Sacraments
Baptism
Baptism marks the initial step of initiation into the Church. It is a decision that should not be taken lightly but entered into with full knowledge of what the sacrament demands of both parents and Godparents. As such, at least one of the parents must be Catholic, and ideally all Godparents too.
If you wish to have your child baptised in our parish you will need to see the Priest.
Baptisms take place on a Sunday after the 10:30am. Mass and may be conducted by the Parish Priest or one of the Deacons.
If you do not reside within the boundaries of our parish but, because of special reason or connection you wish the Baptism to take place in a church outside your own parish, you will need the written permission of your Parish Priest.
Confession & Communion
Holy Communion and Confession mark the second stage of initiation into the Christian faith. Announcements are made in the parish when the enrolment for the programme takes place.
Parents will need to produce the child’s Baptism Certificate and attend an initial meeting with the programme organisers.
Sacraments are usually received in the parish in which you reside and permission is required from your own Parish Priest to receive them elsewhere. We would expect the family to be regularly attending our Church for six months before applying for First Communion and First Confession for their child.
Please note that First Holy Communion and First Confession may be either a school-based or parish-based endeavour. In our parish it is parish-based and assists in bringing the school and parish communities come together as part of the one family of the parish community.
Please note, the Communion children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
If you need further information please contact the Parish Priest or Parish Administrator.
Confirmation
Confirmation is the final sacrament of initiation into the Christian faith, thus all those who are confirmed are considered full members of the Roman Catholic Church.
Details of registration will appear in the parish bulletin and via announcements at Mass. Candidates will be expected to provide their baptism certificate and details of their First Holy Communion.
We would expect you to be regularly attending our Church for at least six months before applying for Confirmation and to be a regular mass attender afterwards.
As with First Holy Communion and First Confession, full, active participation is expected throughout the preparation course for the Sacrament of Confirmation so that a clear signal is given to the clergy and course facilitators that the candidate is, in fact, ready to be presented to the Bishop as someone who is ready and mature enough to become a confirmed member of the Church.
Please note that the Sacrament of Confirmation may be administered in conjunction with neighbouring parishes within the deanery and so may not necessarily take place here. Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
Permission is required from your own Parish Priest to be Confirmed elsewhere.
If you need further information please contact the Parish Priest or Parish Administrator.
Marriage
If you wish to get married in our parish, at least six months’ notice is required. You will need to see the priest who will agree the date with you to ensure the church and priest or deacon will be available. Do not make any arrangements until the date has been agreed with the priest.
The priest will talk to you about the Sacrament of Marriage, guide you through the procedures and the Marriage Preparation Course.
Funeral Service & Requiem Mass
This is always a difficult time for the bereaved and the funeral director will help with the arrangements and guide you through the process. You need to contact a doctor if the death occurred at home.
Choosing a suitable day and time for a funeral service or a requiem mass will be done through the funeral directors who will be in contact with the Parish Priest and/or the Parish Administrator.
The priest or deacon will then work with you to plan the service, suggest readings, hymns, music and help to make the celebration of the life of your loved one as dignified and meaningful as possible.
Mass Intentions
If you would like to have a mass said for a special intention then please contact the Parish Priest or Deacon after a daily or weekend mass so that you can agree a suitable mass time.
