Baptism

Infant

Typically, individuals are brought to the Church by their parents to be baptised as infants in the first months of their life. This takes place during Sunday Mass or at another ceremony... in which the family and the parish join in declaring their faith and expressing their desire that God share His life with this child by incorporating him or her into Christ. If this is a first child, parents undergo a period of preparation before the baptism takes place. Read more

Children

Once children reach the age of discretion (generally around age 7) the Church recognises that they are capable of a greater degree of understanding and personal desire for baptism.... These children are enrolled in the Rite of Christian Initiation for Children which involves a period of preparation beginning in the Autumn, leading to reception of the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Communion in one ceremony, usually during the Easter Vigil. Read more

Adults

Adults who wish to be baptised enrol for the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. They undergo a period of instruction and preparation leading to reception of the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Communion in one ceremony, usually during the Easter Vigil.... Adults who have been baptised in another Christian denomination and who desire to be received into the Catholic Church also enrol for the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults and undergo the same period of instruction and preparation leading to Confirmation and Holy Communion at the Easter Vigil. Read more

Annointing of the Sick

The Church believes and confesses that among the seven sacraments there is one especially intended to strengthen those who are being tried by illness, the Anointing of the Sick: This sacred anointing of the sick was instituted by Christ our Lord as a true and proper sacrament of the New Testament. It is alluded to indeed by Mark (6:13), but is recommended to the faithful and promulgated by James the apostle and brother of the Lord…...

Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders 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 (Jas 5:14-15).

The sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is given to those who are seriously ill by anointing them on the forehead and hands with duly blessed oil – pressed from olives or from other plants – saying, only once: “Through this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up.”

Who receives this Sacrament?

Many people still associate this sacrament exclusively with those who are at the point of death. However, the sacrament is intended to give strength to anyone who is seriously ill or in danger of death from sickness or old age. It is also fitting to receive the Anointing of the Sick just prior to a serious operation.

Going into hospital?

If you are going into hospital for a serious operation and would like to receive the Anointing of the Sick beforehand, please contact the priest.

Sick at home?

If you or anyone you know is sick at home and would like a visit please don’t hesitate to get in touch. The priest will be happy to arrange to come and see you and bring Communion if appropriate. Read more