For the Baptism of infants, parents are asked to notify the parish office. An instructional Baptism class is held for parents the 2nd Tuesday of the month, 7:00 P.M., parish office. Godparents are encouraged to attend as well. If parents have participated in the class at St. John within three years, they need not repeat it. Although Baptism has public consequences, the sacrament is generally celebrated outside of Mass. The normal times for the sacrament are after the 5:00 P.M. Saturday evening Mass and the 11:00 A.M. Mass on Sunday. At the time of Baptism, St. John gifts young, first-time parents with a series of PARENT LETTERS. The LETTERS are designed to offer spiritual support and guidance to parents as they raise their young children in the Catholic faith. PARENT LETTERS begin at Baptism and continue at six-month intervals through the child's third birthday. For children above the age of seven and for adults, special preparation is provided. Call the parish office for more information.

Preparation for First Eucharist is the joint responsibility of the parish and the parents. There are two preparation sessions for parents. Children are prepared for First Eucharist during second grade. First Communion Sunday is usually in April. Shut-ins are to call the parish office to arrange to receive Communion in their home.

Children receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation in the second grade. Two parent meetings accompany the preparation time. Reconciliation services are scheduled in the fall, during Advent and Lent for all parishioners, including Religious Education and St. John School students. Regular scheduled time for Reconciliation is from 4:00-4:30 P.M. on Saturday evening. Call the parish office for private time.

Confirmation is received in the 10th grade. A required formation program begins in the fall of Freshman year. The Confirmation program journeys our young people into discipleship as young Christians. The program consists of 4 overnights that need to be completed to be eligible to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. Candidates may start attending as early as Freshman year, but must be a sophomore to be confirmed. When converts are received into the Catholic Church through Baptism or Profession of Faith, the sacrament is administered by the Pastor.

Should a child miss the opportunity to celebrate any of the above sacraments at the age-appropriate level, special sacramental preparation classes are offered during the school year. The are conducted in addition to Religious Education classes. Call the parish office for additional information.

St. John Parish has the responsibility of ensuring that marriages recognized and blessed by the Catholic Church will be lived in the faith. There must be evidence of personal active faith to serve as a foundation of such a commitment. "Couples desiring to be married in the community of the church are to notify the priest or deacon... at least six months prior to the anticipated time of their wedding." (Diocesan Marriage Policy, effective January 1, 1984). Definite plans for a wedding date should not be decided until such contact has been made.

Marriage preparation involves assessment of the couple’s communication and compatibility, assessment of their faith commitment, participation in Sponsor Couple Program, and wedding ceremony plans with the presiding priest.

The sacrament of anointing, in which Christ is encountered as healer, is administered upon request for those seriously ill, facing major surgery, elderly or those at the point of death. In addition, a communal reception of the Sacrament of the Sick is celebrated in church twice a year for those who wish to avail themselves of the grace of the sacrament.

Priesthood. The ministerial priesthood is conferred by the Sacrament of Holy Orders. The normal period of preparation is four years of college and four years of theology. Further information is available at the Vocations Office at the Catholic Center.

Permanent Diaconate. New candidates to the Diaconate program are not being received at this time. This ancient order, restored to the life of the Church, is open to married and single men who are at least 32 years old. Men who are ordained receive the Sacrament of Holy Orders. The term "permanent" means that a man is ordained a deacon for life, as opposed to the "transient" deacon, who is a deacon for just a short while and then becomes a priest. A permanent deacon usually has another career in order to support his family. The priorities of a deacon are: 1) family, 2) job, 3) diaconate.

At various times during the liturgical year, special blessings are given: Pets, New Drivers, Consolation, Expectant Parents, and so on.

Daily adoration before the Blessed Sacrament from 12:00 – 5:00 P.M. Those who participate are members of the Society of St. Clare. They pray for our community, parishioners, vocations and deceased members.

The RCIA process is designed to help adults become part of the active faith life of the Church. It is based upon the liturgical year. The sessions focus on the sacraments and traditions of the Church, along with how faith operates in our daily life and how we express it in worship and praise. Interested persons should contact the parish office.

Contact:  Beverly Okey, (812) 490-1000

A program for Catholics who have wandered away from the Church and its sacraments. In a small group setting, individuals explore their faith and future within the Catholic Church.

Contact:  Beverly Okey, (812) 490-1000

A group of adult parishioners who meet and assess the needs and materials being used by various groups in an effort to assist fellow parishioners in their ongoing efforts to grow in their faith and practice. Through prayer and study this group promotes programs of faith and enrichment.

Contact:  Parish Office, (812) 490-1000

This group promotes and supports religious vocations. Of special interest are the individuals from our parish who currently are engaged in vocational studies. St. John Parish prays for vocations the 7th day of the month and every weekday after 7:00 A.M. Mass.

Cursillo serves as a faith enrichment program for adults. Separate weekend retreats for men and women are held several times a year at Sarto Retreat House. Call the parish office for more information.

Contact:  Damien and Mimi Scheessele, (812) 853-5814

If you have a particular intention or need, simply Call the parish office for more information. The intention will be passed through the network so that together petitions are brought in prayer to the Lord.

Masses may be offered for your loved ones, but no more than one a month. A $5.00 offering is suggested. Call the parish office for more information.

Contact:  Beverly Okey, (812) 490-1000

Join with others in prayer on Monday evenings at 7:00 P.M. in the chapel.