The Sacraments of Initiation

The first three saraments: Baptism, Holy Communion and Confirmation, are called the scaraments of initiation because the rest of the Christian depends on them.

Baptism:
The Sarament of Baptism is the first of the three sacraments of initiation. It is also the first of the seven sacraments in the Roman Catholic Church. It removes guilt and effects of Original Sin and incorporates the baptized into the Church, the Mystical Body of Christ on Earth.

Batpism also makes each child an official member of the Catholic Church, God's family on earth where each baptized finds a hom and a place to grow. Baptism of infants are celebrated on the second and fourth Sunday of the month.

Holy Communion:
While Catholics in the West today normally make their First Holy Communion before they receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, the Sacrament of Holy Communion historically was the third of these sacraments. This sacrament is the source of great graces that sanctify us and help us grow in the likeness of Jesus Christ.

Most of our children attend Catholic school in the area. During their second grade, a pspecial prgram is held here at the Church, to prepare them for the Sacraments of First Communion. The Sacrament of Confession is also celebrated to create a stronger bond between the children and Jesus. Children attending Public and Private schools follow a special two year program which begins in Grade 1. The aim of this course is to give these children an opportunity to be more exposed to religion and slowly grow in a faith filled environment.

Confirmation:
The Sacrament of Confirmation is traditionally the second of the three sacraments of initiation, as it was administered immediately after the Sacrament of Baptism. Confirmation perfects our baptism and brings us the graces of the Holy Spirit that were granted to the Apostles on Pentecost Sunday.

Most teenagers in Grade 8 at Catholic schools enroll in a special program that prepares them to receive this sacrament. It is a special step in their life to grow and strengthen their faith, in order to become and act as witnesses to Jesus within the Church and the community.

Students attending Public and Private schools need to follow a two year program, which gives them the opportunity to receive from the Church specific spiritual and christian instruction not provided by their educational environment.

The Sacrament of Confession

The Sacrament of Confession is one of the least understood, and least utilized sacraments in the Catholic Church. In reconcilling us to God, it is a great source of grace, and Catholics are encouraged to take advantage of it often, even if they are not aware of having committed a mortal sin.

This Sacrament is celebrated every Saturday from 4pm to 4:30pm or during regular office hours.

The Sacrament of Marriage

Marriage is a lifelong union between people for procreation and mutual support. It is a sacrament that requires preparation. After the initial contact with a parish priest, couples need to attend a marriage preparation course to assess their compatibility and discusss the necessar steps of a life together.

This sacrament is celebrated in the Church and requires attendance at Sunday Mass and a prayful life together. Couples must contact the priest one year in advance to fulfill all requirements and have good enough time to organize the celebration.

A mixed marriage requires a special dispensation from the Archbishop. A disparity of cult Marriage requires a special dispensation but no a conversation to the Catholic Faith.

The Sacrament of Holy Orders

This sacrament is the continuation of Christ's priesthood, which He bestowed upon his Apostles. There are three levels of this sacrament: the episcopate, the priesthood and the diaconate.

The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick

Traditionally referred to as the Last Rites. This sacrament is administered both to the dying and to those who are gravely ill or about to undergo a serious operation. Priests of our church have the ability to come and visit those who need this sacrament. They can even involve the entire family and pray together to seek God's guidance and strength.