Worship
The Catholic Church calls the Mass ‘ the source and summit of our Christian lives’ (Catechism, 1324). It is both source and summit because, at Mass, we encounter Jesus in a unique way. There we come into His presence, uniting our lives with His: there we receive Christ himself in Holy Communion, which is truly His Body and Blood.
At Mass our souls are filled with His power and strength and we are given the means to love one another, as Christ commanded. Finally, the Mass is the best way of giving thanks to God for all the gifts He has given us. Another word for the Mass is ‘eucharist’, which means ‘thanksgiving.’
Baptism
Baptism is the most important sacrament, in which each person is adopted as a Child of God and becomes a member of Christ’s body – the Church. Because of its importance and the commitment that it involves, some preparation is essential.
Therefore, any parent wishing to have a child Baptised comes to 2 preparation evenings, which will ensure that the baptism service is meaningful and an experience in which they feel involved.
Communion
In the Eucharist, we offer bread and wine to God and it becomes, through the power of the Holy Spirit, the body and blood of Our Lord, Jesus Christ, which we then receive in Holy Communion.
This sacrament unites us with Jesus and with one another. The Eucharist is the high point of our Christian worship together. ‘It is the source and summit of all Christian life.’ (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1324)
Confirmation
Confirmation is the sacrament by which a person renews and confirms the promises made, on their behalf by their parents and godparents, when they were presented for Baptism. Through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit they receive the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit that they can draw strength from as they bear witness to Christ in their lives through word and deed.
Act of Reconciliation
The sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation, also known as Confession, is a sacrament of healing.
Following an examination of conscience and repentance for sins, confession is made to a priest who, through the power of the Holy Spirit, forgives us our sins and reconciles us to God.
A penance is imposed, usually in the form of prayer.
The sacrament of Reconciliation takes place each Friday between 10.30am – 11.00am, before Mass and on request.
Weddings
This can be the most momentous and wonderful occasion of our lives.
It is a privilege for us to be involved in your marriage. We will do everything we can to make sure that the service here is the highlight of your wedding day.
However, we can only allow marriages where one person is a Baptised Roman Catholic and neither bride nor groom have been married before.
Funerals
Christians celebrate funeral rites to offer worship and thanksgiving to God, the author of all life. We pray for the deceased, and support the bereaved. The model for Catholic funerals is the Easter journey of Jesus Christ from death to resurrection. This is why we are encouraged to celebrate the funeral in three stages: prayer vigil, funeral liturgy, and committal. Funeral practice varies considerably, and the Church provides several options from which we can choose freely. There is greater flexibility and involvement possible than we sometimes imagine.
Visits to the Sick
If you or a fellow Catholic are unable to attend Mass and wish to receive the sacrament of communion, or for the parish to offer a prayer for the sick, please contact any of the Pastoral Team and complete the ‘Prayer for the Sick’ form. Download here