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.
Please contact the Parish Office for further information.
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 Sunday Eucharist.
First Holy Communion
We will be using the book ‘I Belong’ As we go through each chapter we will look at our life experience, read a story from the Old and New Testament, learn about and prepare to receive the Sacrament of the Eucharist and encourage the children to share what they have learned with their families. Watch this space as we begin this important spiritual journey.
Sacrament of Reconciliation
This course is for any children or young people who have not made their First Confession before or after their First Holy Communion, in order to prepare them for this Sacrament. Meetings take place on a Sunday morning and last for an hour. Before the child receives the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time there is a short service. This service is both meaningful and reverent and which parents have much appreciated in the past. Parents are encouraged to learn more about this Sacrament and support their children.
Confirmation
The Confirmation course runs every year, beginning in September, for those in Year 10 and above. The course encourages candidates to share and deepen their faith, to build community and to become more involved in parish life and worship. The group meets on a weekly basis, together with at least one weekend away.
Marriage
Couples intending to get married in St Margaret’s Parish are required to give the Parish Priest at least six months notice. This will enable the necessary paperwork to be collected and completed. Registration forms can be obtained from the Parish Office.
Engaged couples who ask to be married in the Parish are invited to attend a “Cana Day”. This is an opportunity for couples, outside the normal hurly-burly of wedding preparations, to focus on their relationship and spend time together, thinking about their future. Our ministry aims to promote communication and give couples space to discuss issues that will affect their future married life, such as: conflict resolution, finance, parenthood, spirituality, sexuality and communication.
We are always on the look-out for new members for the team. If you have a sense of commitment to marriage and would like to share it with some engaged couples, please think about joining us. “Marriage Care” provides training and support. People whose spouses are not Catholic are especially welcome.
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
RCIA can also be known as ‘exploring the Catholic faith for adults.’ We welcome anyone who wants to know more about Catholicisim, which usually includes:
- Catholics wishing to broaden and deepen their understanding of the Faith.
- Baptised members of other Christian denominations who are interested in the possibility of becoming Catholics.
- Those who have not been baptised into any Christian community but who feel that the Catholic church has something to offer them.
We meet weekly, starting in mid September and building up to the Easter vigil, when those wishing to be accepted into the Church will recieve baptism, First Communion and Confirmation.
If you would like to find out more, please contact Becca at rebeccaevenhuis@rcdow.org.uk
Sacrament of the Sick
Please contact the priest in charge via the Parish Office.