Baptism

Baptism is the Sacrament which cleanses us from original sin, makes us Christians, children of God, and heirs of heaven. It is the doorway to the other Sacraments of the Church. Parents, please contact (ideally, early in the pregnancy) the parish office to discuss registration and preparation. Adults seeking baptism, also, please contact.

Holy Communion

Catholics believe that the bread and wine, through the priest at the Holy Mass, where it is normally distributed to the faithful who are in the state of grace (see Penance), is changed, truly and wholly, into the Body, Blood, Soul & Divinity of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. It is frequently called by other names such as: the Blessed Sacrament, the Holy Eucharist, or, the Sacred Host. It is typically reserved in the Tabernacle in all the Catholic Churches of the world. The dogma of the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist is a belief all Catholics must ascend to. Please see the Holy Mass Schedule.

Parents who wish to register and prepare their children for First Holy Communion (typically by seven years of age, or grade two) should contact the parish office to discuss registration and preparation.

Penance / Confession

Confession is the telling of our sins to a duly authorized priest, for the purpose of obtaining forgiveness in the Sacrament of Penance. Sanctifying grace (aka: the state of grace), remains with us as long as we do not fall into mortal sin. We should refrain from receiving Holy Communion if we are guilty of the latter, and should resolve to make our confession as soon as possible and be restored to the state of grace.

Confession time is made available one hour prior to the scheduled Masses and should end twenty minutes prior to Mass starting. Confessions during this time should be brief, that is, confessing only the sin and the number of times (as best possible) it was committed. For a more thorough Confession (which typically should be done at least once a year during the penitential Season of Lent, but not limited to it) at which time, discussion, counselling and/or spiritual direction may more appropriately be included, please contact the parish office to make an appointment. A brief or thorough Examination of Conscience (aka: Examen) is recommended to help prepare for this Sacrament.

Preparation for children for their First Confession will be integrated with their preparation for First Communion.

Confirmation

Confirmation is the Sacrament through which we receive the Holy Ghost to make us strong and perfect Christians and soldiers of Jesus Christ. Parents of children around the ages of eleven, twelve and thirteen (grades six, seven and eight), as well as adults seeking this Sacrament which completes the initiation process into the Catholic Church, please contact the parish office to discuss registration and preparation.

Matrimony

Matrimony is the Sacrament which unites a Christian man and woman in lawful marriage. Bride and groom, please contact the parish office to discuss registration and preparation before setting a wedding date.

Holy Orders

Holy Orders is the Sacrament by which bishops, priests, and other ministers of the Church are ordained and receive the power and grace to perform their sacred duties. Besides bishops and priests, the other ministers of the Church are deacons and subdeacons, who, while preparing for the priesthood, have received some of the Holy Orders, but who have not been ordained to the full powers of the priest. Men, please contact the parish office if you believe you are experiencing a call to serve God in ordained ministry.

Extreme Unction / Last Rites / Anointing of the Sick

Extreme Unction is the Sacrament, which, through the anointing and prayer of the Priest, gives health and strength to the soul, and sometimes to the body, when we are in danger of death from sickness. Please contact the parish office to make the necessary arrangements, preferably, if possible, before going into the hospital.

Requiem (Funeral) Masses

A Requiem Mass is one said in black vestments and with special prayers for the dead. Please contact the parish office to discuss the proper arrangements.