The Sacraments
Roman Catholic teaching holds that there are seven sacraments which Christ instituted and entrusted to the Church.
Sacraments are visible rituals that Catholics see as signs of God's presence and effective channels of God's grace to all those who receive them with the proper disposition.
The sevenfold list of sacraments is often organized into those of: initiation (into the Church, the body of Christ), that is, Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist; healing sacraments, that is, Penance and the Anointing of the Sick; and sacraments at the service of communion and the mission of the faithful, that is, Holy Orders and Matrimony. |
RCIA- Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
The RCIA is the sacramental process established by the Church for the initiation of adults
The beautiful rituals of the process, properly celebrated in the midst of our parish communities, call everyone in the parish to conversion and renewal, not just those seeking initiation. There are diverse roles involved in the process and the whole Catholic community is asked to participation. Having been nourished on their journey by the Word of God, they witness to their faith with joy as full members of the Church, now nourished by the Bread of Life in the parish community.
Are you interested in becoming a Catholic? Or do you know someone who is? For more information, contact Rachel (Parish Secretary) 020 7937 4778 or speak to one of the priests after Mass. |
Baptism
The Baptism of infants and children is usually celebrated on Saturday's at 11am. Baptism Preparation for couples usually takes place on Saturday afternoons or Monday evenings. Please complete the form below and return it to [email protected].
One of the priests of the parish will then contact you to arrange a date and time for both the preparation and baptism. Please read also carefully the guidelines for the choice of the godparents. Contact the parish office for further information. Tel: 020 7937 4778 |
Reception of the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion
Parents of children who are coming to the end of Year 2 at school should, in June of that year, contact the Sacramental Programmes Co-ordinator following the information given in the Parish Newsletter or in response to a letter sent to them by Sr. Maureen McNamara (Sacramental Programmes Co-ordinator). A meeting will be arranged for registration and a copy of the child's Baptismal Certificate will be required.
Children attending Catholic Schools will join the Sacramental programme, as they begin Year 3, to be prepared for the Celebration of First Reconciliation and for the Celebration of First Holy Communion. First Reconciliation (First Confession) takes place in January and First Holy Communion in May or June, both dates being set at the beginning of the programme. Children attending non-Catholic schools will join a pre-Sacramental class for a year when they are in Year 2, prior to the year when they will be part of the Sacramental programme (Year 3). |
The programme followed is I BELONG. It is based on everyday experiences. As each chapter unfolds the children will explore a theme connected with the Mass. They then go on to think about the same theme in the Old and New Testaments and the Church.
There are opportunities for the children to explore and grow in their faith, to learn to pray, to write and draw freely, colour pictures and complete wordsearches, which they love! There are regular sessions throughout the year led by Sister Maureen McNamara and a group of ten catechists. There are parents meetings led by one of the priests, and Celebration Masses for the whole family. Children are encouraged to participate in these Masses, maybe reading prayers or being part of the offertory Procession. The children’s sessions and parents meetings take place on Wednesday evenings, 5.o0 to 6.o0pm. The Celebration Masses take place on two Saturday's usually in May. It is essential that we are all fully committed to all that this most important year offers us, to grow in the love of Jesus present in the Sacraments and present in one another. For more information, email Sister Maureen at [email protected] |
Adult Confirmation
If you wish to be confirmed, please contact the Parish Office at [email protected].
Marriage Preparation
'What God has joined together, let no man put asunder'
These beautiful words are uttered by the priest or deacon at weddings in church. The sacrament of marriage is the beginning of a fascinating lifelong journey for the couples who come to have their love sealed before the presence of God and the Christian community. An essential part of the celebration of marriage is the spiritual preparation of the couple. It is also important to put together all the paperwork that the church requires for the marriage to be valid both civilly and ecclesiastically. This is the reason why the parish clergy ask the couples for six months notice prior to the date for the wedding. At present we have a team of married couples from our parish community who accompany for three evening sessions those seeking to marry in church. Their aim is to help them to reflect on the loving actions of God in their lives; on the love they have for each other; on how to sustain a project of life in common; on the joys and challenges that come with married life; on the blessing of parenthood, and on the commitment they undertake to become one flesh without losing their individuality. Dates for the next Marriage Course areas follows: Mass on Sunday 29th September at 6pm, followed by welcome, Introductions and Social in parish centre. Session 1: Monday 30th September 2024 at 7:30pm-9:30pm Session 2: Monday 7th October 2024 at 7:30pm-9:30pm Mass with Blessing of Engaged Couples on Sunday 13th October - 6pm, followed by reception in parish centre. Session 3: Monday 14th October 2024 at 7:30pm-10pm. The suggested cost of the course is £130 pounds. This comprises of the cost of the student books that the couple will receive and a £50 pounds donation to the parish. .All meetings will be held at our parish hall, entrance is after 16 Abingdon Road, (London, W8 6AF), go under the archway, across the courtyard and through the blue doors. For registration and more details about the course please email, Fr Francis Thomas on: [email protected] |
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick
This is the anointing which is given by a priest to those who are seriously ill. A sick person may be anointed before surgery, whenever a serious illness is the reason for the surgery. Elderly people may be anointed if they have become notably weakened, even though no serious illness is present. Sick children may be anointed if they have sufficient use of reason to be strengthened by this sacrament.
What are the effects of this Sacrament? The effects of this Sacrament is to comfort and strengthen those who are seriously ill, to forgive their sins and to restore their health if this is God's will, or to prepare them for eternal life. ''Is anyone sick among you? Let him bring in the priests of the Church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick man; and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins he will be forgiven" ( James 5). Celebration of the Sacrament, If you wish to receive the sacrament please contact the parish office (020 7937 4778) or speak to one of the priests. |