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 the pastor after Mass to register your child for baptism. In 2026/2027, baptism will be conferred on 12/13 December, 27/28 March, 8/9 May and 10/11 July.
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 eight sessions using the Signs of Grace: You are Loved program. In 2026/2027, sessions are at 2:00 PM on 4 April, 11 April, 18 April, 25 April, 2 May, 16 May, 30 May, and 6 June. First Communion will be given during the weekend Masses of 12/13 June. Note that preparation for First Confession is required before preparation for First Communion. Register by 24 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 2026/2027, sessions are at 2:00 PM on 10 January, 17 January, 31 January, 7 February, and 21 February. The date for Confirmation is to be determined depending on the availability of the bishop. Children will perform ministries throughout the year, and can attend the First Confession sessions as well. The Information Meeting will be at 7:00 PM on Wednesday, 23 September. Register by 8 October 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 the pastor after Mass at least six months before the proposed marriage date.
Confession
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. It is required before First Communion and optional before Confirmation. In 2026/2027, sessions are at 2:00 PM on 27 September, 18 October, 25 October, 1 November, 8 November, 15 November and 22 November. First Confession is at 2:00 PM on 29 November. Register by 24 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. In 2026/2027, we will offer the sacrament during the weekend Masses of 14/15 November and 24/25 April. Please speak to the pastor 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.
Communion Call
The pastor brings communion to homebound parishioners on Tuesday afternoons. Please contact the office if you would like to receive communion at your home during a period of infirmity.
Funeral
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.
Blessings
The pastor provides house blessings on Wednesday afternoons and Wednesday evenings. Please contact the office to schedule a house blessing. He blesses cars and devotional objects after Mass subject to availability.