BAPTISM PREPARATION
Baptism is the beginning of the journey of faith and provision is made for on-going formation for both parents and god-parents before the celebration of the Sacrament. If you would like to have your child baptised at St Mary’s you will need to attend Baptism Preparation. To register your attendance at our next class please email the parish office at chelsea1@rcdow.org.uk and you will be sent a registration form.
We only ask new parents to do the preparation for baptism. If you have previously done preparation but feel you need a refresher then you are more than welcome to come along.
Please note that if you live in another parish we require a permission letter from the priest where you live allowing the baptism to take place at St Mary’s. This is required even if you attend Sunday Mass in our church.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION AND FIRST RECONCILIATION (FIRST CONFESSION)
From 2019/20 we will no longer deliver catechesis directly to the children. Instead our catechists will work with parents who will then work with their children in order to prepare them for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. This will mean that parents will be able to be refreshed with the teachings of our Faith. Parents will meet together to support and encourage one another and they will know that they are fulfilling the responsibilities which they took on at their child’s baptism.
CONFIRMATION
For teenagers in Year 9 or aged 14-17 at the time of receiving the Sacrament. The course usually begins in January and Registration opens in the Autumn. A photocopy of your child’s baptism certificate will need to be submitted with the application.
Older Catholics who are not Confirmed should make enquiries to the Clergy about RCIA.
JOURNEY OF FAITH (RCIA)
This programme is for adults who wish to be received into the Catholic Church or, who were baptised Catholic but have not received First Holy Communion/have not been Confirmed. Please email Fr Shaun if you would like further information at shaunmiddleton@rcdow.org.uk
MARRIAGE PREPARATION
If the bride to be lives in our Parish and you are planning to get married at St Mary’s or elsewhere, a minimum of six months notice is required to complete the necessary paperwork. Please contact Fr Shaun or the parish office to make your initial enquiry. If you do not live in our parish you need to make contact with a priest at the local catholic church where you are resident. He will be responsible for your paperwork, and for guiding you through the process on a practical and spiritual level.
You will also need to attend a Marriage Preparation Course. Please visit www.rcdow.org.uk/marriageandfamily/ if you would like details of courses in the Diocese of Westminster.
CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD
This takes place during the 10am Family Mass on Sundays (school term-time only) for all children at nursery and up to age 6. Please email the Parish Office at chelsea1@rcdow.org.uk and your enquiry will be forwarded to the course leader, or approach one of the leaders before/after Sunday Mass.