Sacramental Preparation for Children
Baptism is the foundation of our Christian life. Through this Sacrament of Initiation we become children of God, members of Christ’s Body in the Church, and are empowered by the Spirit to share in Christ’s mission. At St. Basil’s we celebrate Baptism communally, in the context of the weekend Mass, as the whole community gathered to worship welcomes your child into the family of the Church. Please contact the parish office for information and scheduling: office@stbasiltoronto.org or (416) 926-7110.
First Communion.
St. Basil's prepares children for their First Reconciliation (Confession) and First Communion (Eucharist) between January and May each year. Through these Sacraments we experience God’s mercy, nourishment, and love. Children must be at least age 7 (grade 2). The program will involve community gatherings for all children with at least one parent/guardian, as well as materials to work on as a family at home. Our hope is to empower each family and each child in their relationship with God.
The community gatherings will take place at the parish on Sundays, from 9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. Families are encouraged to attend the 10:30 a.m. Mass together after the sessions. Families will be assigned material to cover at home to prepare children for their sacraments. The cost of materials (including workbooks) for our participants is $75/child. We do not want cost to be a barrier for any family, and financial assistance is available.
Please use this form to register your children for sacramental preparation for Reconciliation and First Eucharist: https://forms.office.com/r/y1gSH9vbt5
Questions? Please contact Director of Faith Formation, JoAnn Lopez.
Confirmation.
Confirmation is a Sacrament of Initiation which seals us with the gifts of Holy Spirit and empowers us to live our faith and share God’s love with others. We do not offer a program for preparation for teen Confirmation every year. If you would like to express interest in Confirmation for a child grade 7 and above, please contact JoAnn Lopez or the parish office (416) 926-7110.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is a Montessori-based approach to the religious education of children, which offers children the most essential aspects of our faith, trusting this will nurture their capacity to enjoy God's loving presence in their life. The CGS method originated in 1954, in Rome and has since spread throughout the world to countries throughout Africa, throughout Europe, to the United States, Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Australia, New Zealand, Norway and Canada. One of the key features of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is the use of catechetical materials specially designed for children. Another feature is the use of a prepared environment, a room called the Atrium set aside to foster children's religious growth. Here at St. Basil’s Parish we are fortunate enough to have an Atrium at our Parish.
St. Basil’s will be hosting a CGS Level 1 program (for children aged 3-6), on Sunday mornings beginning in late October. We hope that families will be able to join us at 10:30 a.m. Mass after our CGS sessions.
The program fee is $75/child, or $125/family. This money goes toward the maintenance of the Atrium and various costs associated with running the program (i.e. supplies, materials). We do not want cost to be a barrier for any family, and financial assistance is available.
If you would like to register, please complete this form for your child(ren): https://forms.office.com/r/j64SYfjnjP
Only one form per family please!
