Canadian Martyrs Church

Preparation Ministries

Baptism

"Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the One who sent me." Mark 9.37

Through the sacrament of Baptism we welcome the child into our community. As part of this welcome we pledge to support both parents and child in the faith journey they are beginning together.

Baptism is the foundation, core and first signpost of the pathway to faith. The sacrament presents us, in the water poured over the child's forehead, with the mystery of the Lord's rising from death, and our own. In the anointing with sacred oils we begin the preparation to take up our share in Christ's mission to be priest, prophet and shepherd. This sacrament is our introduction to the forgiveness and hope that lie at the heart of our faith.

In preparing for the sacrament, we ask that the parents and Godparents commit to spending three brief periods of about an hour and a half each with the Baptismal team, two of them before the celebration and one after. In these sessions we explore expectations and concerns, prepare for the celebration itself, and reflect on the meaning of the Baptism in the child's life, in the family's and in the life of the community.

The sacrament is normally celebrated at the 10:00 a.m. Mass on a Sunday. If the family prefers a ceremony outside of the Mass this can be arranged.

To arrange for Baptismal preparation, please call the Parish Office as far in advance as possible.

"A new heart I will give you, and a new spirit I will put within you; and I will remove from your body the heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh." Ezekiel 36.26

Liturgy Committee

The Liturgy Committee prepares the various liturgies that take place in the parish. They sponsor a number of workshops during the year for those involved in liturgical ministry. One of the aims of this committee is to include involvement of parishioners of all age groups in order to encourage "full conscious and active participation."

Marriage Preparation

A team of seven couples sponsors a series of workshops. These workshops take place over a period of seven weeks covering the following topics: Communications, Intimate Couple, Sexual Identity, Creative Response, For Better or Worse, Spiritual Dimension and the Wedding Liturgy. The format used by this marriage preparation group not only gives instruction and assistance in preparing for the upcoming marriage, but also provides the couple with a supportive group after the wedding has taken place.

Sacramental Preparation

A team of four parishioners assist the children and their parents in a program of preparation for the sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation and First Communion. A parish resource is used for Reconciliation preparation. For Confirmation and First Communion the curriculum is based on "Come Join Us At the Table". A leader's guide and family workbook are provided. A series of nine workshops are offered.