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Liturgy and Sacraments

Mass Schedule

Saturday

8:30 a.m., 5:00 p.m. (Vigil Mass), 7:00 p.m. (Spanish Mass)

Sunday

7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 5:00 p.m.

Monday – Friday

6:30 a.m. & 8:30 a.m.

Holy Days

7:00 p.m. Vigil (Spanish); 6:30 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

Federal Holidays

6:30 a.m. & 8:30 a.m.

Live Stream

priests st john warrenton

Confession Schedule

Wednesday

7:00 p.m.

Saturday

9:00 a.m. & 4:00 p.m.

Sunday

30 minutes before
every Mass

Regularly Scheduled Devotions

Rosary

The Rosary is a traditional devotional prayer based on scripture. Join us in praying the rosary Monday-Friday at 7:30 am.

Divine Mercy

“For the sake of His sorrowful passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.”

Chaplet of Divine Mercy
Monday – Friday following the 8:30 am Mass.

Divine Mercy Holy Hour
Friday 3:00 – 4:00 pm

“The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment.” Diary 699

Adoration Schedule

Wednesday

9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Children’s Holy Hour 10 a.m.
Benediction 8:00 p.m.
Miraculous Medal Holy Hour: 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday

Teen Holy Hour: Last Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m.

Thursday

9:00 a.m. to Midnight

Friday

Midnight to Midnight
Divine Mercy Holy Hour: 3:00 p.m.

Saturday

Midnight to 8:15 a.m.
Benediction 8:15 a.m.

Answer The Called To Adoration

If you would like to commit to a specific hour each week as a scheduled adorer or substitute, please use the form below to contact our Adoration Coordinator.

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Sacraments

Sacrament of Baptism

Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: Baptism in the sacrament of regeneration through water and in the word. (CCC 1213)​​

Frequently Asked Questions

Congratulations on your new addition! We are delighted to welcome your child into the life of the Church.

  • English Baptisms: 2nd & 4th Sundays of each month at 1:30 p.m.
  • Spanish Baptisms: 3rd Sunday of each month at 1:30 p.m.
 

Baptism Preparation Class

Baptism preparation class helps parents reflect on the importance of their role in initiating their child into the Catholic faith. It prepares them to actively accompany their child on the journey of faith. First-time parents (or those who have not previously attended a class) are required to attend a Baptism Preparation Session.

  • English Class: 2nd Wednesday of the month at 7:00 p.m.
  • Spanish Class: 1st Thursday of the month, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
 

Advance registration required. Call 540-347-2922 to register and receive the Baptism Handbook, which outlines preparation steps and requirements.

Important: The baptism date is not secured until all requirements are met (attendance at the Baptism class and submission of all paperwork to the parish office at least two weeks before the baptism). Only a parent or legal guardian may request Baptism for a child.

Choosing Godparents / Sponsors

Godparents (also called sponsors) play an important spiritual role in your child’s life. They promise to help your child grow in faith and to be examples of living as faithful Catholics.

When selecting a godparent or sponsor, please keep the following in mind. To serve as a godparent or sponsor, a person must:

  • Be a practicing Catholic, at least 16 years of age (Can. 874 §1, 2°)
  • Have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist (Can. 874 §1, 3°)
  • Attend Mass regularly and live a life consistent with the Catholic faith (Can. 874 §1, 3°)
  • If married, must be married in the Catholic Church and in good standing (Can. 874 §1, 3°)
  • Cannot be a parent of the person being baptized or confirmed (Can. 874 §1, 5°)
  • Lapsed Catholics or those married outside the Church without a dispensation may not serve as sponsors (Can. 874 §1, 3°)
 

All godparents or sponsors must provide a Sponsor Certificate (also called a Certificate of Eligibility or Letter of Good Standing) from the Catholic parish where they are registered. Each godparent is responsible for contacting their parish office to request this certificate. Godparent forms are included in the Baptism Handbook. Once completed, the original form should be returned to St. John’s Parish Office.

This document confirms that the individual:

  • Is a baptized and confirmed Catholic in good standing with the Church
  • Regularly participates in Mass and the sacraments
  • Meets the requirements of Canon Law to serve as a godparent or sponsor
 

Please allow three weeks’ notice for the preparation or submission of certificates and related documents.

Baptism of Adults and Older Children (Age 7+)

Adults and children who have reached the age of reason (7 and older) receive Baptism through the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) or Order of Christian Initiation for Children (OCIC).

These programs provide spiritual preparation and catechesis leading to the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist, typically celebrated at the Easter Vigil.

If you or your child is interested in becoming Catholic, please contact the parish office at 540-347-2922 or email [email protected] for more information.

Godparents are practicing Catholics who support the person being baptized or confirmed in living a faithful Christian life. They serve as spiritual role models and help the newly baptized or confirmed grow in their relationship with Christ (Can. 872; Can. 892).

The Church allows one godfather, one godmother, or one of each. Only one of each may be officially recorded in the baptismal register (Can. 873).

A sponsor must:

  • Be at least 16 years old (Can. 874 §1, 2°)

  • Be a baptized, confirmed, and practicing Catholic who has received the Eucharist (Can. 874 §1, 3°)

  • Live a life of faith consistent with the role of sponsor (Can. 874 §1, 3°)

  • Not be under any canonical penalties (such as excommunication) (Can. 874 §1, 4°)

  • Not be the parent of the person being baptized (Can. 874 §1, 5°)

No. Only a Catholic who meets the requirements may serve as a godparent or sponsor.

No. A Catholic who was married outside the Church without a dispensation is not currently in full communion with the Church and therefore does not meet the requirement of living a life of faith in keeping with the function of sponsor (Can. 874 §1, 3°).

They may become eligible after having their marriage blessed (convalidated) in the Church.

Yes! In fact, it is recommended that the same person who served as godparent at baptism also serve as the sponsor at confirmation, to highlight the continuity of the individual’s spiritual life (Can. 893 §2).

A proxy is a stand-in for a godparent or sponsor who cannot attend the ceremony.

The proxy must meet the same eligibility requirements as the godparent or sponsor. The original godparent’s name will still be recorded in the sacramental register.

No. Parents may not serve as godparents for their own child. (CIC 874).

No. The role of godparent is spiritual, not legal. Guardianship is a separate legal matter.

The Sacrament of Confession

Even after we have received the great gift of salvation in the Sacrament of Baptism we still struggle with sin in our lives.

Due to this fact of Christian life we find great comfort in the Sacrament of Confession because we have an opportunity to be forgiven from the sins we commit after we are baptized.

The Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation

The Sacrament of Confession is also called the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation. It is called the Sacrament of Penance to describe the restoration of our hearts through the expression of our sorrow and cooperation in our healing. Penance has two aspects; interior and exterior.

Interior Penance…

“is the movement of a ‘contrite heart’ (Psalm 51:19) drawn by divine grace to respond to the merciful love of God. This entails sorrow for and abhorrence of sins committed, a firm purpose not to sin again in the future and trust in the help of God. It is nourished by hope in divine mercy.” -Compendium of the Catechism, 300

Exterior Penance…

“Can be expressed in many and various ways but above all in fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. These and many other forms of penance can be practiced in the daily life of a Christian, particularly during the time of Lent and on the penitential day of Friday.” -Compendium of the Catechism, 301

It is also called the Sacrament of Reconciliation because it not only restores our relationship as sons and daughters of God, it also reconciles us with one another restoring our union with the Body of Christ, his Church. So, in addition to the forgiveness of sins, the penitent, through the priest, is reconciled to the Church itself.

Those who approach the sacrament of Penance obtain pardon from God’s mercy for the offense committed against him, and are, at the same time, reconciled with the Church which they have wounded by their sins and which by charity, by example, and by prayer labors for their conversion. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1422)

Common Questions

No. Due to what is called the “seal of confession”, the priest cannot ever tell others about the sins he hears in the confessional or even imply through his speech any connection between a person and any sins they confess. Church law requires this of the priest and the penalty for revealing someone’s sins heard in confession is the permanent loss of faculties (they can no longer validly perform any sacraments).

“The effects of the sacrament of Penance are: reconciliation with God and therefore the forgiveness of sins; reconciliation with the Church; recovery, if it has been lost, of the state of grace; remission of the eternal punishment merited by mortal sins, and remission, at least in part, of the temporal punishment which is the consequence of sin; peace, serenity of conscience and spiritual consolation; and an increase of spiritual strength for the struggle of Christian living.” (Compendium of the Catechism, 310)

The Sacrament of the Eucharist

The Holy Mass is at the center of our Catholic life because the Holy Eucharist is “the source and summit” of our Faith.

Jesus instituted the Holy Eucharist at the Last Supper while celebrating the Passover meal with his apostles. The gift of the Holy Eucharist makes Jesus present to us today and every day. He did not abandon us, rather he gave us the Church in whose authority priests and bishops consecrate the unleavened bread and wine at the Mass by which it becomes the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Jesus. Through this miracle the same Jesus who was crucified and rose from the dead may be received by Catholics today. The grace of this sacrament provides supernatural food for the soul to strengthen and nourish the faithful as they seek greater union with Christ in their daily life.

Common Questions

Jesus’ Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity are fully present in the smallest drop from the chalice (what appears and tastes like wine) or the smallest crumb from a host (what appears and tastes like bread).  Therefore, you don’t have to receive the Eucharist under both forms to “completely” receive Jesus.

For Catholics, receiving our Lord Jesus requires the proper disposition. The basic requirements are that one be baptized, be free of any serious (mortal) sin, and to observe the minimum one-hour fast. Additionally, reception of Holy Communion serves as a sign that the believer both believes all that the Church teaches as revealed by God and that they are in visible unity with the Church.

St. Paul speaks of this unity in his first letter to the Corinthians: “The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a sharing in the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread.” (1 Corinthians 10:16-17)

Communion in the Church represents the assent of the faithful to all that the Church teaches. Therefore, non-Catholics cannot participate in Holy Communion, because they do not accept all that the Church teaches and are not united as a member to His Body, the Church. Allowing non-Catholics to receive Communion would falsely demonstrate a unity that does not exist. Catholics desire that our unity be restored, but not at the expense of the truth of the situation.

The Sacrament of Confirmation

Confirmation compliments baptism by sealing and strengthening the believer to live as a child of God, through the power of the Holy Spirit.

The ordinary minister of the sacrament is a bishop who – through the “laying on of hands” and “anointing with chrism oil” – invokes the presence of the Holy Spirit on the baptized person. In this powerful encounter with God, we experience again the grace of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended upon Mary and the Apostles.

This sacrament has two primary signs: the laying on of hands by the bishop and the anointing with perfumed oil called chrism. Since the earliest days of the Church, the apostles conferred this sacrament upon the newly baptized. For example:

“Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Sama’ria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit; for it had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized…” -Acts 8:14-16

In the Latin Rite of the Catholic Church, the sacrament is ordinarily administered by the Bishop sometime after the age of reason. When children are baptized as infants they receive confirmation at a later time. Adults who participate in the “Order of Christian Initiation of Adults” always receive confirmation immediately following baptism. This sacrament provides an increase and deepening of the grace of Baptism which increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit received in Baptism.

Frequently Asked Questions

Any baptized Catholic who has reached the age of reason and has not yet been confirmed may receive the Sacrament of Confirmation (Can. 889 §1).

Candidates must be properly instructed, suitably disposed, and able to renew their baptismal promises freely (Can. 889 §2).

At Saint John the Evangelist, students are ordinarily confirmed in 8th grade after completing a two-year preparation program that begins in 7th grade through parish religious education or the parish school.

Those beyond 8th grade who have not yet been confirmed are encouraged to contact the parish office for information about joining the next preparation class.

Confirmation is typically celebrated once a year at Saint John the Evangelist, with the date determined by the Bishop’s Office. The parish will communicate details about the schedule, rehearsal, and preparation program in advance.

Preparation for Confirmation includes:

  • Regular attendance at Mass

  • Participation in religious education or a parish confirmation preparation program

  • Reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation prior to Confirmation

  • Service and spiritual formation activities designed to deepen faith and understanding

The parish office or religious education program will provide specific requirements and timelines each year.

A sponsor’s primary role is to help the confirmed person live as a true witness of Christ and to support them in faithfully fulfilling the obligations of the sacrament (Can. 892).

Sponsors serve as spiritual mentors, praying for and guiding the candidate as they grow in faith. They are encouraged to:

  • Attend Mass regularly with the candidate

  • Share their own faith and example of Christian living

  • Be present at the Confirmation ceremony and continue offering encouragement afterward

Sponsors play a vital role in the faith journey of the candidate. To serve as a sponsor, a person must (Can. 893 §1; Can. 874):

  • Be a practicing Catholic, at least 16 years old

  • Have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist

  • Lead a life of faith consistent with the role of sponsor

  • Not be under any canonical penalties

  • Not be the parent of the person being confirmed

It is recommended that the same person who served as the baptismal godparent also serve as the confirmation sponsor, to emphasize the ongoing relationship of faith (Can. 893 §2).

No. Only a Catholic who meets the requirements may serve as a sponsor.

A baptized non-Catholic may not serve as a sponsor but may be present as a Christian witness at the ceremony (Can. 874 §2).

Yes. If the sponsor is registered in another parish, they must obtain a Sponsor Certificate (Letter of Good Standing) from their home parish confirming they meet the requirements of Canon Law.

If the sponsor is a registered parishioner at Saint John the Evangelist, the parish can verify eligibility internally.

Candidates are encouraged to choose the name of a saint who inspires them by example of faith, courage, and virtue. The saint’s name should reflect a spiritual connection and commitment to living a holy life.

A copy of the baptismal certificate from the church of baptism is required. This verifies that the candidate is a baptized Catholic and eligible to receive Confirmation.

Yes! Adults who have been baptized Catholic but have not received Confirmation may prepare for the sacrament through the OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) program.

Please contact the parish office for more information on adult Confirmation preparation.

The Sacrament of Holy Matrimony

“The marriage covenant, by which a man and a woman form with each other an intimate communion of life and love, has been founded and endowed with its own special laws by the Creator. By its very nature it is ordered to the good of the couple, as well as to the generation and education of children. Christ the Lord raised marriage between the baptized to the dignity of a sacrament.” (CCC 1660)

Congratulations! The Saint John the Evangelist parish community rejoices with couples called to the Vocation of Marriage and Family.

Marriage Preparation

  • The marriage preparation process takes 7-12 months.
  • Couples must begin official preparation at least 6 months before the desired wedding date.
  • Preparation includes in-person meetings with a priest and other required steps set by the Diocese of Arlington.
 

To begin, contact our Business Manager, Kandace Leypoldt, at [email protected] or 540-347-2922. Guidelines will be provided once Marriage Preparation is scheduled.

Who May be Married at Saint John the Evangelist

Parishioners
  • Any Catholic, not otherwise impeded by Divine law or Church law, who physically resides within the territorial boundaries of St. John the Evangelist and is a registered parishioner.
  • Only one of the engaged couple needs to be a registered parishioner.
  • If a person is registered to St. John the Evangelist but does not physically reside within the parish boundaries, they must obtain written permission from the pastor of the parish where they reside before any wedding arrangements can be made.
 
Children of Parishioners
  • A Catholic whose parents are actively participating parishioners of St. John the Evangelist may be married here, provided the pastor where the couple physically resides gives written permission before arrangements are made.

 

Non-Parishioner Weddings

At this time, Saint John the Evangelist cannot accommodate weddings for non-parishioners. 

Weddings at Other Locations

Parishioners preparing for a wedding to be held elsewhere should contact Fr. Charles Smith to discuss the marriage preparation process.

Additional Resources for Marriage Preparation from the USCCB

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La preparación para Matrimonio incluye unas reuniones con un sacerdote y también participación en seis (6) charlas pre-matrimoniales.

Las charlas se ofrecen dos veces por año (normalmente en marzo y septiembre), son seis jueves consecutivos de 6:30 a 8:00 pm.
Contacte a la oficina (540-347-2922) para más información.

The Sacrament of Holy Orders

Holy Orders describes the sacrament which has three degrees: bishop, priest, and deacon. The fullness of Holy Orders rests in the office of bishop. Consecration as a bishop makes him a real and legitimate successor of the apostles. Priests are ordained to serve the entire Church and like the bishop exercise this ministry through the forgiveness of sins. Deacons are ordained either transitionally (as part of the path to priestly ordination) or permanently to serve at the altar and exercise the ministry of the word (preaching and teaching). They also take on specific efforts of charity, service to the sick, and pastoral care. Deacons are not ordained to forgive sins (except in the administration of Baptism) and so they cannot confect the Eucharist, hear confessions, or anoint the sick.

For information and resources from our Vocation Office, visit their website through the link below.

Arlington Vocations Office

The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick

If you would like to receive the Anointing of the Sick, please call the Parish Office at (540) 347-2922. 

The Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament of the Church in which the priest prays for, lays hands on and anoints the sick person with blessed oil. It may be preceded by the Sacrament of Reconciliation and followed by Eucharist. Anointing of the Sick is for Catholics who are sick or facing life threatening situations (like major surgery or a serious medical emergency), as well as those who may be facing imminent death.

The sacrament may be repeated if the recipient suffers from a different illness or injury or if the same illness or condition becomes more serious. Elderly people may be anointed if they have become weakened even though no serious illness is present.

The principle grace is a strengthening of the virtue of hope to help the sick person not to despair and to strengthen them against any fear of death. It also helps them to endure whatever suffering is caused by their illness or injuries and unites them to the suffering Christ who draws close to them and provides spiritual comfort. For those who are not able to make an oral confession of their sins, it also provides forgiveness of sins. This is a great gift because it allows the ordinary grace of sacramental forgiveness to be given even in this extreme circumstance.

The elements of this sacrament include:

Penitential Prayer

Liturgy of the Word or a short reading from Scripture

The priest laying hands on the sick person

Anointing with the oil of the sick on the hands, and forehead with the words,

“Through this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up.”

When possible those near death are given viaticum (Holy Eucharist).

“Communion in the body and blood of Christ, received at this moment of ‘passing over’ to the Father, has a particular significance and importance. It is the seed of eternal life and the power of resurrection, according to the words of the Lord: ‘He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.'” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1524, quoting John 6:54)

When administered at (or potentially near) the moment of death in addition to viaticum it may also include:

Prayer of Commendation

Common Questions

Yes and no. The Anointing of the Sick has also gone by the name Extreme Unction which, as a name, emphasizes the anointing (unction) and the notion that this sacrament is for those who are dying. However, there are many other circumstances of illness and disease in which this sacrament should be received. It should not be neglected as only for the moments immediately prior to death. The Last Rites involve the administration of Anointing of the Sick as well as Confession (if possible), Viaticum (final Holy Communion) and the prayers of commendation.

Because forgiveness of sins is among the effects of the Anointing of the Sick, it is necessary that a priest (or bishop) administer the sacrament. Deacons and laity can pray for the sick and dying, but not to the same effect as this sacrament.

To arrange a funeral at St. John's, please call the Parish Office.

During this difficult time, we are honored to help with the planning of your loved one’s funeral. Our Church, priests, and office staff are ready to assist you in any way possible. Your loved one will also be remembered at the annual Memorial Mass every November.

Please call us at (540) 347-2922.

Sacramental Record Request

Parishioners of Saint John the Evangelist may use this form to request:

  • A copy of a sacramental record (Baptism, Confirmation, First Communion, Marriage, etc.), or

  • A Letter of Good Standing (also called a Letter of Eligibility or Sponsor Certificate) if you have been asked to serve as a godparent or confirmation sponsor at another parish.

Important Notes

  • Please allow three weeks’ notice for the preparation of any sacramental record or sponsorship certificate.

  • To receive a Sponsorship Certificate, you must be a registered and active member of Saint John the Evangelist Parish for at least six months.

  • Active membership includes regular attendance at Mass and participation in the life and support of the parish.

  • Requests are handled in accordance with Canon Law and diocesan guidelines.

Request Records