THE
SACRAMENTS
7 Sacraments of the Catholic Church
Sacraments, outward signs of inward grace, instituted by Christ for our sanctification (Catechismus concil. Trident., II, n. 4, ex S. August “De catechizandis rudibus”). There are seven Sacraments in the Catholic Church including: baptism, confirmation, Holy Eucharist, reconciliation, anointing of the sick, holy orders, and matrimony.
The sacraments are efficacious signs of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, by which divine life is dispensed to us. The visible rites by which the sacraments are celebrated signify and make present the graces proper to each sacrament. They bear fruit in those who receive them with the required dispositions. (CCC 1131)Sacraments are “powers that comes forth” from the Body of Christ, which is ever-living and life-giving. They are actions of the Holy Spirit at work in his Body, the Church. They are “the masterworks of God” in the new and everlasting covenant.(CCC 1116)
Baptism
We request that baptisms be planned approximately 3 months in advance.
You can begin this process by downloading our Baptismal Registration form and sending it to the parish office by email.
For more information on Baptism’s, what they are, why we do them, please click here.
First Communion
First Holy Communion is a Sacrament of the Catholic Church typically given to children around 7 years of age. Our Parish works alongside St. John’s Catholic School in giving children the education they need to prepare and understand the Eucharist. This is usually done by classes at the school, as well as child and parent classes at the Church.
The best way to prepare your child for this sacrament is regular attendance at Sunday Mass. We warmly welcome you to come and experience the Eucharistic celebration at Mass.
If your child is approximately 7 years of age, and you would like them to receive the Sacrament of First Holy Communion, please contact the Parish Office with your registration form.
Please download the registration form down below:
Confession
Confession is a Sacrament of healing and restoration. Jesus Christ, in His abundant love and mercy, established the Sacrament of Confession, so that we as sinners can obtain forgiveness for our sins and reconcile with God and the Church. To learn more about the Sacrament of Confession please click here.
Father is always available after Mass to hear confessions. Confessions are also available by appointment by contacting the parish office.
Confirmation
Confirmation is a sacrament of initiation which completes baptism through sealing in the Holy Spirit and anoints the recipient as priest, prophet, and king. To find out more about Confirmation please click here.
Our parish works alongside St. John’s school in providing children the education they need in preparing for their Confirmation. This is typically done during class time at St. John’s School, as well as, meetings with parents and children at the Church.
The best possible way to help prepare your child for the Sacraments is to bring them regularly to Sunday Mass. At Mass they are able to experience the vibrancy of the Mass, experience the rich history of the Church, experience Scripture, and ultimately experience Christ himself in the Eucharist. This is a wonderful opportunity for your child to express interest in the Church. It offers them the opportunity to ask big questions, and gain an understanding of themselves, and their own unique place in the world.
If your child is in Grade 7 or 8, and would like to receive their Confirmation, please send your registration form to the parish office, which can be found below:
If you are an adult, and have not been confirmed, and would like to join the Roman Catholic Church, please contact the parish office directly. We would be happy to help you.
Matrimony
The Sacrament of Marriage is a lasting commitment of a man and a woman to a lifelong partnership, established for the good of each other and the procreation of their children. The Sacrament of Marriage is different than the others, which are usually done by a priest, or bishop. The man and woman confer the Sacrament of Marriage upon each other when they express their consent to marry before God and the Church.
To learn more about the Sacrament of Matrimony please click here.
We ask that parishioners please request their wedding approximately 6 months in advance. This preparation begins with a meeting with Father and completing registration forms. Marriage applicants will also need to complete a marriage preparation course done through the Diocese of Hamilton.
To begin the process, please contact the parish office.
Anointing of the Sick
Anointing of the sick is a sacrament instituted by Jesus Christ during his earthly ministry. It is administered to the to bring about spiritual and/or physical strengthening. The anointing of the sick conveys several graces and imparts gifts of strengthening in the Holy Spirit against anxiety, discouragement, and temptation, and conveys peace and fortitude (CCC 1520).
If you or a loved one is suffering from illness, and you would like to request this sacrament, please call or email the Parish office. If you are requiring this sacrament urgently please call the rectory, or the parish secretary. Thank you.
Holy Orders
All parishioners participate in the priesthood of all believers through Baptism. However, some men are called to serve the Church through the celebration of the Sacrament of Holy Orders. Through their leadership these men are living examples of Jesus’ presence on earth through the tradition of the apostles. There are three levels of participation in this Sacrament: as Bishop, priest, and deacon. They receive the Sacrament of Holy Orders in the Rite of Ordination. In the Rite of Ordination, the Bishop lays his hands on the candidate and says a consecratory prayer, and the candidates hands are anointed (in the case of a bishop, his head).
Are you feeling a call to priesthood or the permanent deaconate? If so, please click the following link, and look under the “Vocations” Menu for the priesthood, deaconate, or consecrated life. Please feel free to contact the Parish office, or speak with Father after Mass.
“The Sacraments are Jesus Christ’s presence in us. So it is important for us to go to Confession and receive Holy Communion.“
Pope Francis
St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church 