Catechesis and Sacraments
Fathers and mothers of families should bring up their children virtuously, looking at them rather as God’s children than their own; and to count life and health, and all they possess as loans which they hold of God. (A Maxim of St Philip)
Baptism
Parents of infants are urged to have them baptized as soon as possible after birth. Please contact the rectory to arrange for your child’s baptism.
Adults, teenagers, and young children aged seven and above can also be baptized. And if they have been validly baptized in another Christian communion, they can be received into full communion with the Catholic Church. Please contact the rectory to discuss your situation with a priest. Or start coming to RCIA Classes (See below).
First Confession and First Communion
Children usually receive these sacraments when they are in grade two. Although the family and the school are indispensable to the religious education of children, programs of preparation for the sacraments are the responsibility of the parish.
Enrolment in the program for First Confession and First Communion takes place early in September. Classes begin later in the month and continue until the children have received these sacraments some time in the spring. If your child is in grade two or above and has not already been registered in the program, please contact the rectory. Click here for registration forms.
Confirmation
Young Catholics usually receive the sacrament of Confirmation when they are in grade seven. As with First Confession and First Communion, the program of preparation for Confirmation is the responsibility of the parish.
Enrolment in the program takes place in September. Classes begin later in the month and continue until the sacrament has been received some time in the spring. If your child is in grade seven or above and has not already been registered in the program, please contact the rectory. Click here for registration forms.
If you wish to go to extremes, let it be in sweetness, patience, humility and charity (A saying of St Philip)
Marriage
Couples planning to be married should contact a priest well in advance of the wedding date. Each couple must receive preparation for marriage. The Oratory provides a course of marriage preparation at least once a year. The time of the course is chosen to accommodate the couples being married, and it is open to all. More information can be found here.
He who wishes for anything but Christ does not know what he wishes; he who asks for anything but Christ does not know what he is asking; he who works, and not for Christ, does not know what he is doing (A Maxim of St Philip)
Holy Orders
Are you being called to the priesthood or diaconate? The Fathers of the Oratory would be pleased to discuss these vocations with you.
Even in bodily indispositions, spiritual remedies are the most helpful…We must give ourselves to God altogether (A Maxim of St Philip)
Anointing of the Sick and Last Rites
This sacrament is for all those who may be in danger of death because of sickness or old age. We should not delay in receiving this sacrament; when we are suffering from grave infirmities, it strengthens our faith, hope and charity. Please contact the rectory to arrange to receive this sacrament; and in case of emergency, do not hesitate to call at any time.
What can I do, my Jesus, to do Thy will…What can I do, my Jesus, to please Thee? (Prayer taught by St Philip to Francesco Zazzara)
RCIA
Weekly classes in the Catholic faith for adults begin in September and take place at 7:30 p.m. in the parish hall of Holy Family Church. Classes are also be live-streamed over Zoom. They are intended for inquirers, for those intending to be baptized or received into the Catholic Church, and also for Catholics looking to understand their faith better. Everyone is welcome and there is no fee and no pressure. Please email Father Alexander through the Oratory or parish if you’re interested in attending.
Formed
Formed.org is an online resource that allows access to many Catholic e-books, films, and other materials. Parishioners can access this content by setting up a free account. You will need to give the website an e-mail address and then tell them that you belong to Holy Family Parish in Toronto.
Please note that it is through the parish that you need to enrol your child for courses in sacramental preparation. Being registered in a Catholic School does not mean that he or she is automatically enrolled.
To have your child registered, please contact the rectory.