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.
Sacramental Preparation in our Parish: As times move on and the world changes, so too our approach to preparation for the Sacraments needs renewing. We ask families and candidates not to come with particular expectations or sense of entitlement, as to what should happen when: Candidates should come to the sacraments when they are ready. The best Sacramental preparation we can possibly follow is our coming every week to Sunday Mass.
Baptism
The sacrament of Baptism is given to infants and children at the request of their parents and guardians as the parish priest sees right and due.
At Saint Theodore’s Baptism is given at a ceremony to celebrate the sacrament usually on a Sunday afternoon but, for good reason, at other times with the agreement of the Parish Priest.
Please consult with the Parish Priest either on the phone or after one of the Sunday masses to make the necessary arrangements.
Holy Communion
The catechetical programme of preparation, both for First Holy Communion and for the Sacrament of Confirmation is devised and coordinated by a fully qualified team of catechists under the direction of the Parish Priest.
It is usual, in the Diocese of Westminster, for children to make their First Holy Communion in Year 3 in their own Parish (the Parish where they live and regularly attend Sunday Mass). If you do not live in this Parish or do not regularly attend Sunday Mass at St. Theodore’s, please enroll your child with the First Communion Preparation Programme in the Parish where you regularly attend Sunday Mass.
As Parents/Carers the preparation of your child for First Holy Communion is, primarily, your responsibility. We – the Clergy, Catechists, People of the Parish and Schools – are here to support you in this preparation. We ask you, the Parents/Carers, to make the following commitments
To help, support and pray with your child in preparation for their First Reconciliation (Confession) and First Holy Communion.
To create a Christian environment in your home and, by your own good example, lead your child in ways of the Catholic faith.
To give your child all the support they need to participate in each First Holy Communion Session and at Mass each Sunday.
Please note that filling a form does not guarantee acceptance on to the Programme and, if you are unable to commit to the Programme, your child’s First Holy Communion may be postponed to a future date.
First Holy Communion 2025 Already we are looking forward this moment in 2025. Parents of children who are in year 3 or above this September are invited to click HERE to register them for the First Holy Communion catechism programme. Families should belong to this Parish and attend Mass here.
Confirmation
In accordance with pastoral practice in the Diocese of Westminster, the Sacrament of Confirmation is given to minors in year 9 or above, who have been baptised and are accustomed to attending Mass and receiving Holy Communion,
The Bishop or his delegate normally come in the summer to administer the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Details for Confirmation 2025 may be found in this Newsletter
Marriage
If you are engaged or considering marriage, and would like to talk to the Parish Priest about it, contact the presbytery on 020 8979 3596.