THE SACREMENTS
A sacred and visible sign.
First Eucharist, First Reconciliation and Confirmation
In the Roman Catholic Church, First Eucharist, First Reconciliation, and Confirmation are three of the seven sacraments of initiation, which serve to introduce a person more fully into the life of the Church and into a deeper relationship with God. Together, these sacraments mark important milestones in a Catholic’s spiritual journey, each providing special graces to strengthen faith, repentance, and commitment to the Church’s mission.
IMPORTANT:
In order to receive the Sacrament of First Eucharist or Reconciliation, children must enroll in Faith Formation / Catechism. The preparation for all sacraments is completed outside of standard Sunday School. Children must be in grade two (2) or higher to receive a sacrament.
In order to receive the sacrament of Confirmation children must be in grade seven (7) or eight (8), have already received Baptism and completed at least one (1) year of Faith Formation / Catechism in their parish or school. Children in grade eight (8) and under who are not baptized should enroll in Faith Formation/Catechism. Any child in grade nine (9) or above should register for the youth program of Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA).
Baptism
In the Roman Catholic Church, Baptism is the first and most foundational sacrament of Christian initiation. It is through Baptism that a person is formally welcomed into the Church, cleansed from original sin, and incorporated into the Body of Christ. Baptism is seen as the gateway to the other sacraments and marks the beginning of a person's lifelong journey of faith. For children, the Archdiocese of Moncton requests that parents attend a baptismal preparation course. Please contact the Parish for more information. For adults seeking baptism, those interested should inquire through the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults.
Holy Matrimony or Holy Orders
In the Roman Catholic Church, Holy Matrimony and Holy Orders are two of the seven sacraments, and both are considered vocations—a call to live a life in service to God and others. These two sacraments help people fulfill their specific roles within the Church and the world, either through the commitment of married life or the dedicated service of ordained ministry. The Archdiocese of Moncton requests that all couples contemplating marriage should register in their respective parishes at least six months in advance.
Anointing of the Sick
In the Roman Catholic Church, the Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament of healing, given to those who are seriously ill, elderly, or near death. It is sometimes referred to as Last Rites when administered near the time of death, but it is not only for the dying. This sacrament offers spiritual, emotional, and sometimes physical healing and comfort, helping the person to cope with illness or suffering while preparing for the possibility of death.