Sacraments are celebrations of God’s grace being made tangible and physical. These are celebrated within liturgies as a symbol of our connection to one another as a faith community. Please note that our sacramental records (including baptisms, confirmations, and marriages) are kept at St. Michael's parish in Waterloo.

Baptism is the sacrament which welcomes us into newness of life in God as members of the church. This first sacrament of initiation of children under the age of seven is celebrated throughout the year during our Sunday masses. To request a baptismal certificate of someone who celebrated the sacrament at St. Jerome's, please contact St. Michael's parish in Waterloo.

First Communion is the sacrament of receiving the Eucharist for the first time and is celebrated each spring during Sunday liturgies. Children have the option to celebrate this sacrament at St. Jerome’s University or with classmates at the parish associated with their school.

Preparation for First Communion is done either at St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church or with the child’s school community.

Confirmation is the celebration of life in the Spirit of Jesus and is an affirmation of the commitment the candidate’s parents made for them at baptism. Preparation and the celebration of Confirmation are done either at St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church or with the parish associated with the young person’s school.

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is celebrated by candidates who wish to become full members of the Catholic Church. Those who worship with us and wish to become Catholic must enroll in the RCIA program at St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church; the enrollment period is usually during September.

The sacrament of reconciliation is the ritual healing of the pain and burden of sin in our lives. This sacrament is celebrated communally during reconciliation services during Advent and Lent. These services include a liturgy of the word and provide an opportunity for reflection and a communal expression of sorrow, followed by an opportunity for individual confession. Individual confession is also available by appointment.

This sacrament of healing is for those who are living with acute or chronic illness, mental or emotional pain, elderly people who are very weak, patients before surgery, or any others who feel they are in need of healing. This sacrament is celebrated upon request either following a Sunday mass or within a person’s home or hospital room.

Marriage is the sacramental union of two people in a life-giving covenant. Members of the community can prepare and celebrate their marriage at St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church and priests who serve the St. Jerome’s University community can be asked to officiate.

Funeral services are the celebration of a person’s eternal life and their union with God after death. Funerals cannot be performed at the University, but arrangements can be made for community members to celebrate at St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church. Priests who serve the St. Jerome’s University community can be asked to officiate.

While not a sacrament, catechesis is the education and instruction of an individual in their faith. Children who attend public schools are encouraged to sign up for the Catechetical Correspondence Courses offered by the Diocese of Hamilton, which provide religious education in the Catholic faith. The courses also serve as great additional sacrament preparation.