St Francis Xavier Chapel "Maryknoll" Japanese Catholic Center, 222 S. Hewitt Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Sacraments
The seven sacraments touch all the stages and all the important moments of a Christian’s life.
Baptism
Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian Life, the gateway to life in the Spirit. And the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons and daughter of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, No. 1213)
Baptism is a scared time in which a person is presented to the faith Community of St. Francis Xavier Chapel - Japanese Catholic Center and is welcomed and celebrated as a new life in the family of God. Through Baptism the parents and or godparents make a commitment on behalf of the candidate to live a life rooted in the Catholic faith. For more information on our celebrations of the sacrament, please call the rectory at (213) 626-2279 to schedule classes and baptism.
Holy Communion
Holy Communion augments our union with Christ. The principal fruit of receiving the Eucharist in Holy Communion is an intimate union with Christ Jesus. Indeed, the Lord said: “He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him.” Life in Christ has its foundation in the Eucharistic banquet: “As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so he who eats me will live because of me.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, No. 1391).
Classes for children for the Sacrament of First Holy Communion (Eucharist) is a 2 year program and begins every September. For more information or to register for classes, please call the rectory at (213) 626-2279.
Reconciliation
The process of conversion and repentance was described by Jesus in the parable of the prodigal son, the center of which is the merciful father: the fascination of illusory freedom, the abandonment of the father’s house; the extreme misery in which the son finds himself after squandering his fortune; his deep humiliation at finding himself obliged to feed swine, and still worse, at wanting to feed on the husks the pigs ate; his reflection on all he has lost; his repentance and decision to declare himself guilty before his father; the journey back; the father’s generous welcome; the father’s joy – all these are characteristic of the process of conversion. The beautiful robe, the ring, and the festive banquet are symbols of new life – pure, worthy, and joyful – of anyone who returns to God and to the bosom of his family, which is the Church. Only the heart of Christ who knows the depths of his Father’s love could reveal to us the abyss of his mercy in so simple and beautiful a way. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, No. 1439)
Sin is before all else an offense against God, a rupture of communion with him. At the same time it damages communion with the Church. For this reason conversion entails both God’s forgiveness and reconciliation with the Church, which are expressed and accomplished liturgically by the sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation. (Lumen Gentium, No. 11).
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is celebrated at St Francis Xavier Chapel is currently by appointment only as Fr is on Sabatical until Mid March 2023. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call the rectory at (213) 626-2279.
Confirmation
Baptism, the Eucharist, and the Sacrament of Confirmation together constitute the “Sacraments of Christian initiation.” 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, No. 1285).
For information about our two-year program for High School students preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation or for baptised adults who like to received confirmation, please call the rectory at (213) 626-2279.
Matrimony
The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life is by its nature ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring; this covenant between baptized persons has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, No. 1601)
Please call the rectory at (213) 626-2279 to make arrangements at least six months prior to your desired date.
Holy Orders
Priests provide pastoral leadership in the community of faith. From the waters of baptism and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, priests and laity share a sacramental origin and a common purpose as disciples of Christ. These bonds imply a continuing relationship of collaboration and mutual respect. The competence, love, and gifts of the laity complement and support the ministry of priests. (National Conference of Catholic Bishops, Program of Priestly Formation, No. 39
For more information about a religious calling please call the rectory for an appointment at (213) 626-2279
Anointing of the Sick & Dying
Like all the sacraments the Anointing of the Sick is a liturgical and communal celebration, whether it takes place in the family home, a hospital or church, for a single person or a whole group of sick persons. It is very fitting to celebrate it within the Eucharist, the memorial of the Lord’s Passover.
If circumstances suggest it, the celebration of the sacrament can be preceded by the sacrament of Penance and followed by the sacrament of the Eucharist. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, No. 1517 ).
Please call the rectory at (213) 626)2279
