THE 7 HOLY
SACRAMENTS
The Seven Sacraments of the Catholic Church
Sacraments, outward signs of inward grace, instituted by Jesus 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, 1st Holy Communion, Confirmation, Reconciliation (Confession), 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 – Catechism of the Catholic Church)
The Sacrament of Baptism
We request that baptisms (Infant & Adult) 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. Then our Pastor will communicate with you to schedule an instructional meeting with the Parents and Godparents. Then the date you have chosen will be confirmed & scheduled, in talks with our Pastor at the Parish of your choice.
For more information on Baptism, what it is & its purpose, please click here.
The Sacrament of First Holy Communion
First Holy Communion is a Sacrament of the Catholic Church typically given to Adults & children around 7 years of age (Grade 2) . 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 or yourself or 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 of age, or you are Adult, 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:
The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession)
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a Sacrament of Healing and Restoration. Our Lord & Saviour Jesus Christ, in His abundant love and mercy, established the Sacrament of Reconciliation, so that we as penitent sinners can obtain forgiveness for our sins and reconcile with God and the Church. To learn more about the Sacrament of Reconciliation please click here.
Our Pastor is always available after Mass to hear Confessions, this Sacrament is also available by appointment by contacting the Parish Office. If it is an Emergency, the Pastor can be contacted directly at 647-657-3705.
The Sacrament of Confirmation in the Holy Spirit
Confirmation in the Holy Spirit is a Sacrament of Initiation which completes Baptism through sealing in the Holy Spirit and anoints each recipient Adult or Child 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 or yourself 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 Holy 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, or you are Adult, and would like to receive their Confirmation in the Holy Spirit, 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 by going to the CONTACT tab. We would be very happy to assist you in this special and eternal journey.
The Sacrament of Holy 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 Holy Matrimony please click here.
We ask that Parishioners please request their Wedding approximately 6 months to a year in advance. This preparation begins with a meeting with the Pastor and the completion of Registration forms. Marriage candidates will also need to complete a Marriage Preparation course offered through the Diocese of Hamilton in Hamilton or Kitchener at various times of the year.
To begin the process, please approach the Pastor after Sunday Mass, or go to the CONTACT tab to notify the Parish Office.
The Sacrament of The Anointing of the Sick
The Anointing of the Sick is a Sacrament instituted by Our Lord Jesus Christ during his earthly ministry. It is administered to the individual to bring about spiritual &/or physical strengthening. This Sacrament conveys several special graces & imparts gifts of strengthening in the Holy Spirit against anxiety, discouragement, temptation, and conveys peace and fortitude to the recipient (CCC 1520 Catechism of the Catholic Church).
If you or a loved one is suffering from illness, & you would like to receive this Sacrament, please call the Rectory/Parish Office (519-848-2108). * If you require this Sacrament urgently please call the Pastor (647-657-3705) or the Rectory/Parish Office. Thank you.
The Sacrament of 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 this instance, 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 ‘holy living’ presence in us. So it is important for us to go to ‘the Sacrament of Reconciliation’ (Confession) ‘often’ and receive ‘the Sacrament of’ Holy Communion.“
Pope Francis I
St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church 