The Sacraments of the Church
BAPTISM
The mission of preaching the Gospel and of baptizing children and adults was given to the Church from earliest times. Our Lord said: "Unless a man is reborn in water and the Holy Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God." The Church has always understood these words to mean that children should not be deprived of baptism, because they are baptized in the faith of the Church, a faith proclaimed for them by their parents and godparents, who represent both the local Church and the whole society of saints and believers: "The whole Church is the mother of all and the mother of each."
To fulfill the true meaning of the sacrament, children must later be formed in the faith in which they have been baptized. The foundation of this formation will be the sacrament itself that they have already received. Christian formation, which is their due, seeks to lead them, gradually to learn God's plan in Christ, so that they may ultimately accept for themselves the faith in which they have been baptized. (Rite of Baptism for Children).
When do we baptize?
The Sacrament of Baptism is normally celebrated within the context of our Sunday Eucharist either at the Vigil Mass at 5:00 PM or at the 12:30 PM Mass.
The Sacrament of Baptism is also celebrated at St. Peter's Mission Church on Saturday mornings, usually at 10:00 AM
How do you apply for the baptism of your child?
- Catholic parents who wish to have their children baptized must fill out the baptismal form.
- We do not reject any Catholic family from another parish who wish to have their children baptized. We do, however, require a written consent from your pastor for us to administer the sacrament.
- In the selection of Godparents, we suggest that you consider these recommendations. Then, come back and fill the Baptismal Registration Form.
- After filling the baptismal form, you may send it to us via email or fax. You may also drop it at the parish office or give it to us when you come for Holy Mass.
- Once the parish office receives the request, the pastor will set up the appointment to process your request. If you do not hear from him in a day or two after you have submitted the form, please do not hesitate to call him.
- Baptismal Instruction usually takes place after the Holy Mass on Saturday the week before the Baptism.
MATRIMONY
Congratulations on your engagement! The Archdiocese of Toronto stipulates that couples wishing to get married in the Church must contact the Parish at least one year to the date of their intended wedding.
A. The engage couple need to secure the following documents prior to their meeting with the Priest:
1) A recent copy of the Baptismal Certificate from the Church of Baptism for the Catholic parties
2) A copy of the Baptismal Certificate from the Church of Baptism for the non-Catholic party, who is a baptized Christian from another Tradition (e.g. Protestant, Anglican, Orthodox)
3) In case of a previous marriage by either the prospective bride or groom or both, a Decree of Annulment from the Catholic Marriage Tribunal, must be secured. For further information, please contact the parish priest.
4) If for some reason, a Baptismal Certificate cannot be established, an Affidavit will have to be signed by a witness who was present at the Baptism.
B. Arrange a Prenuptial Interview with the priest as soon as the documents are ready
C. The Archdiocese of Toronto stipulates that no date for the wedding will be fixed, not until the prenuptial interview has taken place. However, because our parish does not have its own church, except the use of St. Peter's Mission Church on the Ninth Line, and borrows either St. John of the Cross Church or Merciful Redeemer Church as possible venues for the wedding, the pastor requests that the engaged couple propose at least three dates for the wedding date prior to the prenuptial interview.
