Catholic Life
The Sacraments
The Sacraments are an important part of the life of the church community. Some are celebrated just once in a lifetime; others are available more regularly. Each requires a time of prayer and preparation. In our Parish the programmes of preparation for Baptism, Reception into the Church, First Communion, Reconciliation, Confirmation and Marriage are run by members of the Parish.
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
A group gathers each year for anyone who is not a Catholic and who wishes to join or simply find out more about the Church. Those who do decide to become members of the Catholic Church usually celebrate that step at Easter. Enquiries can be made to the Priest.
Infant Baptism
Parents wishing to have their children baptised are asked to attend a course which normally takes place on a Saturday morning. Baptisms are normally celebrated on the last Sunday of the month. A first step is to complete a Baptism Form available from the Parish Office or from the Priest.
The Eucharist
The Parish Eucharist Programme prepares children for the Sacraments of Confession and Communion. Children usually make their First Holy Communion in the School Year when they turn eight. Parents are encouraged to participate in four preparation sessions which are held at The English Martyrs Primary School. There are sessions for the children and various ‘celebrations’ at the Sunday Mass reflecting on the themes of the programme.
Parents who wish their children to be prepared for First Holy Communion should apply through the Parish Office. Names for the following summer are normally required by the end of September and details appear in the Parish Newsletter.
Confirmation
The aim of the preparation programme is to help young people understand the commitment they are making at this third stage of their journey into the Church (the first and second being Baptism and Eucharist). This Sacrament is for those in Year 8 or above at school. They are invited to come to the evening reflections and a Day Retreat nearer to the Confirmation itself which is usually celebrated in the early summer. For more information please contact the Priest.
Marriage
Please arrange the date of your wedding with the Priest and, if at all possible, give at least one year’s notice.
Couples preparing for the Sacrament of Marriage spend three evenings in the company of a married couple. Discussions centre around the couple’s relationship and the commitment made to marriage. The married couple are there to share their experiences of married life. A Priest may speak about vocation and the Sacrament of Marriage.
Couples make their ‘Declaration of Freedom’ at the Sunday Mass following the course. Over the months leading up to the wedding ceremony they meet with the Priest to prepare the finer details of the celebration itself.
Details of Marriage preparation are available from the Parish Office.
Confession – The Sacrament of Reconciliation
Children are prepared for their first Confession during the Eucharist Programme.
A priest is available to hear Confessions on Saturday evening from 5.30 – 6.15pm. For Confession at any other time please make an appointment with the Priest.
Anointing of the Sick
This Sacrament is usually celebrated with individuals when they fall sick or need serious surgery. It may be repeated when a change or deterioration occurs in the course of the illness. This Sacrament can bring great comfort and reassurance to those who receive it.
The Hospital Chaplaincy provides for the Anointing of the Sick in all of the local hospitals.
The Parish Priest and Hospital Chaplain would like to know whenever a Catholic is in need of prayer and the Sacraments during an illness. Every Friday the names of all the sick known to the Parish are included during Mass.
Once a year there is a special Mass with Anointing of the Sick in the Parish Church. Efforts are made to provide transport for the sick, elderly and housebound parishioners to enable them to be present for this Mass.
In all matters concerning Sacraments for the Sick, please contact the Priest.