INFORMATION ON RECEIVING THE SACRAMENTS

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Thank you for reading this section on receiving the Sacraments at St. John the Evangelist Parish.Let us begin with the promises that you made before God on the day of your child’s Baptism.  These were the words of the promises you said yes to (as taken from the Baptism Ritual):

You have asked to have your child baptized. In doing so you are accepting the responsibility of training him(her) in the practice of the faith. It will be your duty to bring him(her) up to keep God's commandments as Christ taught us, by loving God and our neighbor. Do you clearly understand what you are undertaking?

 In making these promises, you committed to raising your child in the practice of the faith.  This faith given to us by Christ obliges us to participate weekly in the Eucharist.This is an obligation for all Catholics and a requirement in order to be properly disposed.  Canon Law states: 

Can. 1247 On Sundays and other holy days of obligation, the faithful are obliged to participate in the Mass.  Moreover, they are to abstain from those works and affairs which hinder the worship to be rendered to God, the joy proper to the Lord’s day, or the suitable relaxation of mind and body.

Regarding students of the Sacramental age who are wanting to receive First Reconciliation/First Communion or the Sacrament of Confirmation, it is important that in order to receive the Sacraments worthily and properly, the children attend Mass consistently on the weekend with their families to fulfill these promises made in Baptism. 

 While Mass attendance was a difficulty during COVID, now that all restrictions have been lifted, it is time that we return to our Spiritual home in the Parish.   The Sacraments and preparation for the Sacraments will be provided through the Parish.  All information forthcoming will now be only announced during weekend Masses and not relayed through the school or through our website and social media.  Information will also not be given by way of phone call to the office or by email.  This is not an attempt to withhold information or exclude anyone, rather it is a way to ensure that each child and family receives these Sacraments fruitfully and properly.   These are not school events that one is obliged to participate in, but rather signs of our faith that are meant to be practiced for the endurance of one's life as Catholics.  The child can also be prepared in later years for these Sacraments when a commitment can be made in good faith.

Canon Law states with regard to First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion: 

Can. 914 It is primarily the duty of parents and those who take the place of parents, as well as the duty of pastors, to take care that children who have reached the use of reason are prepared properly and, after they have made sacramental confession, are refreshed with this divine food as soon as possible. It is for the pastor to exercise vigilance so that children who have not attained the use of reason or whom he judges are not sufficiently disposed do not approach Holy Communion.

Canon Law sates with regards to the Sacrament of Confirmation:

Can. 889

§1. Every baptized person not yet confirmed and only such a person  is capable of receiving confirmation.

§2. To receive confirmation licitly outside the danger of death requires that a person who has the use of reason be suitably instructed, properly disposed, and able to renew the baptismal promises.

My hope and prayer is that you respond generously to the invitation of Christ who offers you salvation through the Catholic Church.  It might be helpful to watch the following short video clip, THE VEIL REMOVED, to help you understand the gift of the Eucharist, who is Christ, Our Lord.

Our weekend Mass times are:  Saturday at 5:00 p.m. and Sundays at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.  If you live within the parish boundaries (please see:  St. John the Evangelist Parish, Weston - Parish Information (archtoronto.org)), please ensure that you attend Mass weekly in order to not miss any important announcements regarding the Sacraments.