Sacraments

Baptism is the first step of our journey of Christian discipleship.

Through baptismal water, we are washed clean of the stain of original sin and reborn as sons and daughters of God, as pure as the white that is worn during the baptismal rite.

With the light of our baptismal candle, we are called to live by and share the light of Christ in our world today by being living reminders of the hope He brings to all.

Although traditionally associated with infants, Baptism is a sacrament open to all people of any age. Those seeking baptism are asked to enter into the Sacrament with loving and sincere committment to follow the teachings of Christ, as set out in a series of baptismal promises.

Receiving the Eucharist, or Holy Communion, is the most solemn aspect of our daily faith lives; inviting us to enter into a personal encounter and union with Christ Himself through the physical and spiritual prescence of Jesus in the bread and wine which is transformed during the mass into the Most Precious Species of the Eucharist: the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Christ.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states:

“The Eucharist is the sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ, present under the appearance of bread and wine, for our spiritual nourishment and communion with Christ and the Church.” (CCC: 1413).

As such, whenever we receive Holy Communion, we affirm our belief that Jesus spoke truly and literally when he told his disciples: “This is my body” and “This is the new covenant in my blood” (Luke 22:19-20). By eating of His body and drinking of His blood, we beleive that we are united to Him and the whole Church as “members of one body” (Romans 12:5): the risen Christ.

Receiving Holy Communion

Holy Communion can be received by Catholics around the world on a daily basis, as the central and most solemn part of the Holy Mass.

A special preparation programme is undertaken (Catechesis) by people wishing to make their First Holy Communion.

Taking the first steps

If you are looking to make your First Holy Communion, or are enquirring on behalf of your child, please speak with the Parish Priest who will direct you.

The sacrament of Confirmation seals the graces we receive during our Baptism with the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, strengthening and nourishing us as we enter into a new phase of our Christian life.

This Sacrament is the final step in the three Sacraments of Initiation, embedding the faithful into a full, engaged life in the Church.

Usually, the Sacrament of Confirmation is received during a person’s early teenage years, as part of a Sacramental Programme delivered through the parish.

As an adult, this is usually received during reception into the Church.

Taking the first steps

If you are an adult and would like to learn more about getting confirmed, or are enquiring on behalf of your child, please speak with the parish priest in the first instance. It is expected that you attend mass regually at St Bede’s Church Croxley Green, in order to take part in our Sacramental Preparation programme which usually runs once a year.

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a wonderful way of welcoming adults into full communion with the Catholic Church.

It is available to people at any stage of their faith journey, whether you are coming to the Church from no faith at all, or you have begun the process with Baptism or First Holy Communion and are now looking to complete that journey, or perhaps you are coming from a different faith altogether.

The RCIA journey provides support from a dedicated pastoral programme before offering the graces of all three Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation – usually received during a light-filled, joyful celebration at the Easter Vigil Mass.

Taking the first steps

It is important that you speak with the parish priest to find out a little more about RCIA or becomming a Catholic, and how the parish can support you on that journey. The Parish Priest will then be able to guide you on your next steps.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation, commonly known as Confession, offers Catholics a wonderful opportunity to receive the loving mercy and forgiveness of God.

By reflecting on the ways in which we have damaged our relationship with God, each other, adn the world around us, we are invited to say sorry, to confess our sins, do penance, and receive the forgiveness that Christ promised when he told his apostles: “For those whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven. Those whose sins you retain, they are retained.” (John 20:23)

Receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered to people who ahve been baptised or received into the Catholic Church. It is for those who are truely sorry for their sins and who fully intend to turn away from sin in the future.

Usually, children around the age of seven make their First Confession, ahead of making their First Holy Communion. To find out more about how your child can make their First Confession, please speak with the parish priest.

If you are an adult looking to make your first confession, please speak with the parish priest.

Non-Catholics may, of course, speak with a priest for guidance and advice but will not receive the absolution offered through the sacrament.

How can I go to Confession?

Please speak with the parish priest who will gladly find time to hear your confession. Alternatively, you might like to visit a nearby parish to receive this sacrament.

Our Lady help of Christians, Rickmansworth – by appointment.

Holy Rood Church , Watford – please see Holy Rood parish newsletter for times of confession.

Our Lady and St Michael, Garston – please see parish newsletter for times of confession.

This solemn sacrament gifts the healing touch of Christ to those who are sick or dying; bringing comfort, peace and healing to those in need.

Known as the Sacrament of the Sick, this beautiful rite can bring actual physical healing to some but spiritual healing to all, equipping those who suffer with the courage, strength, and peace to face the challenges that lie ahead.

This peaceful sacrament is offered to those who have been baptised or received into the Catholic Church, or non-Catholics who are in danger of death.

It can be received more than once during serious illness or old age.

Receiving the Sacrament of the Sick

If you, or someone you know, is in need of the Sacrament of the Sick, please contact the parish priest.

Holy Matrimony – or marriage – unites a Christian couple in a lifelong covenant of love and service, rooted in faith, openness to life, and journeying together towards lives of holiness.

Through marriage, couples are called to give themselves to each other completely, emulating the all-giving love of God.

They promise to love each other faithfully for the rest of their lives and to share and support each other throuhg the joys and sorrows of life.

They express their love throuhg their sexual union, which brings them together in the closest intimacy and opens them to the gift of new life in their children.

Getting married in the Catholic Church

Congratulations on your engagement! If you would like to learn more about getting married in the Catholic Church then please speak with the parish priest. Please do not book any venues for reception until you have spoken with the priest as it can take about 6 months to complete all the necessary legal paperwork depending on where you live and where you celebrated your Baptism.

Marriage Preparation Course

Ahead of marriage in the Catholic Church, couples in Westminster are required to engage in marriage preparation courses to discover more about marriage in the Catholic Church and how your marriage can help you and your partner journey towards holiness.

Please speak to the parish priest to find out where the next course takes place. Some courses are available online and others are available face to face which are run in various parishes around the diocese at different times of the year.

Marriage Guidance

Need to talk? Need someone to listen?

We all aspire to harmony at home but inevitably couples experience relationship difficulties that they may struggle to resolve. When it’s hard to talk things through and challenges seem insurmountable, engaging a skilled relationship counsellor can make all the difference.

Whether things are not quite right or you are faced with a more serious relationship issue, Marriage Care is here to help, listening carefully, helping you to share with each other to feel more connected as a couple and support you towards finding a peaceful resolution. For more information about Marriage Care services or book an appointment near you, visit www.marriagecare.org.uk or telephone the appointments team on 0800 389 3801

Through Holy Orders, men are called to serve the Church through lifelong ministry as deacons, priests, or bishops, living lives that preach the Gospel, administer the sacraments, and guide the faithful on their journey of faith.

You can find out more about vocations to the priesthood and permanent diaconate in our diocese of Westminster by visiting the Vocations pages at www.rcdow.org.uk

If you think you are being called by God to this life of prayer and service then please speak with the parish priest who can help you contact the Vocations Team at the Diocese.