The Seven Sacraments
Christ instituted the sacraments of the new law. There are seven: Baptism, Confirmation (or Chrismation), the Eucharist, Penance, the Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders and Matrimony.
The seven sacraments touch all the stages and all the important moments of Christian life: they give birth and increase, healing and mission to the Christian's life of faith.
There is thus a certain resemblance between the stages of natural life and the stages of the spiritual life.
Sacraments of Initiation
Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist are sacraments of Christian initiation.
Sacraments of Healing
Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick are the Sacraments of Healing
Sacraments at the Service of Communion
Matrimony and Holy Orders are the Sacraments at the Service of Communion.
Sacraments Of Initiation
Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist are sacraments of Christian initiation. They ground the common vocation of all Christ’s disciples, a vocation to holiness and to the mission of evangelizing the world. They confer the special graces needed for the life according to the Spirit during this life as pilgrims on the march toward the homeland.
Baptism
For Catholics, the Sacrament of Baptism is the first step in a lifelong journey of commitment and discipleship. Whether we are baptized as infants or adults, Baptism is the Church's way of celebrating and enacting the embrace of God.
Parents seeking Baptism for their child at St. James should be registered parishioners, committed to raising their child in the Catholic faith. Active participation in the sacraments is essential to that commitment.
Contact the parish office to arrange a preliminary meeting with Father Dominic. The required Baptism class schedule varies and will be discussed with the Director of Faith Formation at the meeting. A copy of your child's state issued birth certificate is required. At least one godparent must be a practicing Catholic who has received the sacrament of Confirmation.
Eucharist
Catholics believe the Eucharist, or Communion, is both
a sacrifice and a meal. We believe in the real presence of Jesus, who died for our sins. As we receive Christ's Body and Blood, we are nourished spiritually and brought closer to God.
Children wishing to make their First Communion need to be enrolled in St. James' Religious Education classes. Classes begin in September. A copy of their Baptismal certificate is required. Parents are required to attend several informational sessions and a parent/child retreat.
Confirmation
Confirmation is a sacrament of mature commitment to the Catholic faith and a deepening of baptismal gifts. Confirmation completes the "initiation" process into the Catholic faith. It is a Sacrament of faith in God's fidelity to us.
High school students of at least 16 years of age by the time of Confirmation attend Religious Education classes during the school year. Their sponsor will help guide them through the preparation process and must be a practicing Catholic who has received the sacrament of Confirmation. All students are required to perform service hours as part of their preparation for the sacrament.
Adults seeking Confirmation receive instruction through the R.C.I.A. classes. Classes are held weekly from September through May.
Sacraments Of Healing
The Lord Jesus Christ, physician of our souls and bodies, who forgave the sins of the paralytic and restored him to bodily health, has willed that his Church continue, in the power of the Holy Spirit, his work of healing and salvation, even among her own members. This is the purpose of the two sacraments of healing: the sacrament of Penance and the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick.
Reconciliation
The Sacrament of Reconciliation (also known as Penance) has three elements: conversion, confession and celebration. 
In it we find God's unconditional forgiveness, and as a result we are called to forgive others.
For those wishing to receive First Reconciliation, preparation occurs during Religious Education classes on Sundays during the school year. Typically, First Reconciliation is received in January or February followed by First Communion in the spring. Contact the Director of Faith Formation for class enrollment.
Reconciliation is celebrated each Saturday at 3:30 pm or by appointment during office hours. Reconciliation services are held during Advent and Lent.
Anointing of the Sick
The modern celebration of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick recalls the 
early Christian use, going back to biblical times. When Christ sent His disciples out to preach, "they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them" (Mark 6:13).
Anointing of the Sick (formerly Extreme Unction) is no longer reserved only for those in danger of death. Those who are seriously ill, whose health is seriously impaired or who are planning a surgery are encouraged to request anointing.
This sacrament may be received as many times as needed over the course of a lifetime. Its healing effects remain with us for long periods of time. We ask that family of the seriously ill not wait until the "last moment" to call for an anointing since this sacrament cannot be conferred once a person has died.
Sacraments
at the Service of Communion
Holy Orders and Matrimony are directed towards the salvation of others; if they contribute as well to personal salvation, it is through service to others that they do so. They confer a particular mission in the Church and serve to build up the People of God.
Matrimony
The Sacrament of Marriage is a public sign that one gives oneself totally to this other person. It is also a public statement about God: the loving union of husband and wife speaks of family values and also God's values.
Couples seeking the Sacrament of Marriage should contact the parish office at (360)693-3052 a minimum of six months prior to the anticipated wedding date to schedule an interview with Father Dominic. Either the bride or groom must be baptized Catholic in order to be married in the Church. Both must be free to marry.
All registered parishioners and their families are welcome to celebrate the Sacrament of Marriage at St. James. Occasionally, with pastoral consent, couples who have an historical connection to St. James or who are not currently registered may be married here.
Holy Orders
In the Sacrament of Holy Orders, the priest being ordained vows to lead other Catholics by bringing them the Sacraments (especially the Eucharist), proclaiming the Gospel, and providing other means to holiness.
To answer the call to the priesthood is to begin a lifelong journey. It is a process that happens on many levels: responding to God's grace, acquiring a habit of prayer and reflection, and learning theology and other skills required to become an effective priest in a complex world. If you or someone you know is considering a priestly vocation, we invite you to contact The Archdiocese of Seattle to explore the possibility of priesthood.
