Sacraments

The Latin word sacramentum means "a sign of the sacred." The Catholic sacraments are ceremonies that point to what is sacred, significant and important for Christians. Sacraments are celebrations of Christian tradition, of Christian life and of Christian hope. They share the dimensions of past, present & future that give celebrations meaning.

Sacraments, though, are no ordinary celebrations. They are special occasions for experiencing God's saving presence. It is important for people to be in touch with what the sacraments celebrate, if the rituals are to be as meaningful as possible for them.

Of all the events that sacraments can point to in the past (biblical events, Church traditions, events in one's own faith journey), the most important are events in the life of Christ. Tradition tells us that all of the sacraments were instituted by Christ. Indeed, they each have a real foundation in the life and ministry of Jesus. Each relates to stories and teachings of Jesus.

Baptism

Congratulations! The arrival of a new baby is a wonderful event. It is a time of joy, thanksgiving and celebration. Soon you hope to be sharing in another wonderful event - your baby's Baptism. This, like the birth of your child, has to be prepared for ... information

First Holy Communion

This Sacrament is celebrated at the end of May, each year. The preparation begins the previous October and is open to all who have reached their seventh birthday by that date. To find out more information, please contact the parish office for more information.

Confession

Confessions are available on the first Friday of the month before the EVENING Mass, which is at 7.30pm. Confessions are heard from 6.30pm during Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and by appointment; Please contact the parish office to book a convenient time.

Confirmation

The preparation for Confirmation occurs every second year and usually begins early in the new year. Candidates need to have completed at least one year of secondary education. The Sacrament itself is usually celebrated on a Parish basis usually in late June/ early July. This years confirmation was on the 26th June celebrated by Mgr. Tom McGrath and was a wonderful celebration for the Parish of its younger members. The Photographs taken by Clare West Photography are available for ordering now by clicking on the photographs link. Please contact the parish office for more information.

Marriage

Marriage programs usually take place in the early Spring and it is essential that both parties attend. The programs are for all those marrying, either in or outside the parish. For more information please contact the parish office.

Ordination

Loving Father. Thank you for the gifts you have given me, life, faith, family and friends. Shine your light so that I may see the path that leads to you. Help me to make those choices which respond to your personal love for me, so that I may become more fully the person you call me to be ... Amen
Every life a journey to God ... information

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)

The RCIA (Journey in Faith) process runs for those who are seeking to join the Catholic Church. For more information please contact the parish office.

The Sacrament of the Sick

If anyone is sick the priest should be contacted (01189 663711) and he will gladly arrange for that person to receive the Sacrament for the Sick. In addition the parish will know who and where to bring communion too as well.
Always contact the Priest or Parish Office if there is a danger of death. Do not think that asking the priest to visit the sick person will worry them. For more information please contact the parish office

Funerals

It is important that the parish priest or parish office are contacted about arranging a funeral before arrangements are made with the crematorium or cemetry. The Priest and the Parish will do all that they can to support the relatives of the deceased and carry out their wishes. For more information please contact the parish office