Sunday School for Children
Sunday School sessions are 10:45-11:45am, mid-September through mid-June. There are three classes: K- 2nd graders, 3rd - 6th graders; 7th and 8th graders. First Communion, First Reconciliation, and Confirmation preparation is handled through Sunday School. In addition to Sunday School, we have children’s liturgy of the word at the 9:30AM Sunday Mass. “Kids’ Word” is a way for children to more deeply understand the scriptures. Children are welcome to join in the interactive reflection in a classroom while the scriptures and sermon are presented in the hall.
To register your child for Sunday School or Confirmation preparation, click here.
Bible Studies
From time to time, Fr. John offers three-week Bible studies on Mondays. Currently sessions are held on Zoom from 7pm-8:30pm. To view recordings of previous Bible Studies, click here.
Adult Confirmation Classes and OCIA
Are you a Catholic who never received the Sacrament of Confirmation? Are you a Catholic who has been away from the Church and would like to reconnect? Are you interested in becoming a Catholic? Order of Christian Initiation ("OCIA") sessions run mid-September through late May. Sessions are held at the Christian Brothers house (3344 S. Indiana). The time and day will be determined based on the participants in the journey. To inquire about OCIA, click here.
Retreats for All Adults
We offer two or more single-day retreats each year for all our Parishioners and friends. We keep these at a reasonable price. One is held each year in the fall and one in the season of Lent. These are great ways to nourish your spirituality and to become more a part of the St. James Community.
Labyrinth
Prayer Labyrinth at St. James
St. James offers a prayer labyrinth for our parishioners to use as a dedicated time for reflection and devotion. Unlike a maze, a labyrinth has a single, non-branching path that leads to a central point. It is a spiritual tool designed for prayer, meditation, and contemplation.
Walking the labyrinth symbolizes a spiritual journey: letting go of distractions on the way in, finding guidance, clarity, or stillness at the center, and returning to daily life with renewed purpose. This practice of intentional movement can help parishioners connect with God or the divine and can be used for various intentions, including personal prayer, intercession, or expressions of gratitude.
Special Programs
Throughout the year, we have special programs that help us deepen our understanding of our faith and its role in society.
Infant Baptismal Preparation
When an infant is baptized, the parents and godparents need to have a preparation class that lasts a little over an hour. At St. James, we offer these as needed. If they have had the preparation in the last two years, they do not need to repeat it.
Contact Fr. John Edmunds, S.T., [(312) 842-1919 X201,jedmunds@stjameswabash.org or Deacon Alfred Coleman [(312) 842-1919 X203, acoleman@stjameswabash.org for more information.
Click here for the baptismal request form.
Click here for the certificate of baptismal preparation form.
Marriage Preparation
There are a number of options for marriage preparation through the Archdiocese of Chicago. You need to begin by first contacting Fr. John Edmunds [(312) 842-1919 X201,jedmunds@stjameswabash.org or Deacon Alfred Coleman [(312) 842-1919 X203, acoleman@stjameswabash.org at least six months prior to the wedding ceremony
