The Sacraments of the Church
The paschal mystery (that is, the passion, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus) is made present each time Mass is celebrated.
The liturgy is the Church's official public worship. First and foremost it refers to the celebration of the Eucharist.
It also includes the other sacraments, or rituals in which we meet Christ and receive grace. At the liturgy, the Church prays to the Father with Jesus in the Holy Spirit. This worship is the life of the Church. Our lives too should be directed by it because this worship gives us power to be who God called us to be and bring salvation in Jesus to others.
The sacraments, in general, are sacred signs through which Jesus gives us his Spirit and makes us holy and pleasing to him by grace. He gives us grace in ways that we can see, hear, feel, smell, and taste. He uses things that we are familiar with, like water, bread, and oil. The things used and the words said in the sacraments are signs of what is happening in us. More than that, they bring about the grace they signify.
Jesus entrusted the sacraments to the Church through the apostles and their successors. Jesus is present and acting in all the sacraments. Every liturgical action is an encounter between Christ and his Church.In the liturgy we already participate in the eternal liturgy of heaven. With all the saints and angels we glorify God.
Jesus always acts through the sacraments if we receive them under the proper conditions. The sacrament and grace will benefit us according to our dispositions or attitude; for example, the degree of our faith and love.
The minister of the sacrament acts in the name of Christ and the Church and thus guarantees that Christ is truly at work in each sacrament. Although ordained ministers (bishop, priest, deacon) are the ordinary ministers of most sacraments, in marriage the man and woman minister the sacrament to each other.
The priest or deacon is witness to the sacramental action of spouses. The sacraments are celebrated according to the direction and intention of the Church in order to confer the power of the Lord.
There are seven sacraments: Baptism, Penance (Reconciliation), Holy Eucharist, Confirmation, Holy Orders or Priesthood, Matrimony, and Anointing of the Sick. Jesus instituted all seven.
The sacraments match experiences of our natural life: birth (Baptism), growth (Eucharist, Confirmation), healing (Penance, Anointing of the Sick), and mission (Holy Orders, Matrimony).
Infant Baptism
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish is happy to welcome your child as a member of God’s family in Baptism.
Please contact the parish office and an appointment will be arranged for you to come in and complete a preliminary form. It is recommended that you contact the parish at least three months in advance before the desired date of Baptism.
We encourage families unfamiliar with our parish, to register first as parishioners, to become familiar by attending Mass regularly with our parish and to seek Baptism after a time of preparation. Get to know us and let us get to know you.
In either case, thank you for considering Baptism for your child. It's wonderful that you wish to share your faith with your child in this way.
Teens or Adult Baptism or Confirmation
(O.C.I.A. -Order of Christian Initiation of Adults)
Our parish welcomes requests from older children, teens and adults who consider receiving the Sacraments of the Church. In some cases these have been members of other faith communities or Christian Churches and are now seeking to become members of the Catholic Church.
Others are already Catholics who have not received their Sacraments as young children and now wishto do so. We are pleased to meet with you to discuss the opportunities we have for you to become a full member of the Catholic Church.
Please contact the parish office for more information.
First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion
First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion, for children generally in the second grade, the preparation occurs on three levels: family, school and parish.
The schools play an invaluable role in helping the parish prepare for these celebrations. However, they are celebrations of the parish community, not the school, and as such, all inquiries about sacraments are done through the parish. Parents must request sacraments for their children – they do not automatically happen because the child is in the Catholic school system.
A registration and information meeting is held in the parish to provide parents with detailed information on the sacraments. There are also a series of sessions held with the parents and children. These are designed to assist parents to help their children prepare for the celebration of Reconciliation and Eucharist.
Parents are requested to provide proof of baptism for their children and, in some cases, pastoral intervention is required when there are obstacles to full communion with the Catholic Church. Parents are asked to work with their children to help them prepare for these sacraments.
It is very important that all parents who wish these children to receive the sacraments make the effort to attend Sunday mass with their children as part of the preparation process and beyond. As a community, we are most happy to assist families in their preparation for these sacraments and offer an opportunity each year for every child to bring forward the gifts at Mass. Details are shared at the parent meeting.
Confirmation
The sacrament of Confirmation, for children generally in the sixth grade, the preparation occurs on three levels: family, school and parish.
The schools play an invaluable role in helping the parish prepare for these celebrations. However, they are celebrations of the parish community, not the school, and as such, all inquiries about Sacraments are done through the parish. Parents must request Sacraments for their children – they do not automatically happen because the child is in the Catholic school system.
A registration and information meeting is held in the parish to provide parents with detailed information on the Sacraments. There are also a series of sessions held with the parents and children. These are designed to assist parents to help their children prepare for the celebration of Confirmation.
We welcome the opportunity to assist young people in completing their initiation into the Catholic faith and enjoy their involvement within the community. It is very important that all parents who wish these children to receive the Sacraments make the effort to attend Sunday Mass with their children as part of the preparation process and beyond.
Sacrament of Marriage
For Roman Catholics, the Sacrament of Marriage is a living sign of the presence of God in our lives. A man and a woman are joined in the inseparable sign of God's love for the Church, the world, and themselves.
The decision to marry therefore must be based on much reflection and prayer. It is much more than just planning a ceremony, but is it about preparing for a life together. All couples are required to complete a Marriage Preparation Course and meet with the pastor.
The bride or groom should contact the parish office to arrange an opportunity to meet the pastor. Arrangements are to be made at least six months prior to the date of marriage.
During the preparation period and after your marriage, it is very important that you make the effort to attend Sunday Mass as part of the preparation process and beyond. We invite you to seek many of the opportunities for involvement in the parish which are available.
Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick
Each year our parish offers a parish Anointing of the Sick at Mass. This Sacrament is also offered upon request for those under going serious medical treatment, preparing for surgery. Please contact the parish for arrangements at 613.744-1518.
Frequently Asked Questions of this sacrament of the anointing of the sick:
1. What do Catholics believe about the Sacrament of the Sick?
In solidarity with the sick, the Church believes and confesses "the life-giving presence of Christ, the physician of souls and bodies" in this "sacred anointing" (CCC: 1509; 1511).
"But even the most intense prayers do not always obtain the healing of all illnesses." (CCC: 1508)
The liturgical actions signify what grace the sacrament confers upon the sick:
A Roman Catholic priest is necessary to confer the sacrament.
Make sure your parish know about your wish to receive the Sacrament. If you are not attending a parish currently, phone one of our many parish families to discuss your circumstance.
8. Should children receive this Sacrament?
When a baptized child is in danger of death, he/she may be confirmed, and celebrate First Holy Eucharist at the time of Anointing by the priests of the Church.
Kindly call our office for Sacramental Preparation at 613.748.6040 extension 200