Sacraments
The word “sacramentum” means “a sign of the sacred”. The sacraments are ceremonies that point to what is sacred, and is required to attain grace. Sacraments are instruments used to attain sanftifying grace, the unmerrited gift coming directly from God.
If you learn more about the sacraments, you can celebrate them more fully. To learn more about the individual sacraments, please read the following and follow the links. The questions are linked to an external resource.
Baptisms
Parents who wish to have thier children baptized are kindly asked to contact the parish at least three months in advance. Parents and Godparents are required to attend the Baptism preparation class.
- What happens when we are baptized
- Why are babies baptized? Aren’t they too young to accept Jesus?
- Who can be a godparent and what is expected of a godparent?
- Does Baptism last a lifetime?
- Why are there no Baptisms during Lent?
- How soon after birth should a baby be baptized?
- Is a saint’s name required for Baptism?
Marriage
It is required that one of those to be married resides within the parish boundary. Couples planning to be married must contact the parish at least one year in advance. They must also receive personal preparation prior to entering marriage.
If either party has previously gone through any form of civil or religious marriage with another person, the priest is not permitted to set a wedding date until the Bishop’s office has been contacted.
- What does the Sacrament of Marriage reveal to us about God?
- How do different religious backgrounds affect a marriage?
- Can a Catholic wedding ceremony be held outdoors?
Confessions
Reconciliation every Saturday from 4:00 pm to 4:45 pm, or can be arranged through Ann in the parish office at (905) 822-8132. The Catholic Sacrament of Reconciliation (also known as the Sacrament of Penance, or Penance and Reconciliation) has three elements: conversion, confession and celebration. In it we find God’s unconditional forgiveness, and as a result we are called to forgive others.
- Celebrating Reconciliation: Resources for Going to Confession
- What’s the difference between Confession and Reconciliation?
- Why do Catholics confess their sins to a priest?
- Is Confession based on the Bible?
- Is Confession by e-mail allowed?
- I don’t feel comfortable going to Confession — what should I do?
- If I have no mortal or venial sins to confess, should I still go?
Eucharist
Catholics believe the Eucharist, or Communion, is both a sacrifice and a meal. We believe in the real presence of Jesus, who died for our sins. As we receive Christ’s Body and Blood, we also are nourished spiritually and brought closer to God. Click here for Mass Times and Schedules.
- How does the Eucharist help us become the Body of Christ?
- Is Jesus really present in the Eucharist?
- May I receive Communion during a service in a non-Catholic church?
- May Catholics give holy Communion to non-Catholics?
- May I take the host to the cup and dip?
- How many times may I receive holy Communion in one day?
- How should we prepare for Communion in the home?
Annointing of the Sick
The Catholic sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, formerly known as Last Rites or Extreme Unction, is a ritual of healing appropriate not only for physical but also for mental and spiritual sickness.
- When should someone receive the Anointing of the Sick?
- Who can receive and who can administer the Anointing of the Sick?
Confirmation
Confirmation is a Catholic sacrament of mature Christian commitment and a deepening of baptismal gifts. Like Baptism and Eucharist, it is a Sacrament of Initiation for Catholics and a Sacrament of faith in God’s fidelity to us.
- What are the gifts of the Holy Spirit received at Confirmation?
- Who can be a Confirmation sponsor and what is expected?
- Why don’t we speak in tongues after being confirmed?
Religious Vocations – Is God Calling You?
Pray to know how God wants to use your talents and abilities. Could it be He is calling you to consider priesthood or religious life? 
If you think that God is calling you The Toronto Archdiocese has a Vocations Office and a website. You may reach them by clicking below.
The Diaconate
The Archdiocese of Toronto currently has over 100 active deacons in service. The deacon is someone who is ordained, after four years of formation, 
to bring Christ to those in need through his actions and deeds. Deacons also celebrate their ministry liturgically, as each deacon is assigned to a specific parish. The mandate of the permanent diaconate in the Archdiocese of Toronto is to work with those pushed to the fringes of society by crime, poverty, age, or sickness. For more information on the permanent diaconate, please visit the website below.