Sacramental Preparation
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
The sacrament in which, by pouring water upon a person, or immersing in water, and using the words “I baptise you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit”, the one baptised is cleansed of Original Sin and (in the case of one who has reached the age of reason) of actual sins, is incorporated into Christ and made a member of His Body the Church; he/she is infused with the sanctifying grace and receives the gifts of the Holy Spirit and the theological virtues of faith, hope and charity.
It is important to establish a link to the Parish before considering the Sacrament of Baptism. To enquire about Baptisms at Queensway, contact the parish administrator: queensway@rcdow.org.uk or speak with the Parish Priest after Mass.
Confirmation
In the Diocese of Westminster the celebration of the sacrament of confirmation generally occurs in adolescence, completing the sacraments of initiation for our young people. The challenge is to help our young people to recognise and to fruitfully draw on the gifts of the Holy Spirit as they grow into adult Christians.
Announcements to Register for the Confirmation Course are done at a Sunday Masses. Once announced, the youth interested to prepare for Confirmation are to speak with the Parish Priest.
Marriage
Once a year, the Parish offers a Marriage Course for those who are preparing for the Sacrament of Marriage, whether it takes place in the Parish or not. This is usually announced in the Newsletter.
Couples are to meet with the Parish Priest to prepare documents in order for a Catholic Wedding to take place. The minimum time needed to complete such paperwork is six months. Any particular issue concerning a future Marriage may lengthen this time of preparation.
To enquire about the process, please get in touch with the Parish Office: queensway@rcdow.org.uk or contact the Parish Priest as soon as possible.
First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion
The Eucharist (from the Greek eucharistia, “thanksgiving”) is the sacrament of the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, in which He is present under the forms of bread and wine offering Himself in the Sacrifice of the Mass and giving Himself as spiritual food to the faithful. The appointed words of consecration must be used by a priest in order for the change known as “transubstantiation” to take place, in which the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ.
The reception of the Blessed Eucharist for the first time in a child’s life is a wonderful moment. Family, catechists, priests and community all contribute to preparing the child to enter this new phase of an ever deepening communion with Christ.
Before the Reception of Holy Communion, the children also prepare to encounter the Loving Mercy of God in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Announcements to Register for the FHC Course are done at a Sunday Masses. Once announced, Parents interested to prepare their children for First Reconciliation and First Communion are to speak with the Parish Priest.
