SACRAMENTS OF INITIATION (BAPTISM, CONFIRMATON & EUCHARIST)

Baptism

‘Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as children of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the church and made sharers in her mission.’ (Catechism) New parents seeking to have their children baptised should attend a Baptism preparation class, which are held every couple of months. Baptism Preparation Dates can be found on the Parish Newsletter. At least one of the child’s parents or guardians should be a Catholic and it is understood that the child will be brought up in the Catholic faith. There should be at least one godparent who is a practising Catholic. There is no set fee for baptisms but a Donation is usually made. Baptisms are normally celebrated on Saturdays at 12 Noon. Please pick up an application pack from Father Gerard at the end of Sunday Mass.

Due to new Data Protection Laws, copies of Baptism certificates can only be made by the person who the certificate is for in writing. Below is a form that should be used to make your request. The only exception to this rule is for minors whose baptism certificates can be requested by the parents (mum or dad) only.

Request for a Baptism Certificate Copy

First Holy Communion

Baptised children who are members of the parish who would like to participate fully in the Eucharist. This programme is open to those in Years 3-6. Children are prepared in small groups by a dedicated team of catechists from meeting twice a month from October until May. In addition there are parent meetings usually occurring on a weekday evening.

Confirmation

This is for those who have received the Sacraments of Baptism and First Holy Communion and would like to make a further commitment. Our programme is for those in Years 9-13. The programme involves a series of weekly meetings where candidates gain an experience of community, faith sharing, learning and growing in prayer. The programme will include a weekend retreat. Candidates will require a sponsor who is able to accompany them on their journey and is a practising confirmed Catholic.

RCIA

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a process for adults enquiring about the Catholic faith and considering Baptism, confirmation or reception into the Church. The group consists of adults from a non-Christian background, from other Christian churches, Catholics who did not celebrate the sacraments as children or Catholics wishing to know more about and deepen their faith. Sessions begin in October and continue weekly until Pentecost. There is no pressure on anyone to receive the sacraments, but for those that do wish to, this takes place during the Easter celebrations.