Sacramental Preparation: According to Canon #843:2 – "…pastors of souls and all other members of Christ's faithful have a duty to ensure

that those who ask for the sacraments are prepared for their reception. This should be done through proper evangelization and

catechetical instruction, in accordance with the norms laid down by the competent authority."

Sacraments are celebrated in the context of community where all can fully and consciously participate in supporting one another in faith formation.

These are the procedures for each sacrament as celebrated at St. John Brebeuf Parish.

Baptism:

Pope John Paul II states in the Post Synodal Apostolic Exhortation, Ecclesia in America,

"While dioceses in America have made undeniable progress in preparing people for the sacraments of Christian initiation, the Synod Fathers nonetheless expressed regret that ‘many receive them without adequate formation.' In the case of the baptism of children, efforts to catechize the parents and Godparents should not be spared (34)."

Bishop Gerald Wiesner, Diocese of Prince George, says,

"When one examines the nature, gravity, and consequence of baptism, it is not too difficult to see how preparation for baptism needs to be imparted with ‘an ever-increasing vigour'."                                                                        (National Bulletin on Liturgy, Spring 2003)

How do we celebrate Baptism in our parish? 

St. John Brebeuf Parish has four preparations for Baptism per year.  Parents and Godparents are invited and encouraged to attend and participate in parish activities. They register their child for Baptism at the parish office for one prep session. Parents are given resources to renew their own faith and to begin nurturing their child for the beginning of this important faith journey. Baptisms are celebrated at a weekend Sunday Mass where the whole parish community welcomes the newly baptized. Parents and Godparents are invited to a follow-up gathering after the Baptism Sunday. We hope to encourage full and active participation in our liturgy each Sunday. We believe that our faith is not only membership, but more importantly, discipleship.

Coming Up:

Next Baptism Weekend: October 2/3, 2010

For further information and/or to register for the fall baptismal preparation session, please leave a message for Deacon Richard Ludwick at 488-4467. 

Baptismal Preparation Registration Form

Confirmation:

All-powerful God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, by water and the Holy Spirit you freed your sons and daughters from sin and gave them new life. Send your Holy Spirit upon them to be their Helper and Guide. Give them the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of right judgement and courage, the spirit of knowledge and reverence. Fill them with the spirit of wonder and awe in Your presence.                       

Rite of Confirmation

How do we prepare for and celebrate Confirmation in our parish?

At St. John Brebeuf, preparation for the sacrament of Confirmation begins when the young person is completing grade eight. It beings in the

spring with an orientation evening. At that time, the young people and their parents are given an overview of the coming year, including

significant dates. The preparation involves the commitment of the young person, their family and the faith community. The confirmands will

share their gifts in a liturgical ministry, engage in service experiences in the wider community, gather with other families involved in confirmation

for faith sharing, attend a weekend retreat, and have opportunities to talk about the their faith journey through family and individual conversations.

Confirmation 2008/09 News:

Confirmation Survey:

Student Survey

Parent Survey

Registration for the 2009/10 session is now closed.  Registrations for the 2010/11 session will take place in the fall.

Confirmation program information:  www.StJohnBrebeuf.blogspot.com

Congratulations to our 28 young people who were sealed with the Holy Spirit on Thursday, April 22 through the Sacrament of Confirmation.  May God continue to bless them on their journey.

For more information about the St. John Brebeuf Confirmation Program, please contact Mike Thibert at 488-4467, ext. 214

2010/2011 Confirmation Registration Form

Eucharist:

At the appropriate age (Canon Law speaks of the age of reason)

(Canon # 914) and after a time of preparation (Canon #913), a child can be considered ready to participate fully in the Eucharistic celebration. At St. John Brebeuf, parents register their children for the sacrament. Parents are gathered and guided as to how they might educate their child in the formation towards this sacrament. By the use of prayer, resource books and materials, discussion, modeling and witnessing, parents participate fully in the preparation of their children for this sacrament.

                                                                                                                                                             Photo: İMike Grandmaison,  2007                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

Congratulations to our twenty-eight young people who received the Sacrament of First Eucharist the weekend of May 8 & 9.  God's blessings to all of you.

Watch for more information regarding the 2010/2011 First Reconciliation/First Eucharist progam, or call Mike Thibert at 488-4467 (Ext. 214).                                                                                                                                                                                    

2010/2011 First Reconciliation/First Eucharist Registration Form 

Penance/Reconciliation:

Parents register their child for this sacrament at the end of grade one, or by the fall when beginning grade two. The procedure is similar to

#c) above – preparation for the Eucharist. In the Winnipeg diocese, children celebrate the sacrament of Penance/Reconciliation before

the sacrament of Eucharist.

Questions?  Call Mike Thibert at 488-4467, ext.214.

Matrimony:  

The vocation, or spiritual calling to enter into Marriage, is a precious gift from God.

Thus, preparing for a wedding requires prayerful and careful consideration of the important details of the spiritual aspects of the day.

Marriage preparation must begin at least 12 months prior to a couple's anticipated wedding date. During this time, couples prepare for their sacrament through a manageable series of meetings which will include information-taking (a copy of your Baptismal Certificate, newly issued and dated, and the date and place of your Confirmation are required) with the Pastor or a Deacon, followed by five or more meetings with a sponsor couple to work through the For Better and Forever process. After this, the couple will meet with the Pastor and Deacon to arrange the specifics of the Sacrament of Christian Marriage.

To begin this process, please call Deacon Joe McLellan @ 488-4467 ext 245.

Click here to download a copy of the St. John Brebeuf Parish Guidelines and Requirements for the Preparation and Celebration of the Sacrament of Marriage booklet. 

Holy Orders:

Contact Monsignor David Ward Jamieson, Pastor @ 488-4467, Ext.213

Sacrament of the Sick:

Anyone wishing to celebrate this sacrament for themselves or a relative or friend, please call the office @ 488-4467.