St James Catholic Church – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

Welcome to the FAQs section of St James Catholic Church in Cape Town.

Below you will find answers to the most common questions asked by parishioners and visitors.

Our goal is to support your spiritual journey and make our church as accessible and welcoming as possible.

🙏 GENERAL PARISH INFORMATION

1. What time are the Sunday and Weekday Masses?

   Saturday: 9:00 am & 5:00 pm

   Sunday (Summer): 8:00 am (Beginning November to End February)

   *Due to Parking Issues in St James Main Road.

   Sunday (Winter): *9:00 am (Beginning March to End October)

   PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
   No Masses

   Please refer to our Mass Times page for the most up-to-date schedule.

2. Where is the church located?

   We are located at 80 Main Road, St James, Cape Town.
   View our location on the Contact Us page.

3. How do I contact the parish office?

   You can call or email us directly via our Contact Us page.

4. Where can I find the latest parish bulletin?

   Visit the Bulletins page for weekly updates and announcements.

5. How can I join the parish or register as a new member?

   Contact the parish office or visit us in person. A short form will be provided to collect your contact information.

   Complete this Parishioner Contact Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc_NVI0qu2lwG6PPeurDMxnPgG9m9dq_VuuZSbizqcf7qYElQ/viewform

6. Is there parking available at the church?

   Yes, parking is available near the church grounds.

7. How do I make a donation or contribute to the church?

   You can donate at Mass, via EFT, or through our Donate page.

 

⛪ SACRAMENTS

8. How do I schedule a Baptism for my child?

   Contact the parish office to book a date and attend a preparation session.

9. What are the requirements for Baptism?

   At least one godparent must be a practicing Catholic. You may also need to attend a preparation class.

10. How do I enroll my child in First Communion or Confirmation classes?

    Visit our Sacraments page to register or speak with the catechism coordinator after Sunday Mass.

11. When do classes take place?

    Catechism classes take place on Sunday mornings during the school term.

12. What documents are needed for sacramental preparation?

    You may need the child’s baptism certificate and a completed registration form.

13. When is Confession available?

    Before or after Mass, and by appointment. Please see the Mass Times page.

14. How do I go to Confession for the first time?

    A priest will guide you through the process. You can also request a how-to guide from the parish.

15. How do I book a wedding at St James?

    Contact the parish at least 6 months in advance. Pre-marriage courses may be required.

16. Are there preparation classes for couples getting married?

    Yes, couples are referred to Archdiocesan marriage enrichment programs such as Engaged Encounter.

17. What is required for a Catholic marriage?

    Both individuals must be free to marry. At least one person must be Catholic. Pre-marriage instruction is required.

 

📘 FAITH FORMATION & MINISTRIES

18. What is RCIA and how do I register?

    RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is for adults seeking to become Catholic. Speak with the parish office to join the next session.

19. Can someone baptized in another Christian church become Catholic?

    Yes, through the RCIA process and profession of faith.

20. How do I enroll my child in Sunday Catechism classes?

    Visit our Sacraments page or speak with the coordinator after Mass.

21. What ages are eligible for Catechism?

    Typically ages 6 to 16, grouped by school grade.

22. What ministries are available at St James?

    RCIA, Catechism, Marriage Enrichment, and the Care Group. Visit Ministries page.

23. How can I volunteer in the parish?

    Speak to a ministry leader after Mass or contact the parish office.

 

📖 BIBLE & SPIRITUAL RESOURCES

24. Where can I read the Catholic Bible online?

    Here are trusted sources:

• CPDV Bible
• NABRE – USCCB
• New Jerusalem Bible

25. What version does the Church use?

    Mass readings use NABRE in English-speaking regions. CPDV and NJB are also approved.

25. Is there a daily Bible reading plan?

    Yes, the USCCB Daily Readings are a great resource.

 

🙏 PRAYER & SUPPORT

27. Can I request prayers for someone?

    Yes, contact the parish office or place a prayer intention in the box at the back of the church.

28. Is there support for the grieving or sick?

    Yes, our Care Group visits the sick and supports the grieving. Contact us for more information.

29. Who do I contact for spiritual guidance or pastoral care?

    Please call the parish office to schedule a visit with a priest or spiritual support volunteer.

 

📅 EVENTS & SCHEDULING

30. Where can I find upcoming parish events?

    Events are shared in the bulletin and sometimes on the homepage.

31. Is there a church calendar online?

    Currently, the bulletin provides the most accurate upcoming schedule.

 

💻 WEBSITE & CHATBOT USE

32. How do I use the church chatbot?

    Click the chat icon on the site and ask a question. Try: “What time is Mass?” or “Where can I read the Bible?”

33. Is the chatbot information accurate?

    Yes, it pulls from our official website and trusted Catholic resources.

34. What if the chatbot doesn’t answer my question?

    Please contact the parish office or check the Contact Us page.

We hope that this FAQ helps you feel more connected and supported at St James Catholic Church.

 

May God’s peace be with you!