Baptism   
Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist
Confirmation/RCIA
Holy Orders
Marriage 
Anointing of the Sick
Christian Burial
 

Baptism is the beginning of the journey of faith for your child.  Through baptism, your child becomes part of our faith community in the Catholic Church.  Through the teaching example of parents, the child will grow as a follower of Christ and active member of the church.  That’s why we have a special program to prepare the parents and godparents and help raise their consciousness about this important responsibility.

Parents are obliged to see to it that infants are baptized within the first weeks after birth or even before it, parents are to go to the priest to request the sacrament for their child and to be prepared for it properly. (Canon 867.1)

Steps to be followed in order to have your child baptized:

Please stop by the Parish Center to fill out an infant baptism data form.  Bring a copy of the child’s birth certificate with the completed form.

Speak with the priest or deacon who had reviewed your form

Complete the pre-baptismal program by attending two preparation sessions.  It is better if both parents and
godparents come together to the classes if at all possible.  You cannot attend the classes unless you have filled out the data form and spoken with a priest, deacon, or appointment minister.

Confirm the date of baptism.  You are asked to confirm your child’s baptism date by calling the Pastoral Center after you have attended both sessions.

Requirements for the parents:

 At least one parent must be a Catholic and be registered in St. Joseph the Worker.

Be contacted by a priest or minister appointed to discuss parental Baptismal responsibilities.
    

Attend both preparation sessions.

Requirements for the godparents:

He/she is to be at least 16 years old, a confirmed Catholic, practicing their faith, and willing to accept the responsibility of supporting their godchild in faith.

A baptized person who belongs to a non-Catholic ecclesial community may be a witness to a baptism together with a Catholic godparent.

The godparents must also attend both preparation sessions which we offer here in our parish or they could attend classes at their own parish.

The Preparation Sessions:

We offer our sessions twice a month in the Religious Education Office located in St. Joseph the Worker School.
The meetings last one and a half hours and they start at 7:30pm.  Please come ten minutes early to your first session to make sure we have all the correct information on your form.  No children please.

Regarding a donation:

All the sacraments are free, the same as God’s love for us.  However, we ask you to help us defray the costs involved in ministering to you.  This gift may either be given at the end of the second class session or brought to the Parish Center if the classes are taken somewhere else.  Suggested donation $50-$100.

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The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) is ordinarily received for the first time during the Fall of a student's second grade year. First Eucharist (Communion) is ordinarily received during the Spring of that same school year. Preparation for both sacraments require that the student have completed first grade of religious education (Catholic school or parish religious education program) before entering into the specific preparation for these sacraments.  Adults may prepare for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.

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Through these sacramental rites, the faithful are officially acknowledged as Christians, and are received as fully initiated members of the church.  By our Baptism, Confirmation, and through the Eucharist we are all commissioned to carry on the work of Christ and his Church.  We are called to promote the kingdom of God here on Earth.

Confirmation is a parish community celebration.  It provides us all of us the opportunity to reflect on our baptismal commitment.  At Confirmation the parish community celebrates the Gifts of the Holy Spirit among us.  These gifts help all Christians to live lives more fully committed to Christ. 
Wisdom, Understanding, Right Judgment, Knowledge, Courage, Reverence, Wonder and Awe.

Living with the gifts of the Spirit, active in our lives, we are able to enjoy the fruits of the Spirit which help all Christians make good moral choices and live as Christ has challenged each of us to do.
Charity, Faith, Joy, Modesty, Kindness, Goodness, Peace, Patience, Self-Control, Chastity, Endurance, Mildness Confirmation for Youth:

Young adults (candidates) prepare to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation by participating in a two year process.  The Confirmation process is a team effort.  Candidates, parents, sponsors, and the catechetical (teaching) team all work together towards a common goal:  to prepare the candidates for reception of the sacrament and to inspire in each candidate the desire to continue their own personal faith journey throughout their lives.  The process encourages their own personal faith journey throughout their lives.  The process encourages the formation of community and develops a sense of belonging.  This is accomplished by class sessions to explore Catholic beliefs and traditions, individual and group faith sharing, retreats, Christian services and other related outside activities. 

Candidates:  The candidates must freely choose to enter the process and make known their desire to be confirmed.  The must demonstrate adequate knowledge of the Catholic faith and be willing to participate in the required learning sessions, growing in the practice of their faith.  They should always strive to be in the state of grace and should attend mass regularly and frequently receive the sacraments of Holy Eucharist and Reconciliation.  The candidate must attend all class sessions throughout the teaching year (October through May).  A maximum of no more than three absences are allowed per year and these, if they occur, must be made up.  Make up sessions are periodically scheduled.  Excessive absences will result in the candidates being asked to leave the process until such time as he or she is voluntarily ready to recommit themselves.  In addition, attendance at all confirmation retreats are mandatory.  Attendance at Youth Day (usually in February) at the annual Religious Education Congress is highly encouraged.  Candidates must work towards completion of 100 hours of Christian Service and should start on achieving this goal immediately upon registration into the process.  Service may take place in the parish, available for you to submit your service hours as you complete them.  Please turn in your completed hours regularly, it helps us know where each of you are.

Sponsors:  The sponsor is your choice.  We recommend you carefully consider:

Your baptismal Godparent(s)

An adult who is a close friend or relative

Someone who is in the parish or lives nearby

Parents may not be sponsors for their own children

There are persons in the parish community who would be eager to be a sponsor for confirmation.

If you are unable to find a sponsor to journey with you, the parish may be able to provide you with a person who has expressed a sincere desire to be a confirmation sponsor

The selection of a sponsor is an important decision you have to make.  Choosing that right person can make a big difference in your confirmation journey.

Each candidate needs to select a sponsor to walk the two year journey of the confirmation process with him or her.  It is hoped that this sponsor-candidate relationship will evolve into a lifelong one.  The choice of sponsor, therefore, becomes a very important decision.  Sponsors make a difference and are an integral part of the faith journeys of their respective candidates both during and after confirmation.  The purpose of the sponsor-candidate relationship is to lead the candidate into a deeper relationship with Jesus.  It is essential that the person selected to be a sponsor meet the following criteria.

Qualifications of a Sponsor:

The sponsor must be a person of faith and a confirmed Catholic

A person of mature faith, at least 16 years old
    
Active and able to fully participate in the Catholic faith
    
Be willing and able to perform the role of the sponsor outlined below:

Responsibilities of a Sponsor:
 
     Attend all adult education/sponsor sessions as scheduled during the teaching year

Attend mass the week before each confirmation session with the candidate

Participate with the candidate in the one day retreat

Meet regularly with the candidate in addition for formally scheduled sessions to develop a close relationship which encourages spiritual growth, emphasizes the moral life of a Christian, and assists in the completion of the completion of the Christian service hours requirement

Interviews:

Candidates will be interviewed two times during the process.  Once early in Year One and one towards the end of Year Two.  The first interview takes place with the parents present.  The purpose of this first interview is to affirm the candidate readiness and commitment to be in the process.  The second interview takes place with the sponsors present.  The purpose of this interview is to ensure you have met all requirements and are ready to be confirmed.  Interviews are scheduled in the evenings on a weeknight.  You will be given advance notice of your scheduled time and place.

Parents:

Parents are the primary educators of their children.  They serve as models for their children by being committed Christians.  Parents should worship regularly with their families.  They are asked to take an active interest in assisting their son or daughter with the immediate preparation for the sacrament of confirmation and must attend meetings, programs and prayer services that are planned in support of the candidate.  However, Canon Law prohibits parents from acting as Sponsors for their own children. 

Parents are required to serve on a confirmation committee as a captain, co-captain, or committee member to assist in the facilitations of the various components of the Confirmation process (telephone tree, hospitality, service, transportation, chaperone, liturgy, and fundraising).  They are also welcomed and encouraged to attend any or all adult education session along with the confirmation sponsors and are invited to observe any classroom session with advance notification to the catechist. 

Confirmation for Adults

Ordinarily celebrated at the Easter Vigil each year (the Saturday before Easter Sunday).  If you have already been baptized and have received First Eucharist and only need to be confirmed, with approval from St. Joseph the Worker's Director of Initiation, you may participate in a regional program in Granada Hills at St. Euphrasia's in English or in Spanish at St. Joseph the Worker through a program called Semilla del Reino (Seed of the Kingdom).

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.  This is a process of welcoming, education, and conversion.  If you have not been baptized or are a non-Catholic or if you have been baptized but have not received the sacrament of First Eucharist you may seek Confirmation through the RCIA.  A sponsor is required for Confirmation and that sponsor must meet the same requirements as a sponsor for Baptism.

The RCIA process leads the candidates through four stages.

The primary purpose of the second phase, the catechumenate, is catechesis and faith sharing. These two stages can continue for an undetermined length of time, from a few months to a couple of years.

Call Bill Sparks (818) 341-6634.)

Adult English  Mondays 7pm-9pm
                     Room CC1 in the Conference Center (2nd Floor)
Adult Spanish Fridays 7pm-9pm
                     Room CC3 in the Conference Center (1st Floor)
Youth or Teen 12 to 18 years old English Two Wednesdays a month 7:30pm-8:30pm
                     Parish Center Dining Room
Children 7 to 12 years old English Two Wednesdays a month 6:30pm-7:30pm
                     Room CC1 in the Conference Center (2nd Floor)
Children 7 to 12 years old Spanish Fridays 7p-9p
                     Parish Center Dining Room

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Anyone seeking information about entering the deaconate or the priesthood should contact a member of the
Pastoral Staff.  Only the Bishop confers Holy Orders.  Sacramentally, the Pope, Cardinal, and Archbishop are all considered Bishops.  Holy Orders confers a particular mission in the church in three orders: 
     Bishop
     Priest
     Deacon

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Christian marriage is the union of two mature individuals with each other and with Christ, within the Christian community.  It is a serious and sacred commitment.  Through it husband and wife are called to draw closer to God and to each other in a life-giving community of love.  Christ enhances the dignity of marriage by making the Christian marriage relationship a sacrament – a living expression of his love for us, the Church.

Because of the importance of the sacrament of marriage, at least six months advance prior notice of a wedding is required of all parish members seeking the sacrament.  Please do not make any arrangements until you receive approval from the priest. 

During that time, the parish priest who will officiate at the marriage ceremony is the person who will normally help the couple assess their readiness for the sacrament as understood by the church.  He will direct the couple to a Marriage Preparation Program.  Since commitment to marriage is for life, and the most important thing the couple will ever do together, the Church tries to provide them with all the preparation and support possible and to be available to help them live out their marriage covenant.  The Marriage Preparation program assists in that task, and the Archdiocese requires that every couple go through such a program.  There are three options for this formal marriage preparation:

     Engaged Encounter Weekend
     One day program (usually on Saturday 8:30am - 5:00pm)
     One night per week for 4 - 6 weeks.

These conferences, sponsored by the Archdiocesan Office of Family Life, are conducted by priests, deacons, married couples, financial counselors, marriage counselors and Natural Family Planning Teachers.  St. Joseph the Worker will accept any of these three programs, but prefers that the couple give themselves the benefit of the Engage Encounter.  Pre-registration is necessary and a couple will not be allowed to join the weekend or the classes after the session has begun.  The priest helping the couple with the marriage preparations will provide the schedules of the appropriate programs.
 

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This sacrament used to be known as Last Rites or Extreme Unction.  If anyone in your family has a serious illness, the Church would like to celebrate this sacrament of God's healing love with that person.  Please call the Parish Center to schedule this celebration.  The priest will be happy to come to your home, the hospital, or wherever is most convenient for the ill person and the family.  We encourage as many family members as possible to be present for this joyous celebration through which God heals, lifts up, and gives hope, peace and new life to His faithful people.  This sacrament is not only to be received at the end of life but whenever there is a serious illness of the body, mind, and spirit to promote total healing.  For those to ill to come to church to receive communion, please contact the Parish Center for more information on our Eucharistic Ministry to the Sick.

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At the death of a loved one, please contact the church first.  The Parish Center will get in touch with our Bereavement Ministry.  A minister can meet with you to find a priest, discuss funeral home options, plan the funeral mass, and make cemetary arrangements.

Grieving for a loved one is a natural process.  Please know that we are here to help you and support you during this difficult time.  If you would like, our Bereavement Ministry is available to assist you in the planning of the Vigil and the Funeral Liturgy and suggest ways for family and friends to be personally involved.  Healing from the pain of grief can begin through the planning of your loved one's funeral.  This can be a personal and loving celebration of that  person's life and it can also be an opportunity for your family to begin the healing process at this time. 

For this reason, the Church encourages families to become involved in the planning of the funeral.  You may select hymns and readings for all the services , and if you choose, you may write the Prayers of the Faithful (the petitions / General Intercessions). We invite you to reflect on them and to choose:
     Readings from the Hebrew (Old) Testament
     Selections from the Psalms
     Readings from the new Testament and
     Gospel readings
     Three or four appropriate petitions for the General Intercessions
These may be included in the Vigil and the Funeral Liturgy

The Rites:

The Catholic Church offers distinct occasions for common prayer at the time of funerals.  The order of Christian Funeral contain three related Rites:
     The Vigil
     The Funeral Liturgy and the Final Commendation and Farewell
     The Rite of Committal
Depending on the situation and with the approval of the priest, any single rite may be used as the sole Funeral Rite.  Consultation with your priest or bereavement minister can help determine your funeral selections.

The Vigil:

This Rite, presided over by a priest, a deacon, or a prepared layperson (or a member of you family) general consists of:
     Introductory Rite
     Liturgy of the Word
     Intercessory Prayer
     Concluding Rite
     Blessing
The rosary may be recited by the family at a time other than the Vigil.  However, a portion of the rosary may be included as part of the Vigil.

The Funeral Liturgy:

The Funeral Liturgy (Mass) is the principal celebration.  Generally, the Funeral Liturgy comprises:
     The Rite of Reception (unless already celebrated as part of the Vigil)
     The Liturgy of the Word
     The Liturgy of the Eucharist
     The Final Commendation and Farewell
The priest presides at mass and may be assisted by a complement of liturgical ministers--lectors, cantor, musicians, servers, etc.  These ministerial roles are performed by trained parish ministers or by members of your family or friends, who are properly prepared. 

The Rite of Committal

The Rite of Committal, the final Funeral Rites, may be presided over by priest, deacon, or layperson.  It is best celebrated in close proximity to the actual burial place--grave, tomb or crematorium.

The Memorial Service or Memorial Mass

If, for some reason, your family and mourners are prevented from gathering immediately after death for the Funeral Rites, a Memorial Service or Memorial mass may be celebrated at a later time.  The priest, deacon, or bishop are the ordinary ministers for the Catholic Funeral Rites.  However, in their absence, prepares lay ministers (or perhaps family members) may preside at all Rites except the Funeral Liturgy (Mass).

Music:

All music and songs for the Funeral Liturgy are to be selected in accordance with the Catholic Church's Liturgical guidelines and must be approved by the Priests or Music Director.

Symbols:

The predominant Church Symbols , such as the Pall (which is the white cloth covering the coffin, symbolizing the Baptismal garment).  Incense and Holy Water, the Book of Scriptures, the Cross, and the Easter Candle, are to be highlighted during the funeral Rites, especially at the Funeral Liturgy.  Appropriate symbols of Christian Life, such as a book of the Gospels, a Bible, a cross, a rosary, devotional books, may be carried in the Entrance Procession by your family, then placed on the coffin at the Funeral Mass.  National or cultural symbols (for example, flags or insignia of associations) are not to be used during the Funeral Rites.  One's affiliation with the community of faith is the reason for our prayer, not one's service to country or one's affiliation with other services.  However, these other symbols may be present at the funeral chapel, in procession to and from the church, in the vestibule of the church, and at the Rite of Committal.

Cremation:

Although the traditional burial procedure, which reflects respect for the body and belief in the resurrection of the body, is still normal Catholic practice, cremation is allowed by the Catholic Church for justifiable reasons.  Cremation would ordinarily take place after the Funeral Liturgy.  Remains should never be scattered or handled in an undignified manner, but are to be interred or inurned in a cemetery columbarium.  Cremated remains in the view of the Catholic Church are to  be treated with reverence and respect and, therefore, must be either buried or entombed.

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