Sacraments
We celebrate the sacraments throughout the year, and provide many sacramental preparation programs for children and adults. Adults seeking to become Catholic or Catholic Adults seeking to complete their Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Communion), refer to
RCIA Preparation.
Baptism
The Sacrament of Baptism for infants to age 7 is the first of the Sacraments of Initiation by which your child becomes a member of the Body of Christ, the Church. In the waters of Baptism, your child participates in the dying and rising to new life with Jesus. It is through Baptism that your child begins a journey of faith with God, supported by the Catholic Christian Community. St. Thomas More considers the Celebration of Baptism a special time for family, friends and the
entire parish community.
First Reconciliation & First Communion
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, our grade 2 and 3 students were unable to celebrate the Sacraments after Easter as planned. First Communion workbooks that were to be distributed to all students are available for pickup through the child’s school (the 10 Edmonton Catholic Schools served by St. Thomas More Parish); please make arrangements through the school to pick up. All other students can pick up their workbooks from the Parish office during regular office hours. We look forward to celebrating the Sacraments in September.
From the day of a child’s baptism, the Church prepared a place for him or her at the table of the Lord. Every Sunday the baptized people gather around this table. Children in Grades 2, 3 or 4 are called to come to that table, to taste and see the goodness of the Lord. Older children can also prepare to receive these sacraments. The Church requires that a child celebrates his or her First Reconciliation before receiving First Communion.
“In Confirmation the soul of a baptised Christian is imprinted with a permanent seal that can be received only once and marks this individual forever as a Christian. The gift of the Holy Spirit is the strength from above in which this individual puts the grace of his baptism into practice through his life and acts as a ‘witness’ for Christ.” -YouCat 205
Who may be Confirmed?
Any person baptized in the Roman Catholic Church who has not yet been Confirmed may celebrate this sacrament. At St. Thomas More, this sacrament is celebrated for youth who will be in Grade 7 in the upcoming Fall, but youth grades 8 – 12 may also take part in the classes. Registration takes place in the Spring prior. Candidates (those to be confirmed) must go through the confirmation preparation, be properly disposed to receive the sacrament and be able to renew their baptismal promises.
Christian Initiation (Child or Adult Baptism)
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) and Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA Adapted for Children) run September through June at our parish.
Marriage
We have gathered resources to assist you in planning your wedding celebration at St Thomas More. We believe that adequate preparation will facilitate your growth in love for God and for each other throughout your married life. We are here to assist you in making your marriage celebration a happy and memorable occasion. If you have further questions please feel free to contact the parish office. Normally a couple should contact a priest at least six (6) months before any proposed date of marriage. The priest will want to discuss your readiness for Christian marriage, preparation for marriage courses, the documents required for marriage, and the ceremony itself. All couples preparing for marriage must attend a marriage preparation course. A program is given here at St. Thomas More every year around February or March. There are also programs offered through the Archdiocese. Information for these programs can be obtained through the office.
Annointing of the Sick
To receive the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, please contact the parish office at 780-434-6313 and speak to one of the priests.
