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Sacraments

BAPTISM

Baptism is one of the three sacraments of Christian Initiation (along with Eucharist and Confirmation) through which Catholics are incorporated as full members of the Church.

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Baptism is the foundation for the Christian life; in Baptism we enter into the life of Christ.  We begin a relationship with the Lord that grows throughout our lives and leads to eternal life.  

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Infant Baptism

Arrangements are made through the parish office by calling John McNichols at 708-799-5400 or emailing him at jmcnichols@archchicago.org. One of the parents must be a registered parishioner of IJP, or have permission from their home parish to have the baptism at IJP.

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If this is your first child, you are required to take a Baptism Preparation Class prior to the Baptism.  If you cannot attend the class at IJP, you can arrange to attend the class at another parish.

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Godparents

The Church requirements for Roman Catholic Godparents are:

  • A child must have one practicing Roman Catholic godparent in good standing with the Church. 

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  • A godparent must have received the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation.

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  • A godparent must be living an exemplary life consistent with faith and morals as taught by the Roman Catholic Church.

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  • A godparent must be actively practicing the faith.

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  • A non-Catholic, baptized Christian may be chosen as a Christian Witness, as long as one godparent is Catholic.

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Baptism for Grade School Children

School grade children must go through the Right of Christian Initiation for Children (RCIC).  Please contact the parish office at 708-799-5400.

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Baptism for Adults (high school age and older)

Preparation takes place through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).  Please contact the parish office at 708-799-5400.

RECONCILIATION

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is for our spiritual healing. According to the Gospels, after the Resurrection, Jesus appeared to the apostles, breathed on them, and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them; whose sins you shall retain, they are retained.” (John 20:22-23) That is why Jesus left us this sacrament, to heal our spiritual wounds, which we call sin. Receiving this sacrament pardons us from our sins through the mercy of God and reconciles us with the Church community.

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Reconciliation is usually offered every Saturday from 4 to 4:45 pm in church. Our Reconciliation room is behind the altar area on the southwest side of the Church building. 

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EUCHARIST

Along with the Sacrament of Baptism and Confirmation, First Holy Communion is one of our three Sacraments of Initiation. It is through these Sacraments of Initiation that we become full members of the Church. The Holy Eucharist refers to Christ’s body, blood, soul, and divinity truly present in the consecrated host and wine on the altar. As Catholics, there is nothing greater than to receive Jesus, truly present in the Eucharist at Mass. We believe that through the reception of Holy Communion at Mass we are filled with the real presence of Christ, and are therefore sent to be Christ’s presence in the world until He comes again in glory.

 

First Communion for Children

Preparation for children is arranged through IJP School or Religious Education office.

 

Preparation for older children is arranged through the parish office.

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First Eucharist for Adults

Preparation for adults who have not received First Communion is done through the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) program.  Please contact John McNichols at jmcnichols@archchicago.org.

CONFIRMATION

Confirmation is the sacrament of Christian maturity. In receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit, the baptized are enriched and strengthened in their witness to Christ. The Spirit comes to us, enabling and empowering us to live as fully initiated members of the Catholic Church and sons and daughters of God who extend the message of Christ to the world.

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Confirmation for Young People

At Infant Jesus of Prague Parish, Confirmation is usually celebrated on a Saturday in the spring of eighth grade. Preparation begins in seventh grade and continues in eighth grade through the student’s school or Religious Education classes. For more information contact Leslie Newhuis, lnewhuis@archchicago.org

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Confirmation for Adults

High School students and adults who are seeking to be Confirmed generally do so through our Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) program. To get started, contact John McNichols at jmcnichols@archchicago.org to discuss your faith journey and to determine the appropriate preparation and the timing for the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation.

MARRIAGE

The sacrament of Marriage is not just about planning a wedding. It is planning and preparing for the union of two individuals, acknowledging God’s unconditional love and presence in their relationship.

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Couples are required to contact a parish priest a minimum of six months prior to the anticipated wedding date.  Because of the extensiveness of the preparation for the sacrament in respect to the preparations of a wedding, we suggest contacting your priest sooner if possible.

 

Couples are required to go through a marriage preparation process which includes the following. This preparation should be concluded no later than one month prior to the date of the wedding:

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IJP Parish welcomes the celebration of the weddings of registered parishioners and the children of registered parishioners.

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For more information on Marriage or to set up your wedding date and preparation, please contact a parish priest at 708-799-5400.

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Celebration of Wedding Anniversaries

If you are celebrating a milestone in your marriage and wish to renew your vows or receive a blessing, please contact the parish office for more information at 708-799-5400.

HOLY ORDERS

ANOINTING OF THE SICK

The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is administered to bring spiritual and physical strength during a serious illness, as well as near the time of death. This Sacrament offers peace and courage to overcome the difficulties that are associated with disease, illness or dying.

 

People of all ages can avail themselves of the grace of this sacrament. Anointing of the Sick is encouraged for anyone that is in danger of death from sickness or old age and also immediately before serious surgery, and the Church stresses a secondary effect of the sacrament: to help a person recover his health. Those suffering emotionally are also encouraged to seek the peace of Christ in the Anointing.  This Sacrament can be repeatedly administered to a person if his/her condition becomes worse, or a new serious condition develops, and is recommended for the elderly as they become more frail.

 

If you or someone you love wishes or needs to receive the Anointing of the Sick, please contact one of the parish priests at our parish office at 708-799-5400.

 

Sick Calls

To arrange for a hospital visit or for communion to the sick or homebound call 708-799-5400. 

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