Sacraments

Baptism

Parents should contact Fr Brian or Deacon Mike in the first instance to arrange a date to meet with them to discuss their wishes. Baptisms normally take place at the weekend on a Saturday or Sunday. There must be at least one Roman Catholic godparent over the age of 16, who is Confirmed and has received their First Holy Communion.

For more information please contact Fr Brian or Deacon Mike via the methods listed on the Contact page.

First Communion

Children in the Parish who are age 7 or above are eligible to join the First Holy Communion Programme to prepare for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist.

The course is in two parts - we begin with Reconciliation exploring the gift of forgiveness that God gives all of us, culminating in the children receiving their First Reconciliation. We then prepare the children for their First Holy Communion - helping them to understand how much God loves us and feeds us through this sacrament.

Please contact Deacon Mike via the contact details on the Contact page.

Confirmation

The Confirmation Programme is a parish based group involving 14- 16 year olds (usually Year 10 of school). Classes begin in January with the Confirmation Mass with the Bishop normally taking place in early May.

The sacrament of Confirmation builds on the sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation and Holy Communion, completing the process of initiation into the Catholic community.

During Confirmation, the focus is on the Holy Spirit, who confirmed the apostles on Pentecost and gave them courage to practice their faith. Catholics believe that the same Holy Spirit confirms Catholics during the Sacrament of Confirmation and gives them the same gifts.

Should there be insufficient young people in any one year to form a group, parents will be introduced to confirmation programmes that are run in larger neighbouring parishes.

Please contact Deacon Mike via the contact details on the Contact page.

Marriage

One year's notice is required before a wedding can take place. This time is required for the couple to have meetings with Fr Brian and Deacon Mike, for the necessary paperwork to be organised and for marriage preparation to be attended. Couples should contact Fr Brian initially to make an appointment and a provisional date for the wedding can be made at that time.

Reconciliation

Fr Brian is available to hear confessions at the following times and places:

Friday -10:00am Christ the King Burwash

Saturday - 4:00pm Holy Cross Priory