Sacraments
Baptism
Baptism forgives sin, makes us members of the Church, allows the Holy Spirit to dwell within us, and adopts us as children of God. We prepare families for Baptism over four sessions using the Reborn program. Please speak to Fr. Rick after Mass to register your child for baptism.
First Communion
Jesus gives us his body, blood, soul, and divinity in Communion, nourishing us for our Christian journey. We prepare families for First Communion over seven sessions using the Signs of Grace: You are Loved program. In 2026, sessions are at 2:00 PM on 8 March, 29 March, 12 April, 19 April, 3 May, 10 May, and 24 May. First Communion will be given during the weekend Masses of 6/7 June. Note that preparation for First Confession is required. Registration for 2026-2027 will begin in September 2026.
Confirmation
Through Confirmation, the Holy Spirit gives us the gifts of wisdom, understanding, knowledge, counsel, piety, fear of the Lord, and fortitude so that we can help the Church to grow. We prepare families for Confirmation over five sessions using the Signs of Grace: You Are Sent program. In 2026, sessions are at 2:00 PM on 11 January, 18 January, 25 January, 8 February, and 22 February. Bp. Yvan Mathieu will confer the sacrament at 10:30 AM on Saturday, 9 May. Registration for 2026-2027 will begin in September 2026.
Matrimony
Marriage joins a man and woman together in an indissoluble union marked by fidelity for the good of the spouses with an openness to life. In addition to celebrating marriage, we conduct planning and paperwork, and facilitate marriage preparation that is done outside the parish. Please speak to Fr. Rick after Mass at least six months before the proposed marriage date.
Confessions
Confession reconciles us with the Church and to God restoring peace in our souls. It is scheduled for 4:30 PM Saturday, and 10:30 AM Sunday, but the priest can also hear your confession after other Masses, upon request, subject to availability.
We prepare families for First Confession over seven sessions using the Signs of Grace: You Are Forgiven program. In 2025, sessions are at 2:00 PM on 28 September, 5 October, 19 October, 26 October, 2 November, 9 November, and 23 November. First Confession is at 2:00 PM on 30 November. Registration for 2026-2027 will begin in September 2026.
Anointing the Sick
Anointing of the Sick unites us to Christ on his Cross so that we can suffer with his strength. Intended for those beginning to be in danger of death due to sickness or old age, it confers forgiveness of sins with the possibility of a physical cure and the certainty of spiritual healing. We offer the sacrament during the weekend Masses of 8/9 November 2025, and 18/19 April 2026. Please speak to Fr. Rick after Mass to receive the sacrament before major surgery or if your health declines.
In case of emergency requiring Last Rites, call the pastor at (613) 612-3459.
Funerals
A Funeral Mass completes our Baptism as the deceased continues their journey into eternal life. Arrangements for a Funeral Mass are facilitated by a funeral director at a funeral home. St. Bernard Cemetery is administered by Hope Cemetery at (613) 822-1212.