The Sacraments
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Holy Baptism
Holy Baptism is the Sacrament though which we become a member of God’s family — the family of the Church. Baptism is the first of the three Sacraments of Initiation by which one becomes fully a Catholic Christian, the others being Confirmation and First Holy Communion. Adults wishing to receive the Sacraments of Initiation should speak to the Parish Priest at Holy Mass or contact the Parish Office. The programme of instruction usually runs from Advent to Easter. Holy Baptism of Children In order to receive the Sacrament of Baptism a child must have at least one Catholic parent. At Baptism as parents you will be making a commitment to bring up your child in the Catholic Faith and to present your child, at the appropriate times for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, First Holy Communion and Confirmation. The first step is to attend a preparation meeting. These are held on the first Thursday of the month, and explain the significance of the Sacrament of Baptism, the responsibilities undertaken by parents and godparents, and the details of the Rite of Baptism. To book your place at a preparation meeting please contact the parish office. Please bring evidence of your own Baptism to the preparation meeting. The most important part of the preparation for Holy Baptism is to be attending Sunday Mass regularly as a family. We look forward to welcoming you at the Sacred Heart. The Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion The Parish of the Sacred Heart runs a two-year programme which begins when children enter school year 3. First Reconciliation is celebrated during Eastertide in the first year of the programme. Preparation then continues for First Holy Communion during Eastertide of the second year. Children attending St Wilfrid’s Catholic Academy will receive all the relevant information and an application form when they begin year 3. For children whose families attend the Sacred Heart but are not at St Wilfrid’s the preparation sessions take place after Sunday Mass with the support of parish catechists. Confirmation Children attending St Wilfrid’s Catholic Academy will receive all the relevant information and an application form towards the end of year 5. For young people who attend the Sacred Heart but are not at St Wilfrid’s, preparation classes take place after Saturday Mass with the support of parish catechists. Marriage Holy Matrimony is a life-long commitment which involves freedom, consent and responsibility. To begin arranging your marriage, we ask that you contact the parish at least a year ahead of your proposed wedding day. This will allow enough time for us to take you through the necessary preparation. Normally, couples who are legally free to marry are able to get married in the Catholic Church as long as at least one of you is a baptised Catholic, and neither of you has previously been married. Please contact the Parish Priest for further information. |
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