Sacraments

Jesus did not leave us alone. He gave us ways to access His grace at every stage of life. Through Baptism, Holy Eucharist, & Confirmation he brings us into full membership in His family. He gives us Reconciliation to find the forgiveness we need and help to start again. As a source of grace in lifelong service to others, he instituted Marriage & Holy Orders. Anointing of the Sick offers grace and peace in our sickness & suffering. Come and receive all that God has for you!

NOTE: For more information or to get answers to your questions about any of the sacraments listed below, email: secretary@stmaryscochrane.ca or phone 403-932-2944

BAPTISM

Baptism Preparation (click the arrow)

Baptism is the gift of new life and belonging to God’s family. In Baptism we at St. Mary’s welcome your child with great joy, not only as they join God's family but as they join our Faith Community as well. We hope you will find St. Mary’s a faithful and loving community in which you can freely share God’s love and peace.

Couples are required to take the Baptism Preparation Program prior to the baptism of their child. This Prep Class is organized and taught by Deacon Ron Fortier and his wife, Sandra Fortier. Before parents have their first child baptized at St Mary's, they must take a Baptism Prep Class, and are welcome to attend the class with all children they are having baptized. Godparents are welcome to attend, as well. Please pre-register so we know how many to prepare for! You may call the Parish Office to pre-register.

Our Preparation Program currently consists of the following:

1) The Preparation Class is usually held on a Wednesday evening every other month at the Church beginning at 7:00 pm. During the Class, which could include more than one family of children to be baptized, the presenters will discuss the following:

– the actual ceremony of Baptism

– the responsibilities of making the request for Baptism, and

– helpful hints about raising children in the faith

2) There is a Baptism Registration Fee of $25.00 to cover the cost of materials. Stipends paid to the celebrant on the day of Baptism are voluntary and are not part of the registration fee.

3) Celebration of Baptism: At St. Mary’s, we have special Sundays set aside each month throughout the year for Baptisms (except during the time of Lent). There could be more than one baptism taking place on a given Sunday, but we limit the number to a maximum of 4 families at a time.

To Request Baptism for Your Child

– Find the Baptism REQUEST FORM, HERE.

– Please fill out the form and once it is completed click the SUBMIT button.

– You can also contact St. Mary’s Parish Office at (403) 932-2944 should you have any questions.

We look forward to meeting you and welcoming your child into our faith community.

FIRST RECONCILIATION (Confession) - Grade 2 or older

Registration for First Reconciliation — closed October 7, 2022

— REGISTRATION closing October 7, 2022

— For information for Home-based Preparation for First Reconciliation 2022 (including the three Zoom sessions, the necessary video-links, and the one in-person session to help with preparation for the sacrament) click HERE.

— For the Registration form, click HERE.

— Baptismal Certificate (copy or original) MUST accompany the registration form along with $25.00 fee for workbook. Please return registration, Baptismal certificate, and fee to Parish Office, drop it the collection box at weekend Mass, or send it in electronically.

— CELEBRATION of First Reconciliation will be "by appointment only" from November 15th to 26th.

FIRST EUCHARIST (Communion) - Grade 2 or older

Registration for First Eucharist — NOW till Mar. 1st, 2023

— REGISTRATION closing March 1, 2023

— See the First Eucharist Preparation sheet HERE —it contains everything you need to know, especially concerning the four in-person sessions to help parents and candidates in their preparation

— For the REGISTRATION FORM, click HERE.

— A Baptismal Certificate (copy or original) MUST accompany the registration form along with $25.00 fee for workbook. Please return registration, Baptismal certificate, and fee to Parish Office, drop it the collection box at weekend Mass, or send it in electronically.

— Please pick up the WORKBOOK at the Parish Office, Holy Spirit School, or École Notre-Dame des Vallées.

— Celebration of First Eucharist will be "by pre-registration only" at Mass on Saturday at 4 pm or Sunday at 10 am on the following weekends: April 15/16, April 22/23, and April 29/30.

CONFIRMATION - Grade 6 or older

Registration for Confirmation — NOW till Mar. 1st, 2023

— Find the REGISTRATION form HERE.

— For important information about the sacrament of Confirmation, click HERE.

— NOTE: when submitting the registration form, a Baptismal Certificate (copy or original) MUST accompany it along with $25.00 fee for study material (which will be announced in the coming months).

— Celebration of Confirmation date to be determined by Bishop McGrattan by the end of January 2023.

MARRIAGE

To arrange for Marriage — at least 6 months prior to Wedding

— To arrange for marriage, please contact the Parish Office, (403) 932-2944, at least six months in advance.

— Find our WEDDING GUIDELINES, here.

VISITS TO THE SICK

Requesting Visits to the Sick or the Sacrament of Anointing the Sick

— We are happy to visit parishioners who are sick or homebound. We can also arrange for a priest to administer the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick.

— CONTACT: Adele Dyall for requests to visit the sick

— Coordination: secretary@stmaryscochrane.ca OR phone the Parish Office (403) 932-2944

FUNERALS

Funerals at St. Mary's

— To arrange for a funeral at St. Mary's, please contact the Parish Office, (403) 932-2944

— For the FUNERAL GUIDELINES booklet, please check here.

— MUSIC for the Funeral, click here for specifications from the Music Coordinator

RCIA SACRAMENTS (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults and Children/Youth joining the Church)

For anyone wishing to volunteer as a helper in this ministry, find out more on the SERVE page. Or fill out the Stewardship form on the FORMS page.

About RCIA (tap the drop-down arrow)

— how to register, necessary forms, who to contact

RCIA is the process by which new members are brought into the Catholic Church. It is meant for unbaptized adults, youth, and children. The phases in RCIA reflect the practices developed by the early Church. It is a faith journey of building relationships with Jesus and His Church, and culminates in the celebration of the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and First Eucharist. RCIA is also meant for those who have been baptized in other Churches and for baptized Catholics who have not celebrated Confirmation and First Eucharist..


SACRAMENTS for CHILDREN/YOUTH (7 Years and Older), Not Baptized:


ADULTS THINKING about JOINING the CHURCH or ADULTS baptized Catholic but who have not yet celebrated First Eucharist or Confirmation:


FIRST STEP in getting started: email the PARISH OFFICE or call (403) 932-2944