Sacraments
Sacraments for Children
As parents, you are the first teachers of our Catholic faith. As a parish, we offer age appropriate programs to help you prepare your child.
Baptism
Baptism is the first sacrament that brings your child into God’s family, the Church. Classes are presented by our parish priests. Baptism is required before your child can make the next sacraments.
Parental preparation classes are offered throughout the year. For more information or to set up a Baptism, call the Parish Office at 816-232-8449 and ask to speak to one of the priests.
First Eucharist and First Reconciliation
First Eucharist and First Reconciliation are offered when your child is in second grade or of an older age. Both SFX School and our School of Religion program offer additional instruction in these sacraments.
Parents are provided a series of age appropriate lessons and activities to discuss at home. You and your child should attend the special sacrament’s retreat prior to making the sacrament. Parents are encouraged to bring your child to weekly Mass as participation demonstrates to your child why the Eucharist is important to you. Reconciliation is celebrated during the first semester of second grade.
First Eucharist is celebrated during the Easter season.
If your child does not attend St. Francis Xavier School, enroll your child by contacting the School of Religion coordinator, Joyce Pankiewicz at 816-364-1996
Confirmation
With the Sacrament of Confirmation, the baptized are more perfectly bound to the Catholic Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, as true witnesses of Christ, they are more obliged to spread and defend our Catholic faith by word and deed.
All Incoming 6th graders in public school, and those children in grades 7th-12th in public school who have not been Confirmed, are welcome to join the Saint Francis Xavier Confirmation class.
Classes will begin in September of 2026, and Confirmation will be in March of 2027.
Please reach out to Father Mark Yates at myates@sfxstjoe.com, Deacon Lino at roadkinglino@aol.com, or Janey Johnston at Johnstonstj@aol.com if you are interested in our program or have any questions.
Matrimony
Preparation for marriage is offered for engaged couples. For preparation, a nine month notification needs to be made before the marriage date. Call the Parish Office at 816-232-8449 and talk to one of the priests.
Reconciliation
Saturdays (except for Holy Saturday) 11:00am / 3:00pm, or by appointment.
Anointing of the Sick
Call the Parish Office at 816-232-8449 to request a priest to come for this sacrament.
