SACRAMENTS
The Latin word sacramentum means “a sign of the sacred.” The seven sacraments are ceremonies that point to what is sacred, significant and important for Christians. They are special occasions for experiencing God’s saving presence. That’s what theologians mean when they say that sacraments are at the same time signs and instruments of God’s grace.
The first sacrament, for all Christians, is Baptism whereby we become a member of the Church and receive the Holy Spirit to help us live as a true disciple of Christ. The other six sacraments (Reconciliation, Eucharist, Confirmation, Marriage, Holy Orders and Anointing of the Sick) are further moments of grace that deepen our Baptismal commitment.
BAPTISM
Parents who want to have their child baptised need to speak directly with a priest, according to where they live. The priest will explain them the procedure and help them with the preparation.
If they usually go to Mass at St Swithuns or St Thomas More they have to meet and speak with Fr Wojciech and introduce themselves to him and ask for Baptism for their child.
New Baptism Form here
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION & CONFIRMATION
First Communion is considered one of the holiest and most important occasions in a Roman Catholic’s life. It means that person has received the Sacrament of the Eucharist, the body and blood of Jesus Christ. … They can receive communion for the first time whenever they’ve met all the Church’s requirements.
If your child will be 8 years of age by 31st August of that same year and you would like him/her to make his/her First Holy Communion.
Please contact the parish office or see the Priest after Mass to discuss if you would like your child to have the sacrament of communion.
Confirmation is the sacrament by which Catholics receive a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Through Confirmation, the Holy Spirit gives them the increased ability to practice their Catholic faith in every aspect of their lives and to witness Christ in every situation.
Please contact the parish office or see the Priest after Mass to discuss if you would like your child to be Confirmed.
MARRIAGE PREPARATION
If you live in the parish and would like to get married either in one of the parish’s churches or in a Catholic Church outside the parish you will need to contact the priest at least 6 months before the date of marriage and preferably a year before. The two requirements for marriage in a Catholic Church are: 1. Completion of marriage paperwork with the priest (with supporting documents as necessary); 2. Completion of a parish marriage preparation course. Marriage Paperwork The marriage paperwork will involve an initial meeting with the priest who will help you fill out a form giving the necessary details. He will also tell you the supporting documentation which will be needed. This will include a recently issued copy of your Baptismal Certificate (note that to be married in a Catholic Church one of you at least must be a Catholic). A Marriage preparation course will be required; this can be organised via the Church. Civil Requirements Each church in the parish has its own Authorised Persons for the civil registration of your marriage. They will enter your details into the civil Marriage Register and give you your Marriage Certificate. You will need to give notice at the local Registry Office from 12 months before the date of your marriage but no later than 28 days before your marriage. The Registry Office will provide licence forms (Blue Forms) which should be given to the priest. Contact the parish office for further details
CONFESSION
Saturdays, St Swithun’s Church, 5.30pm-5.50pm
Or speak to Father after Mass to arrange another day or time.
