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. And Anointing of the Sick offers grace and peace in our sickness and 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 online Baptism REQUEST FORM HERE.  

– Please fill out the form and once 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 Sept. 27, 2024

REGISTRATION deadline is Sept. 27, 2024

for the Registration form for First Reconciliation, click HERE.

— for the Preparation sheet for First Reconciliation, click HERE.

— following the in-person preparation sessions for parents and candidates, celebration of the sacrament will be by appointment only from Nov. 6-16, 2024.

FIRST EUCHARIST (Communion) - Grade 2 or older

Registration for First Eucharist now till Feb. 28, 2025

REGISTRATION deadline is February 28, 2025. 

— for the REGISTRATION form for First Eucharist, click HERE.

    — for the PREPARATION sheet for First Eucharist, click HERE.

    — following the in-person preparation sessions for parents and candidates, celebration of the sacrament will be by pre-registration only during the Saturday 4 pm Mass or the Sunday 10 am Mass on the weekends of April 26/27, May 3/4, and May 10/11, 2025.

CONFIRMATION - Grade 6 or older

Registration for Confirmation now till Feb. 14, 2025


– Registration deadline is Feb. 14, 2025.

    –  Find the Registration Form HERE.

    –  Click HERE for the Confirmation PREPARATION sheet.

    –  In-person sessions for candidates and/or parents will take place in March and April, 2025 (see particulars on the Preparation sheet).

– For registered candidates in 2025, the Celebration of Confirmation Mass will take place here at St. Mary's with Bishop McGrattan, date and time TBA.

MARRIAGE

To arrange for Marriage allow at least 6 months prior to the 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: Jim Ward 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