Sacraments
SACRAMENTS
Anointing of the Sick
In the fall of each year, the aged, the sick and the shut-ins assemble with the parish community in the celebration of the Sacrament of the Sick. This sacrament is also available to anyone at any time when the need arises. Please contact the Parish Office.
Baptism
Parishoners planning a baptism are asked to register with the Parish office three months prior to the baptism. Baptism preparation classes are held every second month. Baptisms are held the Third Sunday of every month. We encourage you to take classes before the birth of your child.
Confirmation
Recent studies in the church have affirmed the basic theology of this sacrament: a sacrament of initiation along with Baptism and Eucharist. Until such time that Confirmation is returned to its original position, namely as close to Baptism as possible and prior to First Eucharist, it will be celebrated by students at the grade seven level. Parents are very involved with preparation via parish-sponsored parent and candidate evenings and by sharing faith at home with their son/daughter using the confirmation book. Preparations also include school review lessons, service projects, individual-pastoral team interviews, an enrolment service and a retreat. This sacrament is celebrated close to the Spirit Feast of Pentecost in late spring.
Eucharist
First Eucharist is a joyous family celebration wherein children become full members of the Catholic parish community.
Parents are very involved with preparation via parish-sponsored parent evenings and by sharing faith and teachings at home with their children using the Eucharist book. Preparations also include an enrolment service, a re-enactment of the Last Supper, a "Jesus Day" retreat and school review lessons.
The first Eucharist Celebrations for these Grade Two children take place at Sunday Masses over two weekends usually in late April or early May.
Marriage
The Sacrament of Marriage is a lifetime commitment between a woman and a man before God. In order that marriages be celebrated with fuller knowledge of the responsibilities and obligations entailed, couples must complete a marriage preparation program and therefore are asked to contact a parish priest at least four months before the intended date. Several series of Marriage Preparation are offered through the year by team couples from the parish.
RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults)
A process whereby those interested in becoming a member of the Catholic Church (inquirers), gather with members of the faith community (catechists and sponsors) to prepare for the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. The formation includes not only the teachings of the Catholic faith, but is also a time for spiritual growth and reflection on our call to a life of ministry and service in Christ. Although there are specialized roles of catechists and sponsors, the welcoming and initiating of new members is the primary work of the whole parish community.
Reconciliation
First Saturday of each month, 11:00 a.m. to noon (unless otherwise noted in the bulletin) or call the Parish Office for an appointment.
Formerly known as Penance or Confession, the term "Sacrament of Reconciliation" more adequately expresses the strengthening or renewing of one's friendship with the Lord.
Parents are very involved with preparation via parish-sponsored parent evenings and by sharing faith and teachings at home with their Grade 4 children using the reconciliation book. Preparations also include school classroom reviews and enrolment ceremony, child-pastoral team interviews and a "Forgiveness Day" retreat. First reconciliation is usually celebrated in early Advent.
In general, the Sacrament of reconciliation is available to anyone by calling the priest, or at the times outlined in the church bulletin.
SERVICES
Alpha
So what is Alpha? Alpha is a program running all over the world in many different Christian churches. Alpha gives an oportunity for anyone to explore the Christian faith in a relaxed, non-threatening atmosphere. Anyone interested in finding out more about the program should call Ramona Rodych at 789-3860 or Carole Chobot at 789-2693.
Eucharist Ministers
Lay bread and cup ministers assist the priest in the distribution of Eucharist at mass.
To make arrangements for the parish home ministers to take the Eucharist to the sick and shut-ins, call the parish office.
Family Life
In whatever form it may exist family life is very important to our parish. Groups such as the Knights of Columbus, Men's Club, Special Events Committee and CWL sponsor family projects throughout the year. You are advised to watch the bulletin for additional family events being promoted in our city through various organizations such as the John Paul II Centre and Catholic Family Services.
Funeral Arrangements
Death is an inevitable part of life and the parish community is here to provide the support and prayer needed to confront this reality. When death occurs, a priest should be contacted. Usually funeral arrangements are planned conjointly by the family, the priest and the funeral directors. Funeral lunches may be requested as part of the funeral arrangements.
Home Visits
A member of the parish team or Parish Home Ministers will visit the sick, elderly or shut-ins. To request this service, please call the parish office.
Mass Cards
The Eucharist can be celebrated for the deceased and also for special intentions of the living. Mass cards are available at the parish office. The customary offering is five dollars. These intentions are at weekday masses as the Sunday Masses are always for the community.
Parish Home Ministry
Holy Child/St. Joseph is blessed to have a number of parishioners trained in Parish Home Ministry. These men and women volunteer to serve our parish community. They minister to parishioners who need or wish to have spiritual care and companionship intheir own homes.
The Parish Home Ministry of Care focuses on people's spiritual needs. Scripture, prayer, listening and a loving presence are provided to parishioners as they journey through crisis or illness. Home Ministers will also bring communion, if desired. We all struggle during times of illness, disability, marital breakdown, job loss, or bereavement. Where can we find meaning in our life? In times of such need, a Parish Home Minister can be a consoling presence - a spiritual companion and prayer partner. The Home Minister offers a listening heart. Here is someone to talk with about your anxieties and challenges, fears and hopes.
The Home Minister can bring spiritual insight to a situation, and help you to feel the love and compassion of our God. A Parish Home Minister will journey with you throughany time of deep need. Parish Home Ministers are not professional counsellors and will refer to priest or other professional when appropriate.
If you, or someone you know, would benefit from the visit of a Parish Home Minister, or if you would like more information, please call the parish office at 789-8276.
Religious Instruction
As baptized adults, we are responsible for our growth in faith and knowledge. Children have the right to look to their parents and close adults for instruction and example. School/Home/Parish must support each other in this journey. Parents of children who attend public school should contact the parish office for information regarding ways of providing religious instruction for their children.
Anointing of the Sick
In the fall of each year, the aged, the sick and the shut-ins assemble with the parish community in the celebration of the Sacrament of the Sick. This sacrament is also available to anyone at any time when the need arises. Please contact the Parish Office.
Baptism
Parishoners planning a baptism are asked to register with the Parish office three months prior to the baptism. Baptism preparation classes are held every second month. Baptisms are held the Third Sunday of every month. We encourage you to take classes before the birth of your child.
Confirmation
Recent studies in the church have affirmed the basic theology of this sacrament: a sacrament of initiation along with Baptism and Eucharist. Until such time that Confirmation is returned to its original position, namely as close to Baptism as possible and prior to First Eucharist, it will be celebrated by students at the grade seven level. Parents are very involved with preparation via parish-sponsored parent and candidate evenings and by sharing faith at home with their son/daughter using the confirmation book. Preparations also include school review lessons, service projects, individual-pastoral team interviews, an enrolment service and a retreat. This sacrament is celebrated close to the Spirit Feast of Pentecost in late spring.
Eucharist
First Eucharist is a joyous family celebration wherein children become full members of the Catholic parish community.
Parents are very involved with preparation via parish-sponsored parent evenings and by sharing faith and teachings at home with their children using the Eucharist book. Preparations also include an enrolment service, a re-enactment of the Last Supper, a "Jesus Day" retreat and school review lessons.
The first Eucharist Celebrations for these Grade Two children take place at Sunday Masses over two weekends usually in late April or early May.
Marriage
The Sacrament of Marriage is a lifetime commitment between a woman and a man before God. In order that marriages be celebrated with fuller knowledge of the responsibilities and obligations entailed, couples must complete a marriage preparation program and therefore are asked to contact a parish priest at least four months before the intended date. Several series of Marriage Preparation are offered through the year by team couples from the parish.
RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults)
A process whereby those interested in becoming a member of the Catholic Church (inquirers), gather with members of the faith community (catechists and sponsors) to prepare for the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. The formation includes not only the teachings of the Catholic faith, but is also a time for spiritual growth and reflection on our call to a life of ministry and service in Christ. Although there are specialized roles of catechists and sponsors, the welcoming and initiating of new members is the primary work of the whole parish community.
Reconciliation
First Saturday of each month, 11:00 a.m. to noon (unless otherwise noted in the bulletin) or call the Parish Office for an appointment.
Formerly known as Penance or Confession, the term "Sacrament of Reconciliation" more adequately expresses the strengthening or renewing of one's friendship with the Lord.
Parents are very involved with preparation via parish-sponsored parent evenings and by sharing faith and teachings at home with their Grade 4 children using the reconciliation book. Preparations also include school classroom reviews and enrolment ceremony, child-pastoral team interviews and a "Forgiveness Day" retreat. First reconciliation is usually celebrated in early Advent.
In general, the Sacrament of reconciliation is available to anyone by calling the priest, or at the times outlined in the church bulletin.
SERVICES
Alpha
So what is Alpha? Alpha is a program running all over the world in many different Christian churches. Alpha gives an oportunity for anyone to explore the Christian faith in a relaxed, non-threatening atmosphere. Anyone interested in finding out more about the program should call Ramona Rodych at 789-3860 or Carole Chobot at 789-2693.
Eucharist Ministers
Lay bread and cup ministers assist the priest in the distribution of Eucharist at mass.
To make arrangements for the parish home ministers to take the Eucharist to the sick and shut-ins, call the parish office.
Family Life
In whatever form it may exist family life is very important to our parish. Groups such as the Knights of Columbus, Men's Club, Special Events Committee and CWL sponsor family projects throughout the year. You are advised to watch the bulletin for additional family events being promoted in our city through various organizations such as the John Paul II Centre and Catholic Family Services.
Funeral Arrangements
Death is an inevitable part of life and the parish community is here to provide the support and prayer needed to confront this reality. When death occurs, a priest should be contacted. Usually funeral arrangements are planned conjointly by the family, the priest and the funeral directors. Funeral lunches may be requested as part of the funeral arrangements.
Home Visits
A member of the parish team or Parish Home Ministers will visit the sick, elderly or shut-ins. To request this service, please call the parish office.
Mass Cards
The Eucharist can be celebrated for the deceased and also for special intentions of the living. Mass cards are available at the parish office. The customary offering is five dollars. These intentions are at weekday masses as the Sunday Masses are always for the community.
Parish Home Ministry
Holy Child/St. Joseph is blessed to have a number of parishioners trained in Parish Home Ministry. These men and women volunteer to serve our parish community. They minister to parishioners who need or wish to have spiritual care and companionship intheir own homes.
The Parish Home Ministry of Care focuses on people's spiritual needs. Scripture, prayer, listening and a loving presence are provided to parishioners as they journey through crisis or illness. Home Ministers will also bring communion, if desired. We all struggle during times of illness, disability, marital breakdown, job loss, or bereavement. Where can we find meaning in our life? In times of such need, a Parish Home Minister can be a consoling presence - a spiritual companion and prayer partner. The Home Minister offers a listening heart. Here is someone to talk with about your anxieties and challenges, fears and hopes.
The Home Minister can bring spiritual insight to a situation, and help you to feel the love and compassion of our God. A Parish Home Minister will journey with you throughany time of deep need. Parish Home Ministers are not professional counsellors and will refer to priest or other professional when appropriate.
If you, or someone you know, would benefit from the visit of a Parish Home Minister, or if you would like more information, please call the parish office at 789-8276.
Religious Instruction
As baptized adults, we are responsible for our growth in faith and knowledge. Children have the right to look to their parents and close adults for instruction and example. School/Home/Parish must support each other in this journey. Parents of children who attend public school should contact the parish office for information regarding ways of providing religious instruction for their children.