g. Grace is a gift, freely given by Christ, but if we refuse to receive the gift or to open it and embrace the gift, then the grace is less.

Transcription

1 What is a Sacrament? Just as road signs lead us directly and safely to our destination, sacraments are like road signs on your journey in faith. Sacraments continually point us toward Christ and lead us to our ultimate destination, which is heaven. Sacraments offer us grace, which is an intimate sharing in the life of Christ. Through grace we gain the strength and courage to follow Christ and live a life of holiness. Sacramental experiences (any encounter with God and God s grace) happen at church and also within the family, in groups, at work, at school or in recreation. A Sacrament is an action in which Christians come together to celebrate their lived experiences and remember their common stories in the name of Jesus Christ, and so, First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion are celebrated within the context of the parish community. a. In the Catechism of the Catholic Church, a sacrament is defined as a visible sign instituted by Christ to give grace. What we as a Church understands and believes about sacraments was confirmed in 1546 at the Council of Trent. They are well-established. b. Christ acts through the sacraments. Christ is always present in His Church. When someone baptizes, it is actually Christ who baptizes. The ordained ministers act in Christ s name and in his person. c. All confer the grace which they signify. This means that Christ works through them and gives us grace. The grace is made present through the visible signs of water and oil and the laying on of hands, as well as in the rites (not rights) of the sacrament that is, the words and the prayers that accompanies these signs. d. We may not have a clear understanding of grace. We often describe grace as God s goodness, His blessing, his strength, His love. And it is all of these gifts. e. Grace is a gift. It is the grace of the Holy Spirit. When we receive grace, we share more fully in the life of Christ. Grace sanctifies and strengthens us. The grace is always given; it is not dependent on our worthiness or our holiness. f. However, we must cooperate with God s grace. It will only be fruitful to the extent that the individual puts the grace to work. For example, one can pray the rosary, which could be a grace-filled prayer experience, but if we say it without thinking or without our hearts engaged, the grace is limited. If a child is confirmed but comes ill-prepared or without seriousness of heart or the proper disposition, again the grace is limited. Sacraments are not miraculous. We are all baptized, but if we do not take our baptismal call seriously, then the grace that is given is going to have less impact in our lives. We can receive the Eucharist at Mass, which is a tremendous source of grace it is nourishment for the soul, but if we do it without thinking or nonchalantly, then we do not receive the full grace it offers. g. Grace is a gift, freely given by Christ, but if we refuse to receive the gift or to open it and embrace the gift, then the grace is less. h. Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Orders give sacramental character and cannot be repeated. In a sense, God seals us with these sacraments. He puts his fingerprint on our hearts. We need only be baptized once. Those who are baptized in another Church, such as the Anglican Church or the United Church, do not need to be baptized again should they decide to join the Catholic Church. At Confirmation, the bishop anoints the candidates with holy oil and says, Be sealed with the Holy Spirit.

2 When a man is ordained, they are ordained for life. You may have heard the psalm response, You are a priest forever, in the line of Melchisidek. Once a priest, always a priest. i. Sacraments involve both words and actions. j. The invisible is revealed to us through sign and symbol. k. The invisible grace of God can be seen in the visible work of the Church. l. The visible signs are the rituals surrounding the sacrament. m. The visible signs are the rituals the liturgical celebrations in which the sacrament is administered. n. These are the symbols and gestures used and the words spoken. o. The minister of the sacrament is also a visible sign (bishop in confirmation, the priest in reconciliation, the husband and wife in a marriage) The recipients of the sacraments are also visible signs p. Sacraments are sacred moments. We encounter the Trinity: we are strengthened by God s grace. We encounter Christ, who instituted the sacraments, and we are led by the Holy Spirit. q. Christ himself said, in the gospel of John, I am the gate. If anyone enters through me, he will be saved. r. Each sacrament is an encounter with Christ. Through each sacrament we enter more fully into the divine life the life of Christ. The Seven Sacraments The Sacrament of Baptism (For infants and children up to age 6) Baptism Confirmation Holy Eucharist Reconciliation Marriage Holy Orders Anointing of the Sick

3 Please contact the parish office or if you would like to have your child baptized. Parents who have not completed baptism preparation must register with the office prior to the baptism. Baptism preparation sessions take place in September, November, January, March and May at 7pm in the parish hall. Please contact the parish office for dates and to register. Baptisms take place the last full weekend of each month during all Masses except during Lent. Frequently Asked Questions about Baptism What is required? 1. Contact with the parish 2. A copy of the child s Birth Certificate 3. Completion of the Application Form for the Baptism of a Child 4. Selection of a godparent 5. Attendance by parents and godparents to two 1.5 hour preparation sessions 6. Meeting with the priest 7. Attendance at Mass What is baptism? The Catholic community understands baptism as the starting point of our spiritual journey, a journey that we hope will lead us to heaven. Every parent wants their child to be happy, successful, get a good job, and live a long life. God s dream for us is the same. Jesus said that he came that we might have life in the fullest. Jesus taught us that success isn t measured in wealth but in how we use our wealth, talent, and time for the good of all. And finally, God s dream for us is that we should never be apart from him. Jesus rising from the dead shows us that not even death can separate us for God and each other. Baptism is the starting point of our journey to fullness of life. What does it mean to be a baptized Catholic? Being a Catholic is more than simply being an ethically good person, and it means more than merely believing in God. Being a Catholic means accepting Christ as he is shown to us through the Christian community through the centuries. To have a child baptized without intending to bring her/him up as an actively practicing member of the Church makes baptism nothing but an empty ritual. Baptism means coming to know him, love him, and help build his dream for the world with the community of believers called the Church. Baptism is a radical, life-long commitment. It is an on-going relationship with Christ that lasts all our lives. Having a child baptized in the Catholic Church means that parents are making the commitment to raise their child as an active, fully participating member of the faith community. Once baptized, when can my child receive the sacraments of Reconciliation, Holy Communion and Confirmation? In our Archdiocese, preparing children for the sacraments always occurs in the parish, with the support of the school. Of course, parents are the primary teachers of the faith for their children. Typically children receive the sacrament of First Reconciliation and First Communion in grade 2 while the sacrament of Confirmation is conferred in grade 6. Please note that if, for whatever reason, your child did not receive a sacrament when his or her peers did, it is never too late for that sacrament to be conferred on your child. What are the effects of baptism?

4 1. We become beloved children of God and heirs to eternal life. 2. Original sin is removed. In other words, our inclination to do wrong is trumped by God s ourpouring of love. 3. We enter the Christian community. We become members of the Catholic Church. 4. The life of grace begins in us. In other words, we begin to see God in all good things and share God s love, mercy and forgiveness with everyone. What are some common misunderstandings? Baptism is not merely a blessing. It is not a name-giving ritual. It is not something we do to the child so that she/he will be loved by God God already loves the child. Baptism is not something we do to appease the grandparents. Baptism does not end when the ritual is over in fact, baptism is just the beginning of a life-long journey of faith. Who is eligible to serve as a godparent? The godparent a. must be a worthy example of the Christian life b. must be a fully initiated Catholic, having already received the Sacraments of Baptism, Holy Eucharist, and Confirmation c. cannot be the child s parent d. must be at least 16 years old e. should be in attendance to present the infant/child for baptism and witness it (although a proxy can stand in that person s place) f. must be ready to commit time to nurture the faith of the child with the parent(s) Only one godparent, male or female, is required, as long as they are a practicing Catholic. However, there may be multiple godparents. Individuals who have been baptized in another Christian Church may stand as a Christian witness along with a Catholic godparent at the baptism. Why should I have my child baptized? In addition to the reasons stated above, here are some common responses from parents: a. Baptism means passing on faith in a God who loves us unconditionally b. Baptism means having my child be a part of the church community c. Because I see what a life of faith looks like and I want that for my child d. Baptism is saying thank you to God for the gift of life e. Baptism is expected of us by the church - as Catholic parents we promised to raise our child in the practice of the faith and we re keeping our promise f. Baptism means I am concerned about my child s spiritual well being g. Baptism is important to my spouse and I respect his/her faith and traditions h. Baptism honours that my child has a choice but that choice is grounded in a good foundation i. Baptism protects my child from a world full of brokenness and empowers them to work towards healing it The Sacrament of Baptism: Christian Initiation of Children (Adapted from the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) (For children age 7 and above) Please contact the parish office or mark.guevarra@caedm.ca if you would like to have your child age 7 and above baptized. If your child has already been baptized in another Christian denomination and you are seeking full membership in the Catholic Church, please contact the parish for further information

5 and registration in the Christian Initiation of Children (CIC adapted from the RCIA) program. The program begins in late September with weekly sessions taking place on Sundays from 11am until 12:30pm. Children are baptized on Easter Vigil (Easter Saturday). Frequently Asked Questions about Baptism through the CIC Process What is the Christian Initiation of Children (CIC)? CIC is a program that enables children to enter into a deeper relationship with God through prayer, reflection, discussion and study. It introduces children into the Catholic faith and way of life, and so prepares them to celebrate the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation) and to be welcomed fully into the church. Who is it for? CIC is intended for children who have not been baptized as infants and are 7 to 14 years old. They seek Christian Initiation either at the direction of their parents or guardians or, with parental permission, on their own initiative. Such children are capable of receiving and nurturing a personal faith and recognizing an obligation in conscience, but they cannot yet be treated as adults because at this stage of their lives, they are still dependent on their parents or guardians. They are also still strongly influenced by their companions and their social surroundings. (#242, Part II, Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults for Canada, 1987) CIC is also intended for children who have been validly baptized in another ecclesial community (Christian denomination). These children will be prepared to celebrate First Reconciliation and the two remaining Sacraments of Initiation (Eucharist and Confirmation). What is the CIC process? As with adults, children s initiation is marked by several steps: catechesis (learning about the Christian faith, falling in love with God and living accordingly), the liturgical rite of acceptance into the order of catechumens, penitential rites or scrutinies, and the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation. (#243, Part II, Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults for Canada, 1987). The celebration takes place on Easter Vigil (the Saturday evening before Easter Sunday). CIC involves prayer, reflection, journaling, activity, discussion and study. The process is adapted to children and so is inclusive. In doing so, children with a variety of learning styles and needs develop a deeper understanding and love for God. The church recognizes that parents are the primary educators of their children and so at least one parent must attend the sessions with their child. Each child and at least one parent will meet Sundays at the church from 11am to 12:30pm. A schedule will be provided at the first meeting. Since these meetings are important for faith development, attendance at all meetings is mandatory. The Sacrament of Baptism: The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) (For youth and adults) Please contact the parish office or mark.guevarra@caedm.ca if you are a youth or adult who wishes to be baptized. If you have already been baptized in another Christian denomination and you are seeking full membership in the Catholic Church, please contact the parish office for further information and registration in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. The approximately 8-month long program begins

6 in late September with weekly sessions taking place on Sunday mornings from 11am-12:30pm. Individuals are baptized on Easter Vigil (Easter Saturday). Frequently Asked Questions about Baptism through the RCIA Process What is the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)? The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is the entry point for many into the Catholic faith community and into a deeper relationship with God in Jesus Christ. It harkens back to the early Church when new believers entered into a type of apprenticeship for the length of at least a year. In the 1970 s the Catholic Church re-established this initiation process into what is called the RCIA. Who is the RCIA for? RCIA is for any of the following: An unbaptized adult seeking to become a full member of the Catholic Church. A baptized adult of another faith tradition, desiring to be in full communion with the Catholic Church. A Catholic who has not been fully initiated into the Church and needs suitable instruction prior to the celebration of Confirmation and Eucharist. A non-catholic who just wants to know more about the teachings of the Catholic Church. What is the RCIA process? The journey consists of weekly sessions during which individuals can learn, in general, about the core beliefs of the Catholic Church. The sessions are times when inquirers can ask a lot of questions of the RCIA team members. The journey also includes opportunities for deeper and deeper reflection on one s own faith. If the individual feels called to commit to journeying in faith within the Catholic Church, he or she is invited to celebrate the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation) among the gathered community at Easter Vigil (the evening before Easter Sunday). Why RCIA? There are many reasons that people enter the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. It makes no difference whether you have been raised in another denomination, have no church affiliation or that you simply strayed from the faith for the last 20 years and would like to come back to complete the Sacraments of Initiation. Whatever the case, you are welcome here and we praise God for your presence! As we build community through our RCIA sessions, it becomes clear that we all have had our times of doubts, fear and frustration. Many have even lived reckless lives apart from God s plan, but certainly not apart from his mercy. The Rite of Christian Initiation is a time to come together and examine our lives in light of the good news, a time to enter into the Catholic Church and a time to commit to being witnesses of Jesus Christ. You are among friends at St. Albert Catholic Parish. You are warmly invited to journey with us. The Sacrament of Reconciliation Saturdays from 9:30 to 11:00 am in the main church Saturday before Mass Sunday before 9:00 am & 6:30 pm Masses Or by appointment

7 For more information on preparing your child (in grade 2 and above) for this sacrament, please contact the parish office or mark.guevarra@caedm.ca Please also consult our Sacramental Preparation Important Dates sheet. Frequently Asked Questions about the Sacrament of Reconciliation What is the Sacrament of Reconciliation? The two great commandments to love God and to love one another tell us who is most important in our lives. We sometimes put ourselves first and God last. We do things that hurt our relationship with God and our relationships with others. This is called sin, which means to miss the mark. Through sin, we also hurt ourselves, because we need to love and to be loved. The wonderful thing is that God wants us to have a loving relationship with him and with others. And so God has given us an opportunity to make things better. It s called reconciliation. To reconcile simply means to make things right with those we have hurt. If we have done something to hurt our relationship with another person, then reconciliation helps us repair the damage and heal the relationship. It is in family life that we understand what this sacrament is in three ways: 1. we learn that our actions have positive and negative effects on those around us, 2. we learn that we need to ask forgiveness and give it when it is requested, and 3. we learn that there are rules for living in community that must not be broken, but when they are broken, that we need to view one another with compassion and love, even though some reparation is needed. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is therefore a communal action and must be celebrated in the context of God s People (the Church). It reinforces our responsibility not only to ourselves but to God and God s family. Who can celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation? All baptized Catholics are called to celebrate this sacrament when they are in a state of serious sin. Celebrating this sacrament also renews and strengthens our relationship with God and our commitment to follow God s path. Normally children in grade 2 and above are prepared to celebrate their First Reconciliation. If you are a youth or adult who wishes to be prepared for the sacrament please contact the parish office or mark.guevarra@caedm.ca for further information and for preparation. How often should we celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation?

8 The Church calls us to confess our sins as often as is necessary, but at least once a year. The preparatory seasons of Advent and Lent are ideal times to participate in the sacrament. Why do Catholics confess their sins to a priest? There are many reasons why we do so. First, since every sin has a ripple effect into the community, we require a community representative to hear the confession and offer forgiveness. Second, the sacrament is a sense-perceptible way to hear and to know with certainly that we are forgiven by God through the priest. Finally, from a psychological point of view, unburdening oneself to someone is a tried and true therapeutic formula. Read more about why Catholics confess their sins to a priest. There are several reasons why we confess our sins to a priest. Firstly, we need to admit to and acknowledge our sins. For example, it is very important for an alcoholic to admit, in confidence and within the supportive presence of others at an AA meeting, that he or she is an alcoholic. That is the first step in dealing with the problem and changing unhealthy habits and behaviors. In the same way, when a person has to verbalize one s sins to a priest, and admit that one has hurt God and others, the person is more inclined to change for the better and to strive for what is good. Secondly, our sins affect not just ourselves but other people in our community. When we cheat, slander, or steal from someone, the other person is hurt. However, that sin may have a ripple effect. Sometimes we are not even aware of all who have been affected by our sins. For example, when children disrespect their parents, their younger brothers and sisters may begin to imitate the bad behavior. When we confess our sins to the priest, the priest represents the whole community: all those people we have hurt by our sins, knowingly and unknowingly. By expressing our sorrow to him, we express our contrition and remorse to the whole community to the Church. The story of Adam and Eve may also shed some light on the matter. In the beginning, Adam and Eve enjoyed a good and right relationship with God, but they chose to disobey God, eating from the forbidden tree of knowledge. That was the first the original sin. Like any sin, it separated Adam and Eve from a loving relationship with God. However, God sent His Son Jesus, who taught us about love and eventually died on the cross for the sins of humankind past, present, and future. Through Jesus Christ and his death on the cross, our sins are forgiven and we are reconciled with God. When we confess our sins, the priest is actually taking the place of Jesus. As with any sacrament, Jesus is working through the priest, and through him, Jesus is again helping us restore a loving and right relationship with God. Scripture also provides part of the answer to the question. In the gospels, Jesus forgave sinners. Just before Jesus ascended into heaven, he instructed his apostles to forgive sins, saying: Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you. He then breathed the Holy Spirit upon them, saying: Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are

9 retained (John 20: 20 23). This power and authority to forgive sins in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit has been passed on to the leaders of our Church our bishops and priests for two millennia. Through reconciliation, there is yet another benefit that we would not receive if confessing to God by ourselves: the gift of wise counsel. After hearing one s sins and before giving a penance, the priest offers each of us words of wisdom and encouragement. For these reasons, Catholics confess their sins to a priest. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, "Individual and integral confession and absolution remain the only ordinary way for the faithful to reconcile themselves with God and the Church" (#1484). We are now approaching the season of Lent. Lent is a time to prepare ourselves for the greatest celebration of the Church year: Jesus resurrection from the dead at Easter. It s a time to reflect on our lives and ask ourselves, What do I need to change in my life, so that I can love God and love my neighbour better? In this way, reconciliation and Lent have a lot in common. During the Lenten season, some of the District schools will be offering students an opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Written by Louis Kloster, Religious Education & Christian Family Life Consultant Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools Preparing for the Sacrament of Reconciliation (For children in grade 2 and above.) For more information on preparing your child (in grade 2 and above) for this sacrament, please contact the parish office or mark.guevarra@caedm.ca Please also consult our Sacramental Preparation Important Dates sheet. Frequently Asked Questions about Preparation for the Sacrament of Reconciliation for Children in Grade 2 and Above What is the sacramental preparation process? At St. Albert Catholic Parish, sacramental preparation includes four 1-hour sessions which take place in the parish. Since parents are the primary educators of their children, the parish assists parents in this process by providing adult sessions during the child s session. And so, we require at least one parent/caregiver/godparent to attend with their child. The reconciliation preparation sessions take place in October and November, with the celebration taking place in early December. The communion preparation sessions take place in February and March, with the celebrations taking place after Easter Sunday. What is required? 1. Contact with the parish 2. A copy of the child s baptism certificate 3. Completion of the Sacramental Preparation registration form 4. Registration fee $40 5. Attendance by the child and one parent/caregiver/godparent to four one-hour preparation sessions 6. Meeting with the priest

10 7. Attendance at Mass Why does sacramental preparation take place in the parish and not in the school? As a parent, you are the primary teacher of the faith for your child. You teach them about God, set the example, talk about your own faith, and bring them to Mass. Sacramental life has always been centered in the Christian community, the Church. While the school can be understood broadly as a church, the parish is the community into which a Christian is initiated. Being in relationship with the parish community (with all its weaknesses and strengths) is essential for your child s faith life. Therefore, the preparation for, and celebration of, the sacraments happens in the parish church. When should my child celebrate First Reconciliation and First Eucharist? Children who have a growing ability for moral reasoning and an awareness of a God who loves them are invited to share in this sacrament. Typically this would be at the age of 7 or when your child is in grade 2. To receive the sacrament, the child should have the desire to receive Jesus and to be able to distinguish between ordinary bread and the Eucharist as the Body and Blood of Christ. Children who have been baptized and completed the preparation for First Reconciliation are able to receive their First Eucharist. Why must my child celebrate their First Reconciliation before receiving their First Eucharist? In the 1970 s it became the norm in the Catholic Church for children to celebrate First Reconciliation before First Holy Communion. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is one way in which we prepare ourselves to receive the Eucharist, and so children should be prepared to celebrate this sacrament as part of their preparation for First Holy Communion. We should be pure of heart and in harmony with God and others before we can receive Holy Communion. The Sacrament of Holy Eucharist Celebrated Tuesday to Friday 8:30am at the Chapel of Immaculate Conception - 11 Mission Ave. Celebrated Saturday 5:00pm in the main church 6:30pm at the Sturgeon Hospital Chapel Celebrated Sunday 9:00am in the main church 9:00am (9h00) Chapelle Connelly McKinley (Francais) 11:00am in the main church 6:30pm in the main church For more information on preparing your child (in grade 2 and above) for this sacrament, please contact the parish office or mark.guevarra@caedm.ca Please also consult our important dates sheet.

11 Frequently Asked Questions about the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist What is the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist (Holy Communion)? Eucharist means thanksgiving. At Mass we give thanks to God for the gift of himself and the gift of salvation. It is a memorial of Jesus death and resurrection. It is often referred to as the source and summit of our Christian life. The celebration of the Eucharist is the source in that everything we need to lead a good Christian life is given through our participation in the Mass, and it should be the summit or highlight of our week. Just as our bodies require food, our souls are nourished through the gift of Holy Communion. Who can celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist? To receive the sacrament, each individual should have the desire to receive Holy Eucharist and to be able to distinguish between ordinary bread and the Eucharist as the Body and Blood of Jesus. Individuals who have been baptized and have completed the process of preparation for First Reconciliation are able to receive their First Eucharist. This usually takes place when a child has reached the age of discernment (age 7). Adults who have not been prepared should contact the parish office or mark.guevarra@caedm.ca for further information on adult preparation. How often should we celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist? Since we are gifted with God s generous love, we respond by honouring that gift of love in the Eucharist. This is shown by taking an active part in the celebration. Ideally, we should attend Mass at least once a week.

12 Preparing for the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist (For children in grade 2 and above.) For more information on preparing your child (in grade 2 and above) for this sacrament, please contact the parish office or mark.guevarra@caedm.ca Please also consult our Sacramental Preparation Important Dates sheet. Frequently Asked Questions about Preparation for the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist for Children in Grade 2 and Above Why should I have my child celebrate First Holy Communion if s/he has already been baptized as a baby? There are three Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist (Holy Communion). They lay the foundations of every Christian life. Baptism is always the first sacrament. In it we are born anew. We are strengthened by the Sacrament of Confirmation, and receive in the Eucharist the food of eternal life. Just as a stool requires at least three legs, we need all three Sacraments of Initiation to be strong in our faith. Why must my child celebrate their First Reconciliation before receiving their First Eucharist? In the 1970 s it became the norm in the Catholic Church for children to celebrate First Reconciliation before First Holy Communion. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is one way in which we prepare ourselves to receive the Eucharist, and so children should be prepared to celebrate this sacrament as part of their preparation for First Holy Communion. We should be pure of heart and in harmony with God and others before we can receive Holy Communion. Who can celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist?

13 To receive the sacrament, the child should have the desire to receive Jesus and to be able to distinguish between ordinary bread and the Eucharist as the Body and Blood of Jesus. Children who have been baptized and have completed the process of preparation for First Reconcilaition are able to receive their First Eucharist. This usually takes place when a child has reached the age of discernment (age 7). Reception of the First Eucharist may be postponed if the parents feel that the child is not ready. How often should we celebrate the Sacrament of the Eucharist? Since we are gifted with God s generous love, we respond by honouring that gift of love in the Eucharist. This is shown by taking an active part in the celebration. Ideally, we should attend Mass at least once a week. Why does sacramental preparation take place in the parish and not in the school? As a parent, you are the primary teacher of the faith for your child. You teach them about God, set the example, talk about your own faith, and bring them to Mass. Sacramental life has always been centered in the Christian community, the Church. While the school can be understood broadly as a church, the parish is the community into which a Christian is initiated. Being in relationship with the parish community (with all its weaknesses and strengths) is essential for your child s faith life. Therefore, the preparation for, and celebration of, the sacraments happens in the parish church. What is the sacramental preparation process? At St. Albert Catholic Parish, sacramental preparation includes four 1-hour sessions which take place in the parish. Since parents are the primary educators of their children, the parish assists parents in this process by providing adult sessions during the child s session. And so, we require at least one parent/caregiver/godparent to attend with their child. The reconciliation preparation sessions take place in October and November, with the celebration taking place in early December. The communion preparation sessions take place in February and March, with the celebrations taking place after Easter Sunday. What is required? 1. Contact with the parish 2. A copy of the child s baptism certificate 3. Completion of the Sacramental Preparation registration form 4. Registration fee $40 5. Attendance by the child and one parent/caregiver/godparent to four one-hour preparation sessions 6. Meeting with the priest

14 7. Attendance at Mass Preparing for the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist (For youth and adults) For more information on preparation for the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist please immediately contact the parish office or for further information. The Sacrament of Confirmation All individuals who wish to be confirmed must be prepared. Normally children in grade 6 and above are prepared in a 8 month long process beginning in late September. Please contact the parish office or mark.guevarra@caedm.ca immediately for further information and to register. Please see our Confirmation Preparation Important Dates sheet. Older youth and adults who wish to be confirmed must also be prepared. Please contact the parish office or mark.guevarra@caedm.ca immediately for further information and to register. Frequently Asked Questions about the Sacrament of Confirmation and the Preparation Process What is Confirmation? Confirmation is the sacrament that completes and perfects the love of God (grace) we received in baptism. It confirms God s grace through the pouring out of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. This sacrament also makes us better able to participate in the service and worship of the church community. The symbols and actions of Confirmation are the laying on of hands and the anointing with oil, usually by a bishop. Confirmation renders our bond with the Church more perfect and it gives us a special strength of the Holy Spirit to spread and defend the faith by word and action as true witnesses of Christ, to confess the name of Christ boldly and never to be ashamed of the cross. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1303) Who can celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation? In short, anyone who has been baptized can celebrate Confirmation. Typically, however, any Catholic who has celebrated their First Holy Communion may prepare for Confirmation. Usually in the Archdiocese of Edmonton, this occurs when a child is in grade 6 or above. If someone has been baptized in another Christian denomination and would like to be confirmed in the Catholic Church, it would represent a desire for them to be in full communion with the Catholic Church. That person may take part in a faith development process over several months. An adult who has been baptized but has not

15 yet received their First Holy Communion or Confirmation, may take part in a similar process. In either of these circumstances the family must contact the parish office. What does it mean to be a confirmed Catholic? God is constantly working in every person s life calling them to follow Him. Confirmation provides the grace necessary to help the individual choose God s way. After confirmation, candidates can use this Scripture quote as their motto: I can do all things through him who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13). Who can serve as a sponsor? Often the child s godparents also serve as the child s sponsor(s). If not, the sponsor must a. be authentic witnesses of life in Christ b. share a special, spiritual bond with the candidate c. be a fully initiated Catholic, having already received the Sacraments of Baptism, Holy Eucharist, and Confirmation d. not be the child s parent e. be at least 16 years old f. be in attendance to present and witness the Confirmation g. be known by the date of the registration Only one sponsor is required however, in the event that godparents are also serving as sponsors, two are acceptable. What is the preparation process for Confirmation (for children in grade 6 and above)?

16 There are three one-hour sessions and one whole-day retreat. All sessions take place at St. Albert Parish to strengthen the connection to the parish community. One parent/caregiver/sponsor is required to attend the session with the candidate. An adult session takes place at the same time as the candidate session. The retreat takes place on a Saturday in March from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. This includes a rehearsal for the celebration itself and a commitment ceremony during the 5 p.m. Mass. When does the celebration of Confirmation take place? The celebration of Confirmation at St. Albert Parish usually takes place the first Saturday in May in the morning. What is required? 1. Contact with the parish 2. A copy of the child s baptism certificate 3. Completion of the Confirmation registration form 4. Registration fee $20 5. Selection of a sponsor 6. Attendance by candidates and one parent/caregiver/sponsor to three one-hour preparation sessions 7. Attendance by candidates to one-whole day retreat 8. Ten hours of candidate community service Why should I have my child confirmed if s/he has already been baptized as a baby? It s like sitting on a stool with two legs. Confirmation is one of the three sacraments of initiation. The other two are baptism and Eucharist (communion). The Sacrament of Confirmation strengthens and stabilizes your child s faith in their journey of life. What is sacramental preparation? Sacramental preparation is an on-going process which starts at birth and continues through one s life and faith journey. Sacramental preparation takes place primarily in the home and is supported by the Church community. Why does sacramental preparation take place in the parish and not in the school? As a parent, you are the primary teacher of the faith for your child. You teach them about God, set the example, talk about your own faith, and bring them to Mass. Sacramental life has always been centered in the Christian community, the Church. While the school can be understood broadly as a church, the parish is the community into which a Christian is initiated. Being in relationship with the parish community (with all its weaknesses and strengths) is essential for your child s faith life. Therefore, the preparation for, and celebration of, the sacraments happens in the parish church.

17 What are the Gifts of the Holy Spirit? Wisdom helps us to see and understand God s plan in our lives and in the world. It helps us to say, Aha, I finally understand. Understanding helps us to untie the knots, to straighten out our lives, to deal with our problems. Understanding is letting the Word of God have room in our lives. Right Judgment encourages us to pray and think things through so that we can make right choices. Wonder and awe keeps us awestruck by the power and beauty of God in our lives. Courage helps us walk out into the world and feel empowered to stand up for what we believe. Reverence helps us to see God in everything around us and to treat our fragile world gently. Knowledge helps us to know ourselves and the world around us. It also helps us know where our faith is leading us. Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick If you have a family member who is seriously ill in the home or at the hospital and is in need of the sacrament of the sick, please contact the parish office and we will arrange for a visit to receive the sacraments. What is the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick? The name Jesus means God saves. The name emphasizes that Jesus is the one who has come to save all. Christ means anointed. The name shows that God the Father has given Jesus a mission and endowed him with power to save and the power to heal. Jesus' whole life was aimed at saving people. His words and actions are the foundation of the saving grace we now received in the sacraments. The sacrament that helps unite those who are suffering with Jesus' saving and healing power is the Anointing of the Sick. Through this sacrament people receive forgiveness for their sins and comfort in their suffering; they are restored in spirit; and sometimes they even experience the return of physical health. Suffering is a part of life, but Jesus unites our suffering with his passion and death so that through our suffering we can participate in his saving and healing work. The sacrament also reminds us that God wants to give comfort to the suffering and wants us to relieve suffering where we can. In the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, the priest anoints the seriously ill, injured, or the elderly with the oil of the sick. The oil of the sick is a special oil used for the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. It is blessed by the bishop at the Chrism Mass during Holy Week. In addition to anointing, the person is often offered Holy Communion. When a person is dying, the Communion is called viaticum (on the way with you). For a dying person, the sacrament is preparation for passing over to eternal life.

18 Anointing sometimes occurs in a church and is given to the sick or elderly in a community setting. It often takes place in homes, nursing homes, and hospitals. For example, a person who is going to have surgery may be anointed. The sacrament may be received more than once, such as when a sick person's condition worsens. In the Rites of the Anointing of the Sick, the priest anoints the sick person on the forehead, saying, Through this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. Amen. He also anoints the sick person on the hands, saying, May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up. Amen. The raising refers to spiritual healing, as well as any physical healing that may take place. The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, once referred to as Extreme Unction and ministered only to those in danger of death, is a prayer of healing and may be celebrated individually and communally. Written by Jim Campbell; author of 52 Simple Ways to Talk to Your Kids about Faith: Opportunities for Catholic Families to Share God's Love. The Sacrament of Marriage All couples wishing to be married in our parish are asked to contact the parish office at least 6 months before the proposed wedding date. An initial interview with the parish priest will be set up at which time the preparatory steps for celebrating the sacrament of marriage will be explained. Because of the importance of the sacrament and of the couple, the church requires that proper preparation take place. You may contact our office for information regarding a Marriage Preparation Course. What is the Sacrament of Marriage? The Bible begins with Adam and Eve being created in God s likeness. God tells them to be fruitful and multiply. Their love for each other is the image of the love God has for us. Whenever the authors of the Old Testament wanted to show the beauty of the relationship between the Israelites and their God, they would often compare it with marriage. We see one example of this in Isaiah 62: No more shall men call you "Forsaken," or your land "Desolate," But you shall be called "My Delight," and your land "Espoused." For the LORD delights in you, and makes your land his spouse. 5 As a young man marries a virgin, your Builder shall marry you; And as a bridegroom rejoices in his bride so shall your God rejoice in you. (Isaiah 62: 4 5) In the Sacrament of Matrimony, a man and a woman are united in such a way that they become one flesh, each belonging to one another. Matrimony is a celebration of a lifelong commitment of faithful love. Living together in marriage is not the only way in which people love one another, but marriage is certainly the supreme example of human love. In the exchange of promises during the marriage ceremony, the couple administers the sacrament to each other. There must by an official Church witness present, either a priest or a deacon, because Matrimony is an act of public worship, a community prayer, bringing God s blessing to the couple. Once the couple is married, their home becomes a domestic church, for the Church is whole and entire in a family built on the foundation of the Sacrament of Matrimony. Matrimony often takes place during the celebration of the Eucharistic liturgy. The couple exchanges promises. One example is

19 I, [name], take you, [name] to be my wife/husband. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honor you all the days of my life. While Matrimony is part of the sacramental life that makes it possible for Christians to attain eternal salvation, the purpose of the sacrament is to help the partners in this life as they work to live in faithfulness to God. Their love for each other is a reflection of the enduring love between Christ and his Church, and it provides them with a foretaste of the divine love that awaits them in paradise. From Loyola Press: The Sacrament of Holy Orders What is the Sacrament of Holy Orders? Jesus chose 12 men to be apostles. One of them, Judas, betrayed Jesus, and then hanged himself. After Jesus' ascension, the apostles had the important mission of spreading the news about Jesus, but they were lacking one member. At a gathering of Jesus' disciples, Peter told the group that a replacement for Judas was needed. The man to be chosen needed to have been a witness to Jesus' life, death, resurrection, and ascension. Two men were proposed, Justus and Matthias. Peter and the apostles prayed for the Lord to show them whom to choose. Matthias was chosen and became the new apostle (Acts 1:15-26). The apostles chose a new Church leader to be a witness to Jesus Christ and continue his work. Today the pope and bishops have been called and chosen to continue Jesus' work; they are successors to the apostles. All members of the Church participate in the priesthood of all believers through Baptism. However, some men are called to serve Jesus and the Church today through the celebration of the Sacrament of Holy Orders. Through their leadership in the Church, they help continue Jesus' presence on earth in the tradition of the apostles. Those who are called to be priests are ordained through the Rite of Ordination. In celebrating this Rite, men receive a permanent spiritual mark, called a character, signifying that they represent Jesus' presence in the Church. There are three levels of participation in the Sacrament of Holy Orders: as bishop, as priest (from presbyter, which is Greek for elder ), and as deacon. A bishop receives the fullness of the Sacrament of Holy Orders. He is the head or Ordinary of the local church. The local area entrusted to him is called a diocese. A bishop is also a member of the episcopal college: this is all the bishops who, with the pope, guide the Church. Priests serve the community in various ways. They may be called to serve in their dioceses or as religious order priests, carrying out the mission of a particular religious community. They preside at liturgies, preach, administer the sacraments, counsel people, serve as pastors, and teach. Deacons help and serve bishops by serving the needs of the Church, proclaiming the gospel, teaching and preaching, baptizing, witnessing marriages, and assisting the priest celebrant at liturgies.

20 Deacons are ordained for service in the Church. There are deacons who are studying to become priests. There are deacons that include married men who are called to remain deacons for life and to serve the Church in this capacity. Priests receive the Sacrament of Holy Orders in the Rite of Ordination. The bishop lays his hands on the head of the candidate and says a prayer asking for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. In one part of the rite, the candidate lies in front of the altar while the Litany of the Saints is sung or recited. In another part of the rite, a priest's hands are anointed with chrism. In the rite for a bishop, the new bishop's head is anointed. Written by Jim Campbell; author of 52 Simple Ways to Talk to Your Kids about Faith: Opportunities for Catholic Families to Share God's Love.