The 7 Catholic Sacraments

The seven sacraments are visible signs of God’s grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church.  Some sacraments are received only once, others require active and ongoing participation to foster the “living faith” of the celebrant.

Catholic sacraments are divided into three groups: Sacraments of Initiation, Sacraments of Healing and Sacraments of Service. Each group addresses a unique spiritual need.

The three Sacraments of Christian Initiation—Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist—together form the process of sacramental initiation into the Church.

The two sacraments of healing—Penance and Anointing of the Sick—Penance allows for spiritual healing and absolution for people who have distanced themselves from God through sin.  Anointing the sick allows for both physical and spiritual healing.

The two Sacraments of Service—Marriage and Holy Orders—impart God’s divine life to those living out a life-long call to marriage or the priesthood.

Baptism
Confirmation
Holy Eucharist
Marriage
Holy Orders
Penance (Reconciliation)
Anointing of the Sick

Baptism

The Sacrament of Baptism is the first of the seven sacraments in the Catholic Church. It removes the effects of Original Sin, gives the baptized a share in Christ’s life, and membership in the Church.

All parents requesting Baptism for their child must first meet with the parish priest to discuss the obligations and responsibilities of the parents, and godparent(s), in raising their child in the Catholic Christian faith.  In addition, all registration forms must be completed before making arrangements for the baptismal date.

Baptism preparation offers parents the chance to explore their faith and strengthen their commitment to God and one another through spiritual renewal.

If you would like to have your child baptized at St. John the Baptist Parish, you must be a registered parishioner.  Please contact the Parish Office at (905) 634-2485.

 

Confirmation

The Sacrament of Confirmation expresses growth and learning within the Catholic faith and signifies a “sealing” of an individual’s connection to the church. During a confirmation, the candidate is once again anointed with oil, and liturgy is spoken. Confirmation is traditionally celebrated in Grade 7.

Our school offers our families sacramental preparation that prepares them for Confirmation.

For families of children not attending Catholic School, please speak to the parish priest before enrolling your child in the Catechetical Correspondence offered through the Diocese.

https://hamiltondiocese.com/offices/evangelization-catechesis/correspondence/

For more information about Confirmation please contact the office at (905) 634-2485.

 

Eucharist (First Holy Communion)

In the Sacrament of the Eucharist we receive Christ’s Body and Blood in Communion.  This sacrament nourishes us spiritually and helps us grow in the likeness of Jesus Christ. The Eucharist is also known as the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

The Sacrament of First Holy Communion is traditionally celebrated in Grade 2. The Catholic Church believes that by the age of seven most children are ready to receive the Eucharist.

Our school offers our families sacramental preparation that prepares them for First Holy Communion.

For families of children not attending Catholic School, please speak to the parish priest before enrolling your child in the Catechetical Correspondence Program offered through the Diocese.

https://hamiltondiocese.com/offices/evangelization-catechesis/correspondence/

For more information about First Communion please contact the office at (905) 634-2485.

 

Holy Eucharist (Mass)

For many Christians today there is much confusion about the Catholic Community’s position on inter-communion between Christian denominations. The following information is provided as a means of helping to clarify the official teaching of the Catholic Community on inter-communion.

For Catholics: Catholics fully participate in the celebration of the Eucharist when they receive Holy Communion in fulfillment of Christ’s command to eat His body and drink His blood. In order to be disposed properly to receive Communion, communicants should not be conscious of grave sin, have fasted for an hour, and seek to live in charity and love with their neighbours. Person’s conscious of grave sin must first be reconciled with God and the Church through the Sacrament of Penance.  A frequent reception of the Sacrament of Penance is encouraged for all.

For Other Christians:  We welcome in our celebration of the Eucharist those Christians who are not fully united with us. It is a consequence of the sad divisions in Christianity that we cannot extend to you a general invitation to receive Communion. Catholics believe that the Eucharist is an action of celebrating community signifying a oneness in doctrine and faith and unity in the life and worship of the community. Reception of the Eucharist by Christians not fully united with us would imply a oneness which does not yet exist, and for which we must all pray. Christians united with us through baptism may participate in the Eucharist by listening to God’s Word and by expressing in their hearts a prayerful desire for unity with the Lord Jesus and with one another. They are welcome to come forward with their hands crossed over their chest for a Blessing.

For Non-Christians:  We also welcome to this celebration those who do not share our faith in Jesus. While we cannot extend to you an invitation to receive Communion, we do invite you to be united with us in prayer and to come forward with your hands crossed over your chest for a Blessing.

Mass Schedule: 
Saturday 5:00 PM, Sunday 9:00 and 11:00 AM
Tuesday 7:00 PM, Wednesday 9:00 AM, Thursday 9:00 AM, Friday 9:00 AM

We have a team of Eucharistic Ministers, under the direction of the pastor that distributes Holy Communion to residents of long-term care facilities and private homes weekly or twice a month. Our volunteers often find it enjoyable to spend time to visit and get to know the people they are serving.

 

Eucharistic Adoration

Eucharistic adoration is the act of adoring the Eucharistic presence of Christ. The Church believes that because Christ himself, living and glorious, is present in a true, real, and substantial manner: his Body and his Blood, with his soul and his divinity, the Most Blessed Sacrament is worthy of our adoration. To adore God is to acknowledge God, as the Creator and Saviour, the Lord and Master of everything that exists, as infinite and merciful Love. We can pray anywhere, but there is no more fitting place to pray on earth than in the sacramental presence of the Lord. There we are profoundly struck with the awesome mystery of God’s grace.

Eucharistic Adoration is available after every Friday morning Mass.

 

Reconciliation (Confession)

When a Catholic commits a sin, the Church considers it an act of separation from God and Jesus Christ.  In the Sacrament of Reconciliation our sins are forgiven and we are reconciled to God and to the Church.

The essential elements of the Sacrament of Reconciliation are two: the acts of the penitent who comes to repentance through the action of the Holy Spirit, and the absolution of the priest who in the name of Christ grants forgiveness and determines the ways of making satisfaction.

The Sacrament of First Reconciliation is traditionally celebrated in Grade 2. The Catholic Church believes that by the age of seven most children are capable of understanding the importance of reconciliation with God.

Our school offers our families sacramental preparation that prepares them for Reconciliation.

For families of children not attending Catholic School, please speak to the parish priest before enrolling your child in the Catechetical Correspondence Program offered through the Diocese.

https://hamiltondiocese.com/offices/evangelization-catechesis/correspondence/

For more information about First Reconciliation, please contact the office at (905) 634-2485.

Confession schedule: Saturday, 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM, Tuesday 6:15 PM to 6:45 PM; or by appointment by calling the office at (905) 634-2485.

 

Marriage

In Catholicism, Marriage is a Sacrament that a baptized man and a baptized woman administer to each other through their marriage vows and lifelong partnership. The marriage union is used to sanctify both the husband and wife by drawing them into a deeper understanding of God’s love and is intended to be fruitful, with any children to be raised within the teachings of the church. Marriage provides an opportunity for two individuals to celebrate their love and commitment to one another; it is considered an ongoing sacrament.

If you are planning to be married at St. John the Baptist Parish, please contact the Parish Office at (905) 634-2485, as soon as possible, generally one year in advance.  At least one party to the marriage must be Catholic and a registered parishioner.  All couples requesting Marriage must first meet with the parish priest.

Once you have met with the parish priest you will be required to participate in a Marriage Preparation course offered through the Diocese.  https://hamiltondiocese.com/offices/family-ministry/ptm/

 

Holy Orders

Holy Orders refer to leadership within the church. Those who perform this sacrament become deacons, priests and bishops, and they are responsible for preaching, counseling and otherwise spiritually guiding their communities.

Parishioners who feel that they may have a vocation to the priesthood, permanent diaconate or religious life should be practicing their faith and should be involved in the life of the parish.

Any parishioner who may feel that God is calling them to a life of service should contact the Parish Office at

(905) 634-2485, and make an appointment to speak to the priest who will assist you by providing information, helping you to discern the vocation and to assist you in making the proper contacts should there be an indication that the call is authentic.

For further information about a vocation to priesthood or religious life, please contact the Diocese of Hamilton Vocation Office at:  https://vocations.ca/communities_dioceses/deacons/hamilton/

 

Anointing of the Sick

Anointing the sick is a sacrament designed to help relieve suffering and to comfort those in substantial need. The rite consists of anointing individuals with holy oil and offering prayers. Once reserved only for the dying, the sacrament of anointing the sick is now also given to the seriously ill, injured and the elderly.

For more information about receiving this sacrament please contact the office at (905) 634-2485.