Baptism of Children
In preparation for the sacrament of Baptism of their children, parents and godparents attend a meeting where the practical and spiritual aspects of the Sacrament are shared. The meeting is organized and conducted by a team of parishioners, lead by a parish priest, who together foster the spirit and importance of parish community.
Registration for the Baptism preparation and the Baptism celebration takes place at the rectory office. Baptisms are usually held on Sunday afternoons in either English or Spanish, at 3:00 pm. Anyone interested in participating in this important ministry of parent preparation or parents wishing to register for the Baptism preparation can call the rectory for more information: (201) 854-7006.
Holy Eucharist and First Communion
The celebration of the Holy Eucharist, or Holy Communion, is the center of Catholic faith life. At St. Joseph’s we celebrate the Eucharist at Mass numerous times daily, most especially on Sundays (see our Mass schedule above). Eucharistic adoration takes place daily in our lower church between Masses.
For Children, FIRST COMMUNION preparation takes place in our Religious Education program (CCD-Confraternity of Christian Doctrine) on Sunday mornings in both English and Spanish or in our Academy. For more information, please contact our Religious Education Office:
6408 Palisades Ave
West New York, NJ 07093
Tel: 201-868-0305
Email: religioused@saintjosephpalisades.com
The Sacrament of Reconciliation and Confession
The sacrament of reconciliation plays an important role in our parish. At St. Joseph’s we offer the possibility for confessions everyday.
Monday, Wednesday and Friday confessions are heard from 6:00 pm to 6:45 pm in the Chapel. Likewise, on Saturday from 4:00 pm to 4:45 pm in the Chapel. In the Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel at 76th Street and Broadway, between 10:00 am and 12 noon Sunday mass.
During Advent and Lenten Season, we invite our parishioners to celebrate this Sacrament at solemn Liturgy of Reconciliation. This liturgy offers participants a time of quiet preparation to appreciate more fully this sacrament of God’s mercy and forgiveness.
The Sacrament of Confirmation
Confirmation, the Sacrament conferring the Holy Spirit upon the Christian individual, is celebrated annually at St. Joseph’s for both teenagers and adults.
Preparation of our teenagers takes place either in St. Joseph’s Elementary School or through our Religious Education Program (CCD). CCD or Catechism classes each Sunday morning begin with attendance at the 10:00 am Mass in English in our upper church or in Spanish at the chapel at 54th St. and Broadway. Candidates for the sacrament take part in at least two years of classes, participate in the Mass weekly, do Christian service, and attend a retreat prior to the celebration of the sacrament.
Preparation for adults takes place through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) program. See RCIA section.
The Sacrament of the Sick
The Lord calls us to care for all those in need of His presence that their hearts, their souls, even their bodies may be healed.
The Sacrament of the Sick may be requested at any time for one who is seriously ailing. One may may always call the parish office to request Holy Communion and the sacrament of Anointing be brought to the home or the hospital for a family member.
Also we hold a public celebration of the Sacrament of the Sick at special Masses twice a year. The elderly, the disabled, those suffering from some disease or infirmity, who are able to come to the church, are invited to attend and participate in and receive the special blessing of the Lord as members of this worshipping community.
The Sacrament of Matrimony
Preparation for the sacrament of Matrimony is coordinated through the Office of Family Life Ministries in the Archdiocese of Newark. In keeping with the common rules for all dioceses in the State of New Jersey, the formal preparation for the Sacrament must start one year before the wedding, and involves a Pre-Marital Survey, a Pre-Cana seminar, and a workshop entitled “God’s Plan for a Joy Filled Marriage.”
Parishioners who are planning to marry should contact the parish office or one of the priests as soon as possible. Dates for a wedding ceremony can only be made by one of the priests.
Here at St. Joseph’s a PRE-CANA team offers the seminar twice a year in Spanish. Any couple interested in working in this important ministry should contact through the parish office: 201-854-7006
A couple may not register for Pre-Cana until they met with the priest preparing them for the Sacrament of Matrimony. To register, please contact our office at the phone number above.
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Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults: Sacrament preparation for Adults
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the formation process that guides people to investigate our faith as Catholics and seek full initiation. The training process involves the sharing of doctrine (the beliefs of the community of the Church), experiences of community (the sharing of stories of faith), liturgical formation (prayer and worship with the community of the Church), and apostolic formation (service with the Church community). The RCIA team helps the individuals in the reflection process to know where God is calling them. This gradual development focuses on help to live a full Christian life.
Those wishing full initiation into the Catholic Church through the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and First Communion enter into the RCIA process which ultimately culminates at the Vigil of Easter. Other adults who are already Baptized but in need of Confirmation and/or First Eucharist also receive formation through the RCIA process. Those interested should call the parish rectory for more information: 201-868-0305.
