Liturgy & Sacraments

Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word.
Catechism of the Catholic Church 1213

Baptisms Take Place once a month, except Lent & Advent. Preparation for Baptism (Baptismal Course) is a requirement of the church.  It involves one session held in the parish room, for parents and guardians.   This can be done before the baby is born. Please note you are required to provide a copy of your baby’s Birth Certificate to the parish office prior to baptism. For more information or to register call the Parish Office: 754-2170 or submit the online registration form.

So, what does Baptism say to us about the God we believe in? Three things jump readily to mind.Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist, as a group of three Sacraments, are called the “Sacraments of Initiation.” A Sacrament is a visible sign of God’s presence, God’s activity in our lives, in the Church and in our world. But it goes beyond that! Sacraments not only show us what God is like and what God dreams for us; Sacraments also make that happen!

• Baptism (together with Confirmation and Eucharist) tells us that God wants each and every one of us to belong—first of all, to God! Second of all, God wants us to belong to one another, to care for each other and to form a community of faith with other believers. God is a family—Father, Son and Holy Spirit—and God gives us the grace, in these Sacraments of Initiation, to form human families that continue to reveal God’s love to the world.
• Baptism also tells us that our purpose in life is to know, love and serve God in all kinds of ways, but especially through one another.
• The prayers of Baptism tell us something really important about how God looks at us. One of the prayers of Baptism tells us clearly that the love of a mother and father for their child is the clearest picture we have of God’s love for us. The prayer goes like this:

God is the giver of all life, human and divine. … You are the first teachers of your child in the ways of faith. May you also be the best of teachers, bearing witness to that faith in all you say and do.

Those who approach the sacrament of Penance obtain pardon from God’s mercy for the offense committed against him, and are, at the same time, reconciled with the Church which they have wounded by their sins and which by charity, by example, and by prayer labors for their conversion.
Catechism of the Catholic Church 1422

Parents are the primary instructors in the faith for their children. The parish has a team of catechetical leaders who will support parents in  the religious education and sacramental preparation of their children.

The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life, is by its nature ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring; this covenant between baptized persons has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament.
Catechism of the Catholic Church 1601

For 2000 years, Catholics have believed Jesus to be truly present in the most Holy Eucharist, just as He taught His disciples in John 6. We believe that at each celebration of the Mass, bread and wine are truly transformed into the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. Therefore, Jesus comes to be present with us not only spiritually, but physically. In the Eucharist, Jesus is just as present with us in the disguise of bread and wine as He was in the disguise of a man 2000 years ago when He walked the earth.

Therefore, if Jesus is truly present (body, blood, soul, & divinity) in the most Holy Eucharist, then we can gaze upon Jesus and worship Him in His physical presence. Therefore, we are blessed with the awesome opportunity to worship Jesus through Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, or most Holy Eucharist. In Eucharistic Adoration, the Eucharistic Host (the Body of Jesus) is placed in a gold monstrance to be adored (see picture above).

Adoration is open to anyone. Please maintain a disposition of silence and reverence in the church.

Baptism, the Eucharist, and the sacrament of Confirmation together constitute the “sacraments of Christian initiation, whose unity must be safeguarded. It must be explained to the faithful that the reception of the sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace.
Catechism of the Catholic Church 1285

By the sacred anointing of the sick and the prayer of the priests the whole Church commends those who are ill to the suffering and glorified Lord, that he may raise them up and save them and indeed she exhorts them to contribute to the good of the People of God by freely uniting themselves to the Passion and death of Christ.
Catechism of the Catholic Church 1499

If you would like to receive the sacrament of the sick or know someone who does, please contact the parish office: 754-2170

Communal Celebration of the sacrament takes places twice a year, during Advent and Lenten Seasons.

The Sacrament of the Sick has been known by four different names throughout history. These names are:

• The “Last Rites”
• Extreme Unction
• Viaticum
• The Sacrament of the Sick

A Sacrament is a visible sign of God’s presence, God’s activity in our lives, in the Church and in our world. But it goes beyond that! Sacraments not only show us what God is like and what God dreams for us; Sacraments also make that happen!

Let’s look at the four titles that we have used to name this Sacrament.

If we call the Sacrament “The Last Rites,” this captures one important aspect of the Sacrament. It is often one of the last rituals celebrated with a person as he or she nears death. But if we focus on this alone, we kind of get the lens out of focus, don’t we? If we focus only on this Sacrament as a “Last Rite,” we miss the fact that it is meant to be celebrated with any person facing serious illness, a change in health or surgery. The Sacrament is a healing one, and can affect body, mind and spirit. Any Sacrament is meant to tell us something about God. In this Sacrament, God’s particular care for the sick and vulnerable is revealed and celebrated by the Church. Therefore, it is much more than “the Last Rites,” although this is one way that this Sacrament is celebrated.

If we call the Sacrament “Extreme Unction,” this also captures one aspect of the Sacrament, for the Sacrament does involve anointing. “Unction” means “Anointing.” In the Sacrament of the Sick, the person who is ill or suffering is anointed. Anointing with oil is intended to strengthen the sick person. The person may be strengthened to face the illness or surgery. The person might also be strengthened to face death. Anointing is also often a healing act, and, once again, that can mean healing of body, mind or spirit. What God wants to accomplish in this Sacrament is strengthening and healing.

A third name sometimes given to this Sacrament is “Viaticum.” “Viaticum” means “Food for the Journey.” Traditionally, one of the “Last Rites” is giving the dying person Communion. If we call the Sacrament “Viaticum,” we are recognizing that the Eucharist is indeed food for that final journey home to God; it may also be food to sustain the person on the road of returning to health and wholeness.

If, however, we call this Sacrament the “Sacrament of the Sick,” then we have the focus more clear. The Sacrament is really about what God wants to do in us and through us and for us in this wonderful encounter. It tells us that God is love, and love is always oriented toward healing and wholeness. God dreams that we might all be one, whole and live a life not touched by death. Sickness is not part of God’s will for humanity. Sickness and death came into the world with sin. IF we face illness, God walks with us every step of the way, and sustains us and strengthens us with the Sacraments and through the love and concern of the Church, family, friends and health care professionals. God’s will is that all people will be healed and reconciled with one another and with God.

What is an annulment?

An annulment (sometimes called a “declaration of nullity”) is a formal statement by a Church Tribunal that a particular marriage lacks one or more of the essential qualities or “grounds” that are required in order for it to be considered valid.

What is a Marriage Tribunal?

There is usually a Marriage Tribunal set up in each Arch/diocese to deal with petitions for declarations of nullity (annulments). A Marriage Tribunal consists of people– priests, religious sisters and lay people—who have some knowledge and expertise in the process. These people fulfil several different roles.

A Tribunal operates according to the Canon Law of the Church and, in some ways, functions like a court. But the difference is that—unlike a civil court—a Tribunal exists for pastoral reasons, and you will be treated with as much sensitivity as possible. The concern of the Tribunal is never to assess guilt. Rather, the role of the Tribunal is to gain a clear understanding of why a marriage failed, in order to free the parties and empower them to move on with their lives and pursue the possibility of marriage in the Church.

How does the annulment process work?

If a marriage breaks down, either of the spouses may petition, or ask, the Church for a declaration of nullity (annulment). A Church Tribunal (something like a court) examines the circumstances that led to the marriage and any problems that followed. This usually involves interviewing the spouses and some witnesses that the spouses name as having some insight into what went wrong. Following this investigation, the Tribunal may conclude that the marriage was not a valid one.

Every marriage that is validly celebrated is presumed to be valid until it is proven otherwise.

How long does the annulment process take?

An annulment case moves through two distinct phases:

The gathering of evidence:

• Persons are interviewed
• Any pertinent documents, letters, medical records or psychiatric assessments are obtained.

The case is studied and a judgement is made.

After a judgment is given, the decision must be reviewed by an Appeal Tribunal. The Canadian Appeal Tribunal in Ottawa performs this role for all the arch/diocesan tribunals in Canada.

The entire process takes approximately 1-2 years, depending on the availability of witnesses and the complexity of the case.

Is there a cost for the process?

Yes. Because of the expenses involved in maintaining the Tribunal Office, paying the salaries of staff members and sometimes enlisting the service of various experts, such as doctors or psychiatrists, the cost can range from $1000.00 – $1500.00. In the Archdiocese of St. John’s, a standard fee of $900.00 is requested. This is normally paid by the person who asked to begin the process, the petitioner. For those in financial difficulty, this charge may be reduced or waived entirely.

Will a declaration of nullity (annulment) affect the status of any children born of the marriage?

No. There is no way of denying that the couple were married for a period of time, during which the marriage was presumed to be valid. Children born of this marriage remain legitimate in the eyes of both Church and Civil Law.

Are people who separate or divorce prevented from receiving the Sacraments?

No. People who separate or divorce for reasonable cause are free to receive the Sacraments. This means that people who are separated or divorced, as long as they are not re-married outside the Church, can freely come to Mass and receive the Eucharist, celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation, or ask to receive the Sacrament of the Sick in times of illness.

Why would I need an annulment?

While the Catholic Church believes that marriage is a life-long commitment, it is a reality that some marriages break down. At some later point, either of the two parties may wish to re-marry in the Church. A declaration of nullity would permit them to celebrate a new marriage in the Church and to continue to participate fully in its Sacramental life.

What is the difference between an annulment (declaration of nullity) granted by the Church and a divorce granted by a civil court?

Well, the first difference is just that. an annulment, or declaration of nullity, is granted by the Church. A divorce is granted by a civil court.

In Canada, a church wedding fulfils not only the Church’s requirements, but also the requirements of civil law, and so is recognised by both authorities. If the marriage should break down, the civil law permits a new marriage if a divorce is granted by the competent court of law. In a similar way, the Church will only permit and recognise a new marriage if one of its tribunals (or courts) grants an annulment or declaration of nullity.

Marriage takes place on two levels –the civil contract and the sacramental bond. When a couple marries in church the sacramental bond is created between them by God as they declare their vows. The civil contract is created as they sign the legal papers. Both are done in the same ceremony. When a marriage is dissolved it must be done at both levels by the relevant authority: the civil courts dissolve the legal contract and then the church courts declare that the sacramental bond of marriage would not have been created by God if there was something lacking in the consent given by either one of the couple. Therefore the sacrament of marriage was not ‘created’ by God, and so it is said to be null – an annulment.

The questions asked by a Tribunal will be somewhat different than those asked by a civil court. The intent is to determine whether there was any factor that limits full and informed consent. Some of the factors could be:

• Youth and immaturity;
• External circumstances (e.g. pregnancy, family or other pressures);
• Insufficient knowledge of the other person;
• Insufficient knowledge of the responsibilities that marriage really entails.

What are some of the “grounds” on which an annulment (declaration of nullity) could be granted?

There are a number of “grounds,” on which an annulment (declaration of nullity) might be granted. It is best to discuss these from the perspective of what is required for a marriage to be considered valid in the eyes of the Church. So… the Church considers that there are four characteristics that work together to make a valid marriage. They are:

• It is permanent, enduring until the death of one of the parties;
• It is open to having children, and to supporting and educating them;
• It is a faithful and exclusive relationship, and
• It is a relationship of love and trust.

A Tribunal would examine how both parties in the marriage responded to these four characteristics. The Tribunal would ask:

• Did each have sufficient freedom and maturity to properly judge whether they were ready for the responsibilities of marriage with this particular person at the time the marriage began?
• Did one or the other intend to exclude one or more of these characteristics at the beginning of the marriage?
• Were the parties psychologically capable of living a marriage that would express, to an adequate degree, these four characteristics?

Who can ask a Church Tribunal for an annulment (declaration of nullity)?

Any Catholic who has separated or is divorced from his/her spouse may apply, provided that all possible means of reconciliation have been tried and failed. It sometimes occurs that a non-Catholic who is divorced now wishes to marry a Catholic. Because the Catholic Church upholds the validity of most marriages, it would be necessary for that person to have his/her earlier marriage examined by the Catholic Marriage Tribunal and to obtain a declaration of nullity so that he/she may now marry a Catholic.

How do I begin this process?

If you want to begin the annulment process…

• You should contact your parish priest or another pastoral leader in your parish.
• He/she will ask you to fill out some forms.
• He/she will write up a short “case history,” or a summary of the problems that were encountered in the marriage.
• You will be asked to provide the names of at least three (3) people, other than you and your former spouse, who would have some knowledge of the circumstances of your courtship and married life, and would be willing to be interviewed by a member of the Tribunal.
• The file will then be sent on to the Archdiocesan Marriage Tribunal.

What information will I need?

You will need the following information (if it applies):
Baptism (and Confirmation) certificates
Marriage certificate
Divorce certificate (Decree Absolute)
Contact information for you and your former spouse

Does my former spouse have to be informed?

Yes. Your former spouse has to be informed, because a declaration of nullity will affect them and their freedom to re-marry in the Church. It should be noted that, while a former spouse may assist in this process, their objection to the process cannot prevent it.

Who do I contact for more information?

CATHOLIC MARRIAGE TRIBUNAL
ARCHDIOCESE OF ST. JOHN’S
Very Reverend Francis Puddister
Judicial Vicar
Archdiocesan Pastoral Centre
200 Military Road
St. John’s, NL A1E 2E8
Phone: 709-726-3660
Fax: 709-726-3688
tribunal@nf.aibn.com

The holy Eucharist completes Christian initiation. Those who have been raised to the dignity of the royal priesthood by Baptism and configured more deeply to Christ by Confirmation participate with the whole community in the Lord’s own sacrifice by means of the Eucharist.

At the Last Supper, on the night he was betrayed, our Savior instituted the Eucharistic sacrifice of his Body and Blood. This he did in order to perpetuate the sacrifice of the cross throughout the ages until he should come again, and so to entrust to his beloved Spouse, the Church, a memorial of his death and resurrection: a sacrament of love, a sign of unity, a bond of charity, a Paschal banquet ‘in which Christ is consumed, the mind is filled with grace, and a pledge of future glory is given to us.
Catechism of the Catholic Church 1322 & 1323