A Guide to Receiving the Sacraments

at Our Lady & St Joseph's Church

(This guide is a slightly edited version of the leaflet, which can be found in the church)

BAPTISM

What is it?

Baptism is the first step in becoming fully Christian; it is the foundation for the other sacraments we receive. In this sacrament we become the children of God, brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ and members of the Catholic Church. Through it a new relationship with God is established which will last into eternity. In Baptism we are given the promise of salvation and our duty is to nurture the new life God gives us in this way.

What is the preparation course?

At present the course is an afternoon session usually on a Sunday, lasting up to two hours. The parents are asked to attend and participate. A course will run every two or three months depending on numbers.

What do I need to enrol?

First of all ask yourself why you wish your child to be baptised. Examine how deep your faith in Christ is, because baptism without faith makes very little sense. If you wish to enrol your child for baptism, parents have to show that they are baptised Christians and that they practise their faith here in our parish.

 

What next?

Complete a blue application form available in the sacristy of the church and speak to one of the priests.

 

MARRIAGE

 

What is it?

Christian marriage is a vocation that many are called to. The sacrament of marriage is celebrated when a couple make solemn vows to each other that they will live the rest of their lives together in mutual love and faithfulness. In the presence of God and his Church they seal the love which unites them and they receive the grace to keep faithful to their marriage vows.

 

What is the preparation?

Each couple has to engage in a period of instruction with a priest. This may take the form of regular meetings, a weekend course for couple in the parish, or a weekend with a specialist organisation like Marriage Care.

 

What do I need to enrol?

You have to live in the parish and at present you must give six months notice that you wish to marry. There is much paperwork to be done, so the sooner the better, especially if the wedding is to take place abroad, or you are marrying a non-Catholic.

 

What next?

Make an appointment to see a priest who will guide you to the next step forward.

 

Anointing of the Sick

 

What is it?

This sacrament is known as the Sacrament of the Sick. It isn't the last rites or extreme unction, and you do not have to be dying to receive it. Through the laying of hands and the anointing with oil, the sick person receives the comfort and healing presence of Christ.

 

Who can receive it?

Anyone who is sick can receive this sacrament. Usually people who are going to hospital for an operation or long term treatment ask for a priest to visit them either at home or when they are in the hospital.

 

Will a priest visit me when I am ill?

A priest is always available to visit you in your home, especially if you cannot come to Mass or receive Holy Communion. All you have to do is let him know.

 

If you are going to hospital, do let a priest know. These days, hospital chaplains do not automatically know who has been admitted, so ask to see the chaplain, if a priest cannot come to you immediately.

 

What if you know someone who is dying?

It is so important that the dying experience the presence of Christ and his Church in their final hours. Please do not hesitate to call a priest, no matter what time it is, if a friend or a loved one is dying.

 

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION AND CONFESSION

What are they?

The centre of our Catholic faith is the celebration of the Mass, when Jesus is made present for us in bread and wine, for us to eat and drink. Children are invited to share in this communion with Jesus once they can begun to understand this mystery. To benefit most from our communion with Jesus we need to examine our lives and if there is serious sin, we need to ask for forgiveness and be reconciled with God. So as part of their preparation for First Holy Communion, children will also celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession)

 

What is the preparation course?

At present the programme will run every fortnight, on a Tuesday evening in the parish hall. the course will begin in January 05 but the children and their parents will meet together before then. The course is for both children and their parents, so commitment from both parties is essential. Each session will last no more than an hour and a half.

 

What do I need to enrol?

Children must be baptised, so their baptism certificate must be shown. The course is open to children in Year 3 or above and they must be members of our parish, coming to Mass at Our Lady & St Joseph's each week.

 

What next?

Complete an application form and hand it in by the date given. NB: No applications will be accepted after the closing date.

 

CONFIRMATION

 

What is it?

Confirmation is the last of the sacraments of initiation by which we become full members of the Catholic Church. In this sacrament we are given the gifts of the Holy Spirit to strengthen us in our Christian lives. As such, candidates have to show that they are committed Christians already, attending Mass every week and living a Christian life. they need to have the maturity to make a life long commitment to their faith and seek ways to play their part in our community.

 

What is the preparation course?

At present the course will take place in the parish hall on Wednesday evenings, each week, for twelve weeks, starting in early 2005. Candidates are required to attend each session as a sign of their commitment. In addition they will participate each week at the Sunday evening Mass at 6:30pm.

 

What do I need to enrol?

Candidates must show that they are baptised and have received their First Holy Communion. Certificates will prove this. They have to be 14 years or older and already be attending Mass every week in this parish.

 

What next?

Complete the application form and hand it in by the closing date specified. NB: No applications will be considered after the closing date has passed.

 

HOW TO BECOME A CATHOLIC (Via the RCIA)

 

What is it?

RCIA stands for the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. It is the way that adults become full members of the Catholic Church, by sharing with others their journey to God and learning about the Catholic faith.

 

What is the preparation course?

At present the RCIA begins in October every year. Anyone who wants to become a Catholic or simply learn more about our faith is invited to join the course. the group will meet regularly in the parish hall.

 

The usual time for adults to be baptised or received into the Church is at the Easter Vigil celebration on Holy Saturday.

 

What next?

Talk to one of the priests and come to the course.

 

HOLY ORDERS

 

Is God calling you to become a priest or a permanent deacon?

Intrinsic to the sacramental life of our faith is the presence of priests and deacons who are the guardians and ordinary ministers of the sacraments. God has not stopped calling men to receive the sacrament of Holy Orders, so if you feel that your vocation in life is to be a priest or deacon, be courageous and speak to one of your priests, who will guide you in your discernment. Alternatively call the vocations director of our diocese (below)

 

What do I need to be an ordained minister?

You must be male, baptised, confirmed and single. In the case of permanent deacons you can be married, but not divorced or separated. You must be living a good Christian life and believe that God might be calling you to this ministry.

What next?

Pray about it and speak to one of the priests.

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