The Seven Sacraments
Sacraments
The outward signs by which God's grace is made present in our lives.
Initiation
Baptism is the first sacrament of initiation into the Catholic Church, washing away original sin and welcoming your child into the Body of Christ and the community of faith. At Saint James the Less, Baptisms are celebrated on the third Saturday of every month at 9:00 AM in the Big Church.
Before a Baptism can be scheduled, both parents and godparents are required to attend a pre-Baptismal class, held on the second Saturday of each month from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM in the Small Church. Registration is done in person at the parish office, and all required documents must be submitted at that time. Godparents must be practicing Catholics in good standing with the Church.Requirements
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Child's birth certificate
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Proof of parish registration at Saint James the Less, or a permission letter from your home parish
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If godparent is married: copy of their Catholic Church marriage certificate
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If godparent is single: copy of their Confirmation certificate (godparent must not be living in free union)
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Both parents and godparents must complete the pre-Baptismal class
Scheduling
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Baptisms: 3rd Saturday of each month · 9:00 AM · Big Church
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Pre-Baptismal Class: 2nd Saturday of each month · 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM · Small Church
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Registration is in person at the parish office only
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Dates may change — contact the office to confirm
Offering
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Pre-Baptismal class: $25 per person
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If class was completed at another parish: $50 registration fee (Proof of completion may be required)
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Sacraments of Healing
Healing
Through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, God's forgiveness is offered to all who are truly sorry for their sins. Confessions are heard in English and Spanish.
Schedule
Saturdays
3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
English & Spanish
Big ChurchBy Appointment
Confession may also be arranged by appointment. Contact the parish office to schedule with a priest.
Healing
The Anointing of the Sick brings spiritual strength, peace, and God's healing grace to those who are gravely ill, undergoing surgery, or in danger of death. It may also be received by the elderly or those with chronic illness.
Scheduling
Call the parish office immediately at (951) 657-2380 for emergency anointing. We currently support inquiries within Perris, Mead Valley, Nuevo, Romoland, and Homeland.
Offering
No offering required. This sacrament is available to all who are in need.
Sacraments of Vocation & Service
Vocation
The Sacrament of Marriage is a sacred covenant in which a man and woman commit before God to a life of faithful and fruitful love. Celebrating your wedding at Saint James the Less is a joy for our parish community, and we want to walk with you through every step of the process.
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To reserve a wedding date, couples must first complete a marriage file with the parish office. This includes submitting the required sacramental certificates and completing Catholic marriage preparation. A wedding date cannot be reserved until this process is complete.
Requirements
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Baptismal Certificate (must be issued within the last 6 months and requested specifically for marriage purposes)
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First Communion Certificate
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Confirmation Certificate
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If civilly married: copy of the civil marriage license
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Or in lieu of a complete file: a permission letter from your home parish stating the couple is free to marry in the Church and that marriage preparation is in progress
Scheduling
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Contact the parish office to begin your marriage file
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A wedding date can only be reserved once the marriage file is complete or a permission letter is on file
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Remaining balance is due no later than one month before the wedding date
Offering
Marriage — Offering
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Small Church: $500 total donation — $250 deposit required
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Big Church: $1,000 total donation — $500 deposit required
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Balance is due no later than one month before the wedding date.
Additional costs arranged separately: Priest or Deacon · Choir (list of available choirs provided by the parish) · Floral arrangements
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Vocation
Holy Orders is the sacrament through which men are ordained as deacons, priests, or bishops. If you feel called to the priesthood or diaconate, we encourage you to speak with Fr. Hau, the Vocations Director for the Diocese of San Bernardino
Discernment
Feel free to contact our parish office for spiritual direction. Contact the Diocese of San Bernardino Vocations Office for seminary information.
Other Celebrations & Services
Celebration
A Quinceañera is a beautiful celebration of a young woman's 15th birthday, giving thanks to God and renewing her commitment to her faith. Our parish celebrates this important tradition with a special Mass.
Requirements
Baptism certificate · First Holy Communion certificate
If she has not yet received First Communion, a parent must schedule an appointment with Fr. Alex, who will determine the preparation required.
The Quinceañera Retreat is required for the Quinceañera and her parents. Retreat dates are provided by the parish.Scheduling
Saturdays: 11:00 AM · Both churches
Fridays: 3:00 PM · First-come, first-served (Friday dates are shared with wedding requests)​
For any inquiries regarding Quinceañera, please email the coordinator Carmen Gonzalez at carmengonzalez@sbdiocese.org.
Offering
Small Church: $500 total donation — $250 deposit required to reserve the date
Big Church: $1,000 total donation — $500 deposit required to reserve the date
Balance is due no later than two months before the ceremony.Pastoral Care
Saint James the Less walks alongside families in their time of grief, offering the comfort of the Church's funeral rites and the hope of the Resurrection. Our parish is honored to accompany your loved one on their final earthly journey and to surround your family with prayer and the presence of the community.
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Funeral Masses are available Monday through Friday, in the morning only. All arrangements are made through the parish office, which will guide the family through scheduling and coordinate the use of the church. Please note that the church usage donation covers only the use of the building. Separate arrangements must be made for the priest or deacon, cemetery, choir, and floral needs.
Requirements
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All arrangements must be made through the parish office
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Funerals are available Monday through Friday, mornings only
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Families are responsible for separate arrangements for the priest or deacon, cemetery, choir, and flowers
Scheduling
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Contact the parish office to arrange the date and time
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Available Monday – Friday · Mornings only
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The parish office will coordinate church availability
Offering
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Small Church: $300 church usage donation
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Big Church: $500 church usage donation
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Additional costs arranged separately: Priest or Deacon · Cemetery arrangements · Choir (list of participating choirs provided by the parish) · Floral arrangements
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Tribunal Process
A declaration of nullity (annulment) is a determination by the Church that a marriage lacked an essential element required for a valid sacramental union.
First Step
Contact the parish office to be connected with our designated priest, who will walk you through the process confidentially.
Confidential
All cases are handled with complete confidentiality.
Prayer
A Mass Intention is a meaningful way to offer a Mass for a particular person or need — for the repose of the soul of a loved one, the healing of someone who is ill, a family in difficulty, or a special blessing. When a Mass is offered for your intention, the graces of that celebration are directed in a particular way toward your request.
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Mass Intentions at Saint James the Less are scheduled in person at the parish office. Please note the deadline and Sunday walk-in procedures below.
How to Request
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Must be requested in person at the parish office.
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Weekday and weekend Masses: Wednesday is the last day to submit an intention for the upcoming weekend and the following week
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Sunday walk-ins at the Big Church: Office staff are available Sunday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM — arrive at least 30 minutes before your desired Mass time
Scheduling
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Visit the parish office in person to schedule
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Deadline: Wednesdays for the weekend and following week
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Sunday: Walk-in available · Big Church Office open 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM · Arrive 30 minutes early
Offering
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$10 per Mass Intention
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Cash only
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