Office: Mon–Fri 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (closed 12–1)

SacramentsSacramental Preparation

Sacramental Preparation

Every preparation program the parish offers — for children, teenagers, adults and couples — with dates, ages and how to register, in one place.

Sacramental preparation is coordinated by Sr. Agnes Ibeh, SSND, Pastoral Associate and Catechetical Coordinator, with a team of twenty-two trained volunteer catechists. Programs are parish-based: children from Catholic, public and home schools prepare together, and families are involved at every step.

ProgramForWhenRegistrationContact
Baptism preparationParents and godparents of infantsLast Saturday of each month, 2:00 PMAny time; 4 weeks before the baptismOffice, ext. 20
First Reconciliation & CommunionGrade 2 and upMonthly Sundays, Nov – MaySept 1 – Oct 15Sr. Agnes, ext. 25
ConfirmationGrade 7 and upMonthly Sundays, Nov – MaySept 1 – Oct 10Sr. Agnes, ext. 25
OCIA (adults)Adults seeking baptism, reception or confirmationTuesdays 7:00 PM, Sept – EasterAny time; join by OctoberSr. Agnes, ext. 25
RCIC (children 7–14)Unbaptized children of school ageSundays 12:15 PM, Oct – EasterSeptemberSr. Agnes, ext. 25
Marriage preparationEngaged couplesWeekend courses in February and OctoberThrough the priest, 12 months aheadOffice, ext. 20
Catechesis of the Good ShepherdAges 3–6Sundays during the 11:00 MassSeptemberChildren & families

Key dates 2026–27

DateEvent
September 15, 2026OCIA begins (Tuesdays)
October 15, 2026Registration closes: First Communion and Confirmation
October 18 & 21, 2026Parent meetings (Confirmation Sun 3 PM; First Communion Wed 7 PM)
November 8, 2026Enrolment Mass, 11:00 AM
February 21, 2027Rite of Election for OCIA candidates at the Cathedral
March 6, 2027First Reconciliation, 10:00 AM
April 3, 2027Easter Vigil: baptisms, receptions and adult confirmations
April 17 & 24, 2027Retreat days (Confirmation; First Communion)
May 2 & 9, 2027First Communion Masses, 11:00 AM
May 23, 2027Confirmation with the Bishop, 3:00 PM
Young adults praying and singing with a guitar

Become a catechist

Catechists lead small groups of children or adults through the sessions, using materials the parish provides. No degree is needed: a living faith, patience, and two hours a month. New catechists shadow an experienced one for a year, complete the Archdiocese's volunteer screening (this is a high-risk ministry, so a police check is required) and attend the diocesan catechist formation day each August. Former teachers, parents of past candidates and confirmed high-school students (as assistants) make up most of the team.

Volunteer as a catechist

Questions

We missed the registration deadline.

Call Sr. Agnes. Late registrations are accepted until the first session when space allows; otherwise the child joins the following year.

What does it cost?

First Communion $40, Confirmation $60, OCIA free, marriage preparation $150 per couple, baptism preparation free. All fees are waived on request.

Our family speaks Spanish / Tagalog / Italian at home.

Sessions are in English with bilingual catechists in each group; family books are available in Spanish and Tagalog. Parent meetings are interpreted on request.

My child has special needs.

Every child can receive the sacraments. Tell us what helps your child learn and we will adapt — a one-to-one catechist, shorter sessions, visual materials, or preparation at home with our support.

Sr. Agnes Ibeh, SSND — ext. 25, faith@stcolumbatoronto.ca.