Sacraments

Sacraments of Initiation

1. Baptism

‘By Baptism you have been raised up with Christ.’ (Col 2:12)

Baptism is the gateway to Christian life, and life in the Spirit. We are freed from sin and reborn as children of God.

Parents wishing to have their child baptised, bringing them into the family of the Church, should arrange to see the parish priest. If it is their first child they will be asked to follow a short course of preparation. 

Baptism brings with it a serious commitment of the parents to bring the child up in the practice of the faith. They should be attending Sunday Mass each week and bring the child with them. God-parents, ideally one god-father and one god-mother, are chosen to assist the parents in this task. They should be baptised adults who practise their faith. 

If a child is older, he or she may need a preparation course for themselves. Adults also may be prepared for Baptism, Holy Communion and Confirmation with the help of one of our experienced catechists.

2. Eucharist (Holy Communion)

‘This is my body given for you.’ (Lk 22:19)

Children who have reached school year 3 are eligible for preparation for this great Sacrament, in which Christ comes to them as strength for their lives. Their parents should be practising and living within the parish.

Registration for our Holy Communion course takes place in November. You should keep an eye on the newsletter for a notice about this. Parents and their child have a short meeting with the parish priest and can then be registered for the course, which begins each January. We have an experienced and talented group of catechists who help with the preparation. Parents must also attend the course, with separate sessions given to them to ensure they understand the responsibility of presenting their child for First Holy Communion.

First Holy Communion takes place on the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi), which falls on a Sunday in May or June.

3. Confirmation

‘You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you.’  (Acts 1:8)

The Sacrament of Confirmation is conferred every two years, either by the Bishop or by the parish priest. Candidates need to be in year 9 or above. They should be regularly practising their faith, and living in the parish.

Registration will take place about six months before the conferral of the Sacrament. We have a great team of men and women catechists who help our young men and women understand the meaning of their faith so that they can confidently take the next step, and complete what are known as the ‘sacraments of initiation’. 

Preparation sessions are held on Thursday evenings. Each young person must choose a sponsor who is able to advise and give good example, particularly in regularity at Sunday Mass. The Sacrament of Confirmation should never be a ‘sacrament of exit’ but a ‘sacrament of recommitment as an adult Catholic’.

Sacraments of Healing

4. Reconciliation

‘Your sins are forgiven.’ (Mk 2:9)

Reconciliation, also known as Penance or Confession, is a wonderful sacrament of forgiveness. Children preparing for their First Holy Communion are brought to the Sacrament for the first time. It is most important that their parents also are comfortable with the sacrament and give good example.

Reconciliation is available every Saturday morning from 11 to 11.30. There are special services of Reconciliation in Advent and Lent, with readings and prayers, followed by individual confession. 

Many Catholics do not understand the power and beauty of this sacrament. It allows us to put down the burden of sin and guilt, and to begin a new time in our lives. That is why every Catholic should celebrate the sacrament during Lent or Easter-time.

5. Anointing of the Sick

‘They anointed many sick people with oil and cured them.’ (Mk 6:13)

Anyone who is seriously ill, or preparing for an operation may request the sacrament of anointing. This sacrament is no longer called ‘the last rites’, but is of course particularly powerful when someone is approaching the end of life. Parishioners should request the sacrament before going into hospital, or ask to see the Catholic chaplain when in hospital. The anointing with oil is a source of deep healing and strength when someone is facing difficult times of sickness and pain.

Sacraments Conferring A New State In Life

6. Marriage

‘The two will become one body.’  (Eph 5:31)

The Catholic Church offers a beautiful sacrament for those wishing to marry. You need to be in touch with the parish priest ideally one year before the marriage. This is to ensure that any complications can be addressed and that any disappointment is avoided.

Couples will have several sessions with the parish priest, and attend a day’s course run by Marriage Care. It is the responsibility of the couple to ensure that the civil arrangements for marriage are in order. The priest will advise you about this.

Many people spend a great deal of money on arrangements for the wedding. The essential preparations are between the couple who love and respect each other. For those who have already married civilly there is a process available to receive the sacrament of Marriage. This is called a convalidation. 

7. Holy Orders

‘They laid hands on them and sent them out.’ (Acts 13:3)

The last ordination to the priesthood in our parish was in 1976.   We pray constantly for vocations to the priesthood from among our parishioners. Any man wishing to explore the possibility of a vocation to the priesthood should get in touch with the diocesan Director of Vocations.