Wednesday; June 15^th, 2020
Dear Faithful Parishioners,
 
                It has been quite a while since the pandemic of COVID-19 interrupted our parish religious education system that may have caused you to wonder, whether or not St. James the Apostle would have first communion this year. During this difficult time, our parish staff has received dozens of calls from Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) parents. I do understand that there is uncertainty, many of you have asked for the scheduled time. In addition, there was also a transition in leadership in our parish. Certainly, this situation has raised your attention with regard to first communion and baptism for our CCD students.
                Now, as we move forward, I would like to inform you that “Yes”; St. James the Apostle will have first communion mass for the CCD students that have gone through the class in 2019-2020. In addition, since there are many unbaptized students that have taken class, we will also have baptism for them. Please see below the schedule for the first communion and baptism.
 
First Communion Mass for the CCD Students:

1. The sacrament reconciliation and rehearsal are scheduled on Tuesday, August 4^th, 2020 at 6:00 PM. Then First Communion for the 2^nd Grade Class is scheduled on Saturday, August 8^th, 2020 at 9:00 AM.
2. The sacrament reconciliation and rehearsal are scheduled on Thursday, August 6^th, 2020 at 6:00 PM. Then First Communion for the 3^rd Grade Class is scheduled on Saturday, August 8^th, 2020 at 11:00 AM.
3.  The sacrament reconciliation and rehearsal are scheduled on Friday, August 7^th, 2020 at 6:00 PM. Then First Communion for the Spanish Class is scheduled on Saturday, August 8^th, 2020 at 1:00 PM.
4. The sacrament reconciliation and rehearsal are scheduled on Tuesday, August 11^th, 2020 at 6:00 PM. Then First Communion for the 4^th and 5^th Grade Class is scheduled on Saturday, August 15^th, 2020 at 9:00 AM.
5. The sacrament reconciliation and rehearsal are scheduled on Thursday, August 13^th, 2020 at 6:00 PM. Then First Communion for the Middle School and High School Class is scheduled on Saturday, August 15^th, 2020 at 11:00 AM.

 
Baptism for CCD Students:

1. Baptism for the kinder and pre-kinder students is scheduled on Saturday, August 15^th, 2020 at 1:00 PM.
2. Baptism for the elementary and middle school students is scheduled on Saturday, August 15^th, 2020 at 3:00 PM.

 
Please note for the CCD students who are scheduled to receive first communion and baptism this year; there are several administrative requirements that should be met and those requirements should be submitted to the parish office prior to the events. In addition, due to social distancing and compliant with the Archdiocese of San Antonio, each student is allowed to have four guests only. Below are those requirements for baptism and first communion students:
 
Requirements for First Communion Students:

1. A copy of birth certificate.
2. A copy of baptismal certificate.

 
Requirements for the baptismal students:

1. A copy of birth certificate.
2. A copy of sponsor’s certificate of baptism with notations. If there is no notation, a copy of certificate of sacrament of confirmation is required.

 
In case you have questions regarding to the schedule and requirements above, please contact parish office (210) 922-2136 as soon as possible. Our parish staff would be pleased to assist you. Thank you so much and I look forward to seeing you in these events.
 
 
 

Fr. Sonny Aryanto, CICM

Parish Administrator