Sacraments

An Overview

There are 7 Sacraments in the Catholic Church, namely: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance, Anointing of the Sick, Marriage and Holy Orders. Instituted by Christ himself, the purpose of the Sacraments “is to sanctify men, to build up the Body of Christ and, finally, to give worship to God. Because they are signs they also instruct. They not only presuppose faith, but by words and objects they also nourish, strengthen, and express it. That is why they are called 'sacraments of faith” (CCC 1123).

What are the Sacraments?

Well the Church defines the Sacraments as: “efficacious signs of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, by which divine life is dispensed to us. The visible rites by which the sacraments are celebrated signify and make present the graces proper to each sacrament. They bear fruit in those who receive them with the required dispositions.” (CCC 1131)

In essence, the Sacraments are not mere signs; they actively signify and make present divine grace in the lives of people who are properly disposed, e.g. place no obstacles in the way.  Each Sacrament gives a particular sacramental grace from the Holy Spirit, which help us to cooperate with God’s plan for our lives.

The 7 Sacraments can be divided into the following 3 categories:

1.    Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist) 
2.   Sacraments of Healing (Penance and Anointing of the Sick) 
3.   Sacraments of Service of Communion (Marriage and Holy Orders)  

It should be noted that “the three sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders confer, in addition to grace, a sacramental character or ‘seal’ by which the Christian shares in Christ's priesthood and is made a member of the Church according to different states and functions. This configuration to Christ and to the Church, brought about by the Spirit, is indelible, it remains for ever in the Christian as a positive disposition for grace, a promise and guarantee of divine protection, and as a vocation to divine worship and to the service of the Church. Therefore these sacraments can never be repeated” (CCC 1121).

Once someone has been validly Baptized, Confirmed or received Holy Orders, the Sacrament cannot be undone and never needs to be repeated. All Catholics are strongly encouraged to have recourse to the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Penance. 

For more information on the Sacraments, please see the Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 1113 - 1212 or visit "Sacraments & Sacramentals" under the "OUR FAITH" tab on our website!

Baptism

If you're thinking about registering for baptism, please contact the parish office at secretary@mercifulredeemer.org or (905) 812-0030

First Communion

Please contact jane@mercifulredeemer.org for more information!

Confirmation

Please contact jane@mercifulredeemer.org for more information!

Penance

Through a modified schedule, the sacrament of reconciliation is still being offered at Merciful Redeemer.

More Info

Marriage

All Catholics are to be married in accordance with Church requirements; therefore, if you are interested in receiving the Sacrament of Marriage, please contact one of the Parish Priests at least one-year prior to your planned marriage. If you have questions about your own marriage, or about bringing your marriage into the Church, please contact one of the Parish Priests. For information about Merciful Redeemer’s Marriage Preparation Course, please contact the Parish Office.

Anointing of the Sick

Anyone over the age of reason (Age 7) can and should readily receive the Sacrament of the Sick. If you or a family member is interested in receiving the Sacrament of the Sick, please contact one of the Parish Priests. Also, if you or a member of your family cannot attend Mass due to a serious illness or old age, and would like a pastoral visit or to receive Holy Communion, we encourage you to contact the Parish Office.

Holy Orders

If you are interested in becoming a Priest, please contact one of the Parish Priests or the Office of Vocations at http://www.vocationstoronto.ca. Should you be interested in joining the permanent diaconate, we encourage you to contact the Office of Clergy Personnel at the Archdiocese of Toronto at diaconate@archtoronto.org.