Sacraments

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Sacrament comes from the Latin word Sacramentum, which is how we usually translate the Greek word for ‘mystery.’  It could also be translated as ’a military oath of allegiance.’  From that perspective, there are two key thoughts here:

1) The Christian idea of ‘mystery.’  When we talk about a mystery (ie the Mystery of faith), we’re not trying to be Sherlock Holmes and solve something, but instead are invited to discover the many layered ways in which God is working in our lives.

2) The idea of an oath, pledge, guarantee, or promise:  In every Sacrament, God renews His promises to give us grace (strength to do what we need to do), and we are invited to promise to love and follow Him.

YouCat explains further:

Celebrating the Christian Mysteries (Sacraments) is about encountering Jesus in Time.  Until the end of time He is present in His Church.  The most profound encounter with Him on earth is liturgy (divine worship.)  …just as a man breathes air in order to stay alive, so too the Church lives and breathes by celebrating the liturgy.  God himself is the one who breathes new life into her day by day and enriches her with gifts through His Word and His Sacraments. -YouCat 166

(source: thirdplaceproject.com)

For information or to register please call the parish office at 780-987-2858.

Group Leader:  The sacramental programs at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Parish are designed to accommodate the needs of our faith community.  Volunteers are required to lead and assist in all the student preparation sessions.  Parents are welcome and encouraged either to lead the sessions or assist while their child is attending.

f you require more information please contact Margaret Cargill, Educational Coordinator for St. Maria Goretti Parish at 780-987-0353 or cargills@shaw.ca

The rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) program for the 2020/2021 year is currently under review due to the Covid 19 pandemic. Please call the office to register.

Anointing of the Sick

If someone in your family is ill and requires Fr. Arun, please contact the parish office at 780-987-2858.

Baptism

Next Baptism Preparation Class - As required - following current Alberta Health and Catholic Archdiocese of Edmonton protocols.

• Baptisms preparation takes place on the 1st Tuesday of the month at 7 pm.  You must register before the class.  Call the parish office for the registration package at 780-987-2858

First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion Preparation Classes

• Preparation for the sacraments occurs in the parish community, and parents must request the sacraments for their children.  They do not automatically happen because the child is in the Catholic school system.
• First Holy Communion Classes & First Reconciliation Classes are open to all children in grade 2 or higher who have received the sacrament of Baptism.
• Please bring a copy of your child’s Baptism Certificate and a $30.00 fee to cover the cost of books and other program materials.

Confirmation Preparation Classes

• Confirmation classes are open to all children in grade 6 or higher who have received the sacraments of Baptism and First Holy Communion. If you wish to register your children in the Confirmation preparation classes please contact the parish office with your contact information before January 11, 2019.
• Please bring a copy of your Child’s Baptism Certificate and a $30.00 fee to cover the cost of books and other program materials.

Marriage

• If you’re newly engaged and planning to get married, congratulations!  If you wish to get married at St. Maria Goretti please contact the parish 6 months prior to the proposed marriage date to arrange a meeting with Fr. Arun at 780-987-2858.

Priesthood/Permanent Diaconate (Holy Orders)

• God is still calling workers to his vineyard. If you think you might have a call to serve him as a priest or permanent Deacon, please contact Fr. Marc Cramer at the vocations office at 780-392-2445 ext. 6221, or come see Fr. Arun in the parish office.

Eucharist 

• Please see our Mass times page for our weekly and daily celebrations of the Eucharist.

Reconciliation

• Confessions are offered Saturday half an hour before Mass, or any time by appointment (call 780-987-2858.)