Sacraments
VOCATIONS
Vocations Director
Father Ronald Angervil
Co-Assistant Vocations Directors
Father Stephen Bruzzese
Father Daniel Corso
Director Office of Permanent Diaconate
Deacon Frank Berardi
email: deacons @saintcd.com
SACRAMENTS
There are 7 sacraments in the Catholic Church. Sacraments can be defined as outward signs, instituted by Christ to give grace. In these liturgical actions, physical materials and words make God present in special moments of our lives.
The sacraments can be divided into three categories:
Sacraments of Initiation – Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation
Sacraments of Healing – Penance / Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick
and
Sacraments of Vocation or Service – Matrimony, Holy Orders
Adult Baptism - Adults wishing to be baptized follow the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults | RCIA. At the Cathedral, RCIA sessions usually run from late September to May. Currently session are held on Tuesday evenings from 7-9 pm with a Dismissal session taking place at the 10:00 am Mass on Sundays to reflect on God’s Word.
Infant Baptism – Infants and younger children are welcomed into the Catholic Church through the faith of their parents. Baptism is celebrated at the Cathedral most Sunday afternoons. Parents are invited to a preparation meeting to talk about the Rite, the importance of the Sacrament of Baptism and how to help their child grow in faith.
For infant / child baptism Please complete the form for Baptism and submit it to the office or call the Cathedral office.
for additional information on baptism click here
Receiving Communion
Those who are in full communion with the Catholic Church may receive Communion if they are not conscious of grave sin and who have abstained for one hour from any food and drink, except for water and medicine.
First Communion
Catholic school - Students in Grade 2 are prepared to receive their First Holy Communion. Within the triad of Home, School and Parish children learn about Jesus’ presence in the Eucharist. In early May a group celebration at Mass begins with the procession of First Communion students who will then receive Communion with their families.
Public school | Home school – Students who do not attend Catholic school but wish to receive their First Holy Communion are asked to have their parents contact the Cathedral office for a program they can follow.
Adults who are becoming Catholic receive their First Communion at the Easter Vigil
For additional information on the eucharist click here
This third Sacrament of Initiation is usually received in Grade 8, although this may vary in other Dioceses. Students are prepared at school, with the assistance of the parish and of course, the home. Those who do not attend a Catholic school should contact the office for further information in preparing to receive this Sacrament.
Adults who are becoming Catholic receive their Confirmation at the Easter Vigil.
For additional information on Confirmation Click here
At the Cathedral the Sacrament of Penance is celebrated Sundays 30 minutes before Mass, Monday to Friday at 11:45 am to 12 noon, and Saturday from 8:30 am to 8:50 am and 3:45 pm to 4:15 pm. At other times please contact the priest.
Catholic school - Students in Grade 2 are prepared to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation/Penance. Within the triad of Home, School and Parish children learn about right and wrong and asking for God’s forgiveness in the sacrament of Confession. Often a class celebration of First Penance takes place.
Students in Catholic School are also given the opportunity to receive the sacrament usually during the Advent and Lent seasons.
Public school – Students who do not attend Catholic school but wish to receive the Sacrament of Penance are asked to contact the Cathedral office for a program to learn about the sacrament.
for additional information about the sacrament of reconciliation | Penance click here
If someone is in the Marotta Family Hospital in St Catharines they may contact the Catholic chaplain, Fr. Andrew Goodwin, to receive the sacrament. Anyone who is at home and wishes to be anointed may call the Cathedral office to make arrangements to receive the sacrament.
for additional information about anointing of the sick click here.
Marriage Preparation
Couples wishing to marry in the Diocese of St. Catharines are expected to attend a Marriage Preparation program. This may take place in their own parish, another parish in the Diocese or even in another Diocese. At the Cathedral the Marriage Preparation program takes place on a Friday evening and all day Saturday in late April or early May.
At the Cathedral weddings can be scheduled on Saturdays at 11:30 am, 1 pm and 2:30 pm. If you are looking at another day or time, please speak to the priest. In any case, you must make an appointment with the priest in order to set a date and time for your wedding.
For additional information about Marriage in the Catholic Church CLICK HERE
Those interested in Vocations may speak with Fr Ben personally, contact the Vocations Director or Director of Permanent Diaconate (contact information provided above).
For additional information on holy orders click here