The sacraments are Christ's own gifts that provide us with his grace.

The seven sacraments are a fundamental part of the Catholic faith and they are chosen instruments of divine power.

The exact definition of a sacrament is that it is "an outward sign instituted by Christ to give grace."

Infant Baptism

The symbolism of a Catholic Baptism is to welcome infants, children or adults into the Church to become one with the body of Christ. The community is invited to participate and welcome new members, committing to support and nourish the new member of Christ’s body throughout life.

Baptism for infants and young children of our St. Jean Baptiste Parish parishioners is celebrated usually on Sunday at Mass. Baptism session for parents is required.

For more information, dates of Baptism Preparation Sessions and registration please call the parish office at 780-939-4412 or email office@sjbp.ca

You can also get and fill out Baptismal Request Form available in Downloads and send it to the parish office, and we will contact you.

First Reconciliation, Confirmation and First Communion

The Church obliges the use of the Sacrament of Penance for those who are conscious of grave sin. It recommends the use of the sacrament to all of the faithful also for the forgiveness of venial sin. Baptized children who have reached the age of discretion have a right to this sacrament. Children learn to celebrate this sacrament as soon as they can benefit from the experience of acknowledging responsibility for their wrong – doing, and from knowing they are forgiven and accepted by God. Before children are Confirmed and receive First Eucharist they have a chance to be prepared with suitable instruction for celebrating the Sacrament of Penance.

When a baby is baptized, they don’t understand the promises they are making, which is why godparents make the baptismal promise for them. Confirmation is when the promise is re-made by the individual because they are at an age of consent.

The Catechism describes Confirmation as a deepening of baptismal gifts. It says that the sacrament roots us more deeply in our identity as God’s children; unites us more firmly with Christ; increases in us the gifts of the Holy Spirit; binds us more closely to the Church; and gives us special strength to bear witness to our faith.

The Holy Eucharist is the greatest of all the sacraments. Baptism of course is the most necessary sacrament. Yet, despite all the wonderful things that Baptism and the other five sacraments accomplish in the soul, they still are but instruments of God for the giving of grace.

But the Holy Eucharist is not merely an instrument for the giving of grace - here is the actual Giver of grace Himself, Jesus Christ our Lord truly and personally present.

Children in our parish celebrate First Reconciliation in grade two and Confirmation and First Eucharist in grade three.  Children prepare for First Reconciliation in the spring. In the fall they continue with Confirmation and lastly, First Communion Preparation.

For more information, please contact the parish office at 780-939-4412 or email office@sjbp.ca

Registration for Sacraments available in Downloads or here

Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults  (RCIA)

In this discernment process adults are introduced to the Catholic faith and prepared for full communion with the Catholic Church. There are four main stages to the process: Inquiry Period, Period of the Catechumenate, Period of Purification and Enlightenment, and Mystagogy. Un-baptized persons are prepared for Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation. Adults already baptized in another Christian tradition receive First Communion and Confirmation.

Adults Catholics, who have been baptized and had their First Communion, but who want to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation are invited to join us on RCIA journey.

We begin in October, but we announce it in the bulletin prior to that.

For more information, please call the parish office at 780-939-4412 or email office@sjbp.ca or contact pastor a 780-939-4412 ext.4 or pastor@sjbp.ca

Marriage

An appointment with the pastor or deacon is necessary to schedule a marriage. At least six months notice is required to allow for sufficient pastoral preparation.

Why a Catholic Marriage?

Marriage, as a Christian sacrament, is a lifelong and faithful union of a man and a woman mutually committed to sharing their life and love together. Modeled after and strengthened by God’s own love for his people, it’s an intimate partnership in which each person gives the other freedom to grow and which is directed toward bearing fruit.

For more information, please call the parish office at 780-939-4412 or office@sjbp.ca or contact pastor at 780-939-4412 ext 4 or pastor@sjbp.ca

You can also view a Simple Guide for Catholic Marriage of our Diocese od St. Paul, AB.

Reconciliation (Confession)

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is celebrated on Saturday before evening Mass, Sunday before 9 o’clock Mass or by appointment with the priest. Communal Penance Services with the opportunity for individual confessions are celebrated during Advent and Lent each year.

Why Celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation?

The Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation is not merely a time for spiritual direction (as wholesome as that is), or a time for seeking moral guidance (as necessary as that may be at times). Reconciliation is primarily a sacrament - a corporate act of worship, which builds up the Body of Christ.

Priesthood and Consecrated Life

Pray for your vocation. Everyone has a vocation and if a person is truly open to his or hers, God will reveal it to him or her. If you consider the priesthood, take time to pray and bring whole your heart to God in order to discern His call. If you consider religious life, there are Religious Orders of man and women who are serving in our Diocese and beyond, who can give you a sense of their life and help you to discern. They will talk with you about your vocation and possibly get you on a retreat specifically for those discerning the priesthood od religious life.

Men who desire to learn more about entrance into the priesthood are encouraged to contact Father Andrew from the Vocation Team of the Diocese at 780-645-3277 or fatherandrew@mcsnet.ca or contact pastor at 780-939-4412 or pastor@sjbp.ca.

If you are thinking about consecrated life, you may talk to the pastor or check following websites: www.vocations.ca or www.oblatevocations.ca

Anointing of the Sick

The Anointing of the Sick strengthens us in sickness or prepares us to meet death with confidence. Its sacramental grace comforts us in our sufferings and, by supporting us in any final temptations that may assail us, enables us to face eternity unafraid.

Anyone who is sick or facing death can request the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick from the parish priest at any time.

Please contact pastor at 780-939-4412 Ext.4 or pastor@sjbp.ca or the parish office to request a visit at 780-939-412 or office@sjbp.ca