A Sacrament is an efficacious sign of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, by which divine life is given to us. Full and active participation in the sacramental life of the Church requires a period of preparation of both mind and heart to be receptive to the grace of new life in Christ.
Baptism
Parents of children to be baptised are asked to profess their faith and to accept the responsibility of introducing the child to the Christian way of life. This presumes an active faith life and regular participation in the Sunday Mass. Parents are asked to attend a baptism preparation class dates for which are announced in the newsletter.
A registration form can be found at the back of the church or is available from the Parish Office.
Holy Communion
The First Holy Communion programme prepares children for the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist through a series of sessions held in the Catholic Centre on Sunday mornings at 11am, as well as several special masses held during the year.
Children should be in Year 3 to be registered for the programme, which begins in the autumn.
The sessions are delivered by trained catechists and are based on an approved Diocesan programme. Parents will be involved in their child’s preparation by attending evening sessions designed both to help them support their children, as well as to deepen their own adult understanding of matters of faith. The preparation is done by the family and the parish community together – in what we do and how we pray. The Eucharist, indeed, the whole of our faith, will only make sense to a child in the context of his or her own family and community; and through weekly attendance at Sunday Mass.
Forms can be obtained both in the church as well as through the parish office during the registration period.
Confirmation
The sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated in our Parish by young people who are in year 9 or above. The time of formation normally lasts from January till May. Confirmation is a Sacrament of initiation and, as such, it is offered to young people who regularly attend the celebration of the Eucharist.
Registration generally takes place during Advent. For more information, contact the parish office.
Marriage
As a couple, one of whom is resident in this parish, and who are intending to undertake the sacrament of marriage, you are required to give notice of intention to marry in the Parish or elsewhere to the Parish Priest at least six months prior to the date of the marriage ceremony. This will enable the necessary paperwork to be collected and completed. In order to make arrangements please contact the Parish Office.