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.
The RCIA
For adults who wish to be baptised and for those adults who are already baptised in another Christian denomination and wish to be received into the Catholic Church. The program varies in duration, according to those who present themselves. Please contact the parish priest: 020 89653313 or email stonebridge@rcdow.org.uk
The Neocatechumenal Way
A fruit of the II Vatican Council for the New Evangelisation and renewal of the parish, the Way is an instrument of Catholic Formation for adult faith, which follows the RCIA but over many years. It is a program within the parish structure, open to all parishioners. It’s ultimate aim is to renew the parish by forming small communities within the parish structure, where parishioners grow in faith and begin to evangelise through signs of faith: namely love and unity, in the dimension of the Cross.
All parishioners are invited to attend the annual induction catechesis for the parish Neocatechumenate, which begins the period of the Stage of Enquiry. The “Catechesis” takes place every year, and all are invited and welcome to attend. It is given by a team of catechists either during the period leading up to and including Advent or during the season of Lent. The induction series consists of fifteen evening catechesis, two evenings a week, and about an hour long. It lasts for about seven weeks. The induction series concludes with a weekend retreat, called a “convivance” where participants can decide if they wish to continue by joining a new group within the parish, led by the parish priest, and called a “community“. Each induction series forms a new community.
Infant Baptism
We are often asked by parents to have their child baptised without any practice of the Catholic Faith. Although baptism can be given at any moment, it is not something that you “get done” as a one time event like a vaccine. Rather baptism is the gateway into growing into and belonging to a concrete Christian community and the Sacramental life, especially the weekly Sunday Mass and Holy Solemnities. Those who present their infants for baptism are already practicing members of the parish community and intend to raise their child in the practice of the Catholic faith. Please speak to the parish priest or deacon about your baptism. You are also invited to discover God’s incredible plan of love for you life by following the RCIA program. Please approach the parish priest for more information or call 020 89653313 or email stonebridge@rcdow.org.uk
First Holy Communion Program
Please pick up a registration form from the church. First Holy Communion is given to children when they reach the age of reason. This usually occurs in school year 3 and above. Children must undergo a mini catechumenate – that is, a program, to prepare them to make their first confession first and then to begin receiving Holy Communion as part of a regular practicing catholic life. Just as with infant baptism, your child’s first Holy Communion is not something that you “get done” , but rather it is part of the promises you made on behalf of your child when they were baptised: that you would raise them up in the Catholic faith. When your child makes his or her Holy Communion for the first time, they are making a wonderful step into the joyful life of the Heavenly Banquet. They are expected to attend Mass every Sunday and Holy Day of Obligation with their parents.
The Confirmation Program
Please pick up a registration form from the church. The Sacrament of Confirmation completes the Sacraments of Initiation. It follows baptism and gives a person the Graces they need to practice mature, adult faith. It is the Sacrament that introduces a person into a life in the Spirit.
Holy Matrimony
The Marriage of a man and a woman in the church becomes a Sacrament by virtue of the baptism of each of the spouses. A time of preparation is necessary for the sacrament of matrimony. Please contact the parish priest on 020 8965 3313 or email at stonebridge@rcdow.org.uk