Sacraments of Initiation
For children’s sacramental preparation, adult confirmation, or enquiries about the Rites for Christian Initiation of Adults, please contact the Parish Office at 416 926 7110.
Baptism
Baptism is the first sacrament of initiation, usually celebrated for infants or young children. Through baptism we are united with Christ in His victory over sin and death. At St. Basil’s, we celebrate children’s baptism monthly in the church. Parents are required to take part in a prior baptism preparation class in order to understand the meaning of the sacrament, and their responsibilities for raising the child in the Roman Catholic faith. At least one parent must be a Roman Catholic, and parents must be registered parishioners of St. Basil’s Church. Up to two godparents may be selected, both of whom must be Christian, and one of whom must be a confirmed Roman Catholic. Godparents are encouraged to attend baptism preparation classes, if they are able.
First Communion and First Reconciliation
First Communion is the commencement of a child’s reception of the eucharist as a member of the parish community. Children are normally prepared for First Communion and First Reconciliation at age seven or above, or approximately school year grade 2 in Ontario. Children and their parents participate in instruction classes in preparation for both sacraments. The instruction normally extends over several months in parallel with the school year cycle and children celebrate these sacraments in the spring. First Communion is preceded by First Reconciliation in private session with a priest, after class preparation.
Confirmation
Confirmation is the sacrament that completes a child’s initiation into the church with rites to strengthen them for their adult faith journey. With confirmation we accept our mission to live and proclaim the Word of God. Children are normally prepared for Confirmation no earlier than age 13 and confirmation classes follow the school year cycle. Children and their parents participate in instruction classes in preparation for the sacrament and are normally confirmed at the Easter Vigil mass. Adults Unbaptized adults or baptized adults from other Christian churches participate in the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (R.C.I.A.), a formal process that is universal in the Roman Catholic Church. Our parish offers the possibility of year-round entry into the process. Depending on the particular background and readiness of catechumens and candidates, some may be baptized, and/or confirmed, and communed at the Easter Vigil Mass, while others may be welcomed into the church at other times. Baptized Roman Catholics who have celebrated First Communion and First Reconciliation but never received the sacrament of Confirmation are welcome to approach us year round for preparation individually, or in small groups. The timing of Confirmation will then reflect the time required for individual preparation for the sacrament.