There are seven sacraments of the Catholic Church: Baptism, Confirmation, the Eucharist, Penance (or Confession), the Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders and Matrimony. These touch all the stages and the important moments of Christian life, giving birth and increase, healing and mission to the Christian’s life of faith. Therefore they are the lifeblood of the Church and are the means through which Christ works in us.
Below is information on the sacramental preparation we provide at St Luke’s for some of these:
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
Please contact the Parish Office in the first instance. It will then be necessary to attend a two hour pre-Baptism course to be arranged with the Parish Catechist.
Baptism of Babies
The Catholic Church urges all parents to have their child Baptised “within a few weeks” (Canon Law) after a child is born. It is never too late for anyone to be Baptised but the norm is the first month or two after the birth.
First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion
Classes are from 10am until 11am every Saturday during school term time only, in the parish centre. The classes are for children in Year 3 in a Catholic school and part of a practising Roman Catholic Family worshipping at St. Luke’s. The classes start in September and run until June. Application forms are available at the back of the church each year from June, for the beginning of the following academic year in September.
Pre First Holy Communion
Children who are in Year 2 in a non Catholic school are required to join the pre-Communion programme for the year before their First Communion course, i.e. for two years. They should be part of a practising Roman Catholic Family worshipping at St. Luke’s. Classes and the application process is the same as above.
Confirmation
For young people in Year 9 or above who are practising Roman Catholics living or worshipping in the parish of St Luke’s. Classes start in January, on Monday evenings from 7.30pm until 9pm during term time. They run until the Confirmation which is in the following May/June. Applications are available each June to be returned to the parish by the end of August for the January in-take.
Becoming a Catholic (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)
This course of instruction is for non-Catholics who would like to find out more about the Catholic Church. It is also for Catholics who have not received either First Communion/ Reconciliation and/or Confirmation. Classes are held in the Parish Centre at 7.30pm until 9pm on Tuesdays from the beginning of October until Pentecost, apart from school holidays. Please contact the Parish Catechist or the Parish Office to discuss further.
Marriage
A minimum of six months notice of your proposed marriage is required by the Church – please contact the Parish Office to arrange a meeting with Father Vincent well before then.
The Sacrament of Confession is available in the church every Saturday 11-11.30am & 5-5.30pm, unless indicated otherwise in the weekly Newsletter.