy to come to people whether they are in assisted living facility, nursing home, or confined to home. Please call the Parish Office at 440-886-3500 during business hours Monday through Friday to request this sacrament. If the Parish Office is closed, and it is an emergency, call the Parish Office at 440-886-3500 and listen carefully for the prompt that will tell you how to access Father Matt, or a priest who is on call for him, during the evening, night, and weekends.
Communion calls to the homebound are made weekly and/or monthly, or upon request. Please call (440-886-3500) or email (sjbinfo@sjbparmaheights.org) the parish office if you or your loved one is hospitalized or is in need of these special services.
Marriage
For Christians, Marriage is a sacrament that is normally celebrated in the home parish of the bride or the groom. Before a man and a woman consent to the Sacrament of Marriage the couple is required to participate in a marriage preparation program and to follow the Parish Wedding Guidelines This preparation includes a Pre-Cana class or retreat, the Prepare and Enrich Marriage Preparation instrument, and liturgical planning. It is not unusual for particular circumstances or individual needs to necessitate a relatively extensive period of time for preparation, so couples are urged to schedule a first meeting with Father Matt a minimum of six months in advance of any planned wedding date. Call our pastor, Father Matt, (440-886-3500) to schedule a wedding date and time.
Holy Orders
Before a man is admitted to the Sacrament of Holy Orders as a priest and/or deacon he is required to pursue graduate academic work. Please call the Parish Office at 440-886-3500 to talk with Deacon Roger about the Permanent Diaconate or with Father Matt to talk about the priesthood.
More information about vocations to the priesthood and diaconate in the Diocese of Cleveland can be found at these websites:
Priesthood: https://clepriesthood.org
Diaconate: https://www.dioceseofcleveland.org/offices/clergy-religious/diaconate
Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA)
OCIA provides an opportunity for adults who are seeking full communion with the Church to learn about the Catholic faith.
St. John Bosco collaborates with Saint Bridget of Kildare, one of the parishes in our cluster, in the OCIA process. Classes meet Monday evenings 7:00-8:30 pm at the St. Bridget of Kildare Parish, 5620 Hauserman Road in Parma – in their School Meeting Room #1, from September through the Feast of Pentecost in May. If you are unable to make these meetings due to work or other circumstances, we will work with you to find a way that works for you.
Full communion for catechumens (not yet baptized) and candidates (already baptized in the Christian faith) occurs at the Easter Vigil. Catholic spouses and sponsors are welcome to attend the classes. Those interested in learning more about OCIA can email Fr. Matt or call the Parish Office at 440-886-3500.
Order of Christian Initiation of Children (OCIC)
The Order of Christian Initiation of Children (OCIC) is for children who are 7 years old or older who have not received the Sacrament of Baptism, or have been baptized into the Catholic Church or another Christian denomination, but have not received the Sacrament of First Holy Communion at the usual age. The OCIC process normally begins in September and the children usually receive the sacraments in the spring depending upon the needs of the student and family. Please email Chris Kall, the Director of Religious Education of call the Parish School of Religion Office at 440-886-0061 for further information.