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.
SACRAMENTS OF INITIATION (BAPTISM, CONFIRMATON & EUCHARIST)
Baptism
‘Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as children of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the church and made sharers in her mission.’ (Catechism). At least one of the child’s parents or guardians should be a Catholic and it is understood that the child will be brought up in the Catholic faith. There should be at least one godparent who is a practising Catholic. There is no set fee for baptisms but a donation is usually made. Baptisms are normally celebrated on Saturdays at 12 Noon. Please pick up an application pack from Father Gerard at the end of Sunday Mass.
Due to new Data Protection Laws, copies of Baptism certificates can only be made by the person who the certificate is for in writing. Below is a form that should be used to make your request. The only exception to this rule is for minors whose baptism certificates can be requested by the parents (mum or dad) only.
Request for a Baptism Certificate Copy
First Holy Communion
Baptised children who are members of the parish who would like to participate fully in the Eucharist. This programme is open to those in Years 3-6. Children are prepared by a dedicated team of catechists. Enrolment is advertised in the Parish Newsletter every September.
Confirmation
This is for those who have received the Sacraments of Baptism and First Holy Communion. Our programme is for those in Years 9-13. The programme involves a series of weekly meetings where candidates gain an experience of community, faith sharing, learning and growing in prayer. Candidates will require a sponsor who is able to accompany them on their journey and is a practising confirmed Catholic. Enrolment is advertised in the Parish Newsletter every December, the programme usually consisting of ten sessions on Monday evenings from January to June.
RCIA
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a process for adults enquiring about the Catholic faith and considering Baptism, confirmation or reception into the Church. Adults from a non-Christian background, from other Christian churches, Catholics who did not celebrate the sacraments as children or Catholics wishing to know more about and deepen their faith are welcome to approach the Parish Priest directly to discuss what might be a suitable course for them to follow.