SACRAMENTS
A Sacrament is an outward sign of inward grace, ordained by Jesus Christ, by which grace is given to our souls. The Sacraments always give grace to those who receive them worthily. (A Catechism of Christian Doctrine, Q249/50)
BAPTISM
Baptism is a sacrament which cleanses us from original sin, makes us Christians, children of God, and members of the Church. (CCD.Q256)
Parents who wish their child to be baptised must first come to Mass and see Fr Michael either before or after Mass. Baptisms will no longer be booked via the telephone or email. You will be asked to fill in a form giving all the required details. You must also endeavour to attend Mass on at least two Sundays before the baptism. Baptisms take place on Saturday between 12noon-3pm. Parents are strongly urged to present their child for baptism within one year of birth.
The Churching of Women - a blessing given by the Church to mothers after recovery from childbirth. This blessing is given to married Catholic mothers who intend to present their child at a later date for Baptism.
CONFIRMATION
Confirmation is a Sacrament by which we receive the Holy Spirit, in order to make us strong and perfect Christians and soldiers of Jesus Christ. (CCD.Q262)
Children who attend a Catholic school are prepared partly by the school which they attend and the Parish Priest. This is done in year 6. Children who attend non-Catholic schools must make arrangements with the Parish Priest to be instructed. This also applies to the reception of the Sacrament of Penance and First Holy Communion before Confirmation. Children in Catholic schools are prepared for the Sacrament of Penance and First Holy Communion in year 3. Children whether instructed in school or outside it will all receive the Sacraments together.
THE MASS
The Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist is the true Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, together with his Soul and Divinity, under the appearances of bread and wine. (CCD.Q266)
As the Holy Mass is the perfect sign of the Church's Unity only Catholics can receive Holy Communion at Mass. But all are welcome to join the worshipping family of the Church. Anyone who wishes to become a Catholic will be instructed with a view to being received into the Church. We seek to encourage an atmosphere of quiet and prayer in Church and within the context of the Mass a great reverence in the way we receive Holy Communion. Catholics are to approach the Sacrament of Penance in order to receive absolution if they have committed serious sins out of respect for the Most Holy Sacrament. From time to time the Priest may instruct the people in the manner of receiving Holy Communion in order to safeguard the reverence due to our Blessed Lord.
PENANCE
Penance is a Sacrament whereby the sins, whether mortal or venial, which have been committed after Baptism are forgiven. (CCD.Q281)
The Church encourages us to come to the Sacrament of Penance as often as our conscience tells us. But our consciences must be informed by honest reflection as to our spiritual state. In the matter of serious (mortal) sin we must receive absolution if we are to receive Holy Communion. The Sacrament of Penance (Confession) is available up to half an hour before every Mass and on Saturday mornings between 10.30 and 11am. Also during the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament on the First Fridays of the month.
ANOINTING OF THE SICK
This Sacrament is the anointing of the sick with holy oil, accompanied with prayer. (CCD.Q301)
If you are sick and unable to come to Church please contact the Priest to arrange a home visit.
MARRIAGE
Matrimony is the Sacrament which sanctifies the contract of a Christian marriage, and gives a special grace to those who receive it worthily. (CCD.Q306)
Please arrange to see the Priest at least six months before you wish to get married. Providing all the requirements of the Church are met, the couple will receive preparation for marriage as indicated by the Priest at first meeting. Catholic marriages need to be notified to the Registrar at least one month before the marriage takes place.
For Catholic married couples who wish to deepen and renew their marriage, please see the Marriage Encounter Group entry under Groups.
FUNERALS
We will do everything we can to help those who have lost loved ones. After meeting the undertaker the family will arrange to meet to discuss the funeral service with the Priest.
BAPTISM
Baptism is a sacrament which cleanses us from original sin, makes us Christians, children of God, and members of the Church. (CCD.Q256)
Parents who wish their child to be baptised must first come to Mass and see Fr Michael either before or after Mass. Baptisms will no longer be booked via the telephone or email. You will be asked to fill in a form giving all the required details. You must also endeavour to attend Mass on at least two Sundays before the baptism. Baptisms take place on Saturday between 12noon-3pm. Parents are strongly urged to present their child for baptism within one year of birth.
The Churching of Women - a blessing given by the Church to mothers after recovery from childbirth. This blessing is given to married Catholic mothers who intend to present their child at a later date for Baptism.
CONFIRMATION
Confirmation is a Sacrament by which we receive the Holy Spirit, in order to make us strong and perfect Christians and soldiers of Jesus Christ. (CCD.Q262)
Children who attend a Catholic school are prepared partly by the school which they attend and the Parish Priest. This is done in year 6. Children who attend non-Catholic schools must make arrangements with the Parish Priest to be instructed. This also applies to the reception of the Sacrament of Penance and First Holy Communion before Confirmation. Children in Catholic schools are prepared for the Sacrament of Penance and First Holy Communion in year 3. Children whether instructed in school or outside it will all receive the Sacraments together.
THE MASS
The Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist is the true Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, together with his Soul and Divinity, under the appearances of bread and wine. (CCD.Q266)
As the Holy Mass is the perfect sign of the Church's Unity only Catholics can receive Holy Communion at Mass. But all are welcome to join the worshipping family of the Church. Anyone who wishes to become a Catholic will be instructed with a view to being received into the Church. We seek to encourage an atmosphere of quiet and prayer in Church and within the context of the Mass a great reverence in the way we receive Holy Communion. Catholics are to approach the Sacrament of Penance in order to receive absolution if they have committed serious sins out of respect for the Most Holy Sacrament. From time to time the Priest may instruct the people in the manner of receiving Holy Communion in order to safeguard the reverence due to our Blessed Lord.
PENANCE
Penance is a Sacrament whereby the sins, whether mortal or venial, which have been committed after Baptism are forgiven. (CCD.Q281)
The Church encourages us to come to the Sacrament of Penance as often as our conscience tells us. But our consciences must be informed by honest reflection as to our spiritual state. In the matter of serious (mortal) sin we must receive absolution if we are to receive Holy Communion. The Sacrament of Penance (Confession) is available up to half an hour before every Mass and on Saturday mornings between 10.30 and 11am. Also during the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament on the First Fridays of the month.
ANOINTING OF THE SICK
This Sacrament is the anointing of the sick with holy oil, accompanied with prayer. (CCD.Q301)
If you are sick and unable to come to Church please contact the Priest to arrange a home visit.
MARRIAGE
Matrimony is the Sacrament which sanctifies the contract of a Christian marriage, and gives a special grace to those who receive it worthily. (CCD.Q306)
Please arrange to see the Priest at least six months before you wish to get married. Providing all the requirements of the Church are met, the couple will receive preparation for marriage as indicated by the Priest at first meeting. Catholic marriages need to be notified to the Registrar at least one month before the marriage takes place.
For Catholic married couples who wish to deepen and renew their marriage, please see the Marriage Encounter Group entry under Groups.
FUNERALS
We will do everything we can to help those who have lost loved ones. After meeting the undertaker the family will arrange to meet to discuss the funeral service with the Priest.
