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The Sacraments of the Church
The Sacraments are the way we focus and celebrate our life together in the Church, and grow into the Body of Christ. They are actions of Christ in which he touches our lives at important moments, and in the ordinary routine of life together.
BAPTISM
Baptism is the first Sacrament of initiation into the life of a Christian. Through the pouring of water and the Holy Spirit we are brought into the life of the Trinity, uniting us as one Mystical Body … the church. Before Baptism the person to be baptised enters into a period of preparation. When that person is a child (aged 0-7) the parents undertake a Baptism Preparation Course consisting of four virtual sessions pre-arranged with one of the Pastoral Team. Under current Covid-19 restrictions Baptisms are only taking place at St. Mary’s church. For further information on Baptism please click here.
CONFIRMATION
Within our Diocese the Sacrament of Confirmation is usually administered by the Archbishop in the month of June. Confirmation preparation courses for our Young People usually begin the Autumn, with registration taking place in September. For further information please click here.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION
First Holy Communion Preparation takes place within the parish through our volunteer catechists from all our worshipping communities.
First Holy Communion classes are for children in school year 3 and above. Parents are required to attend a number of the classes.
For more information please click here.
MARRIAGE
If you live within the parish and would like to marry in the Catholic Church, please contact contact the parish office.
Twelve months notice is required for marriage within one of our worshipping communities. Six months notice is required if the marriage is to take place abroad.
RECONCILIATION (CONFESSION)
The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) is presently celebrated following Covid-19 regulations at St. Mary’s 12:00-1:00pm every Saturday. Alternatively you can call or email at any time to make an appointment. Contact us here.
ANOINTING OF THE SICK
If you are aware of any parishioner who is unable to get to Church or is in hospital please let us know so that they can be visited and receive Holy Communion. Either contact us here or complete a sick request form.
RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (RCIA)
Adults who are considering becoming a member of the Catholic Church are invited to take part in the RCIA programme to discover more about our beliefs and if they desire commit to receiving the Sacraments at Easter. RCIA usually begins in September each year. For more information contact the parish office.
RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF CHILDREN (RCIC)
Children aged 8+ are considered to have passed the age of reason and the decision of receiving the Sacraments must be their choice (with support of their parents if necessary). To enable the children to understand what they are asking for they take part in the RCIC classes. Classes begin in September with reception of the Sacraments taking place at Easter. If you would like to find out more about this programme please contact us here.
An explanation of the Sacraments
