Sacraments

BAPTISM

Parents wishing to have their child(ren) baptised are asked to contact the Parish Office who will arrange an initial meeting for you to meet with one of the priests and a catechist.   Please ensure you provide a telephone number if you email or leave a telephone message.

You will be asked to attend three short sessions to prepare you for the baptism of your child(ren). These are held after the 9am Mass on three consecutive Sundays and are led by catechists. 

Baptism celebrations are usually communal with several children being baptised in any one celebration. You will be offered a selection of dates. Please do not arrange a family celebration until the date of your baptism has been confirmed by the Parish Office.

 

CONFESSION   

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available at St Joseph’s on Saturday mornings from 10.30am to 11am and Saturday afternoons from 4.45pm to 5.15pm in the church.

Confession is also available by appointment at the Priory throughout the week.

 

EUCHARIST  

Mass times in our parish can be found here.

Eucharistic Ministers take Communion to the sick, housebound or those unable to join with the parish community at Mass.  Please notify the Parish Office if a family member would like a visit.

 

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION

Every autumn, children in Year 3 or above are invited to register for the programme.  This is advertised in the mass announcements, the parish newsletter and on the parish website.  Traditionally, children make their first Confession a few weeks before receiving their First Holy Communion.

 

CONFIRMATION

Young people in Year 9 or above who want to make a commitment to becoming part of the Church are offered a multi-week learning programme in the Pastoral Area. They are taught about some of the central aspects of our faith and have a chance to experience God. During the programme the young people have the opportunity to attend a Diocesean-wide retreat day for Confirmation candidates. Registration takes place in early autumn.  

 

Parent sessions for both the First Holy Communion and Confirmation sacramental preparation programmes are now included to make our catechesis more encompassing.  Is it not true that some of our parents have not had time to reflect on their faith since their own First Communion or Confirmation?  This approach gives them an opportunity to reconsider their own faith and not just that of their children.  It also means they accompany their children throughout the programme and can help and encourage them as they would with their schoolwork.

The Christian home is the place where children receive the first proclamation of the faith. For this reason the family home is rightly called "the domestic church," a community of grace and prayer, a school of human virtues and of Christian charity.

Catechism of the Catholic Church 1666

 

MARRIAGE

Couples should contact the Parish Office about their wedding to make the initial arrangements. They are then invited to meet with a priest who explains what documents are required and outlines what preparation is necessary. Normally a minimum of six months notice is required.

 

ANOINTING OF THE SICK

Anointing of the Sick is administered to the dying as well as those who are gravely ill or are about to undergo a serious operation for the recovery of their health and for spiritual strength. It is available by contacting one of the priests at the Priory. Families of those in hospital or care homes may request this sacrament on the individual’s behalf.

At certain points throughout the year, there is Mass with the Sacrament of Anointing and the opportunity for prayer. All of us need healing be it in mind, body or spirit so everyone is most welcome to attend.